About Us

Boston Rodeo is a daylong PRCA Pro Rodeo and music festival in the heart of downtown at City Hall Plaza. It’s the first-ever outdoor rodeo of its kind in Boston and a celebration of Western sport and culture in one of America’s oldest cities.

Watch as professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in eight classic rodeo events, each earning points toward a spot at the upcoming National Finals Rodeo. PRCA rodeos include two hours of action-packed competition across events like Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, and Breakaway Roping.

When the broncos stop bucking, the party doesnt stop. The festival includes two stages of live music: a main stage for national acts and a side stage featuring local artists. Watch the action from the rodeo dirt (bring your boots!) or in our beer garden. When you want to escape the action, explore Nonprofit Alley to meet this year’s partner organizations making a difference in Boston. Be sure to check out the local food tents and vendors offering country and Americana apparel, plus a live tattoo booth if you’re feeling like an outlaw.

Boston Rodeo is produced by The Local Maximum, a Boston-based nonprofit working to reignite community through cultural experiences. The event is designed to make rodeo accessible, tangible, and rooted in the local community. Six local nonprofits will participate as co-hosts, with all net proceeds directly donated to them.

More questions?

View our FAQ below!

  • The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the world’s leading organization for professional rodeo, sanctioning hundreds of events across North America. As the preeminent authority in the sport, the PRCA sets the standard for rodeo competition.

    What many don’t know is that the PRCA has deep roots in Boston. In 1931, a group of cowboys and cowgirls organized in protest against unfair treatment by rodeo promoter Col. W. T. Johnson. That grassroots movement laid the foundation for what would eventually become the PRCA.

    Today, Cowboys and Cowgirls, both individually and as teams, earn points and prize money throughout the season in PRCA-sanctioned events. The top 15 money-earners in each discipline qualify for the National Finals Rodeo, held annually in Las Vegas.

  • Yes! Boston Rodeo is hosted by The Local Maximum, a Boston-based nonprofit working to reignite community through events like this one.

    The Local Maximum is partnering with 6 nonprofits local to Boston; in both geography and impact. 100% of net proceeds will be donated to these partnering organizations!

  • Doors Open: 2:00 PM

    Rodeo Start: 3:45 PM

    Live Music: All day!

  • TBA

  • Great question!

    Health and safety are critical to the Rodeo. We work hand in hand with Boston Police, Boston Fire Department, City administrators, and public safety agencies to ensure the safety of everyone.

    You will notice safety measures being carried out by our security team upon your arrival such as ID checks, bag checks, and walk-through metal detectors (magnetometers, open gates or evolve systems) for all attendees, staff, and performers.

    Please note that we will be implementing these safety screenings upon festival entry. Thus, it is recommended to arrive early and note the Prohibited Items list to prevent any delays.

    Prohibited items will be refused upon entry and must be returned to the patron’s vehicle or disposed of by the patron.

    In the event of an emergency, information may be relayed on the over the audio and video system.

    If you, or a friend, require medical assistance please locate your nearest medical tent or alert a staff member, officer, or EMS.

    And finally, if you see something, speak up. Flag down any staff member or safety official if you notice something that doesn’t seem quite right.

  • Animals are at the center of the sport. Hosting a PRCA pro rodeo means treating these animals as our own and thats why the PRCA has more than 60 rules to ensure proper care and treatment of rodeo animals, all of which are included in its official rules and regulations. While too numerous to list here, you can visit the PRCA website to learn about animal welfare and safety: https://www.prorodeo.com/