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.

The festival includes two stages of live music: a main stage for national acts and a side stage featuring regional and local artists. Watch the action from the rodeo dirt (bring your boots!) or in our Saloon. When you want to escape the action, explore Vendor Alley to meet this year’s partner organizations making a difference in Boston.

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. Two 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: 4:00 PM

    Live Music: All day!

  • To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, the following items are not permitted inside the event grounds:

    • Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, pepper spray, or any item that could be used to inflict harm

    • Alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug paraphernalia

    • Glass containers, metal cans, or hard-sided coolers

    • Large bags or backpacks (larger than 12”x6”x12”); all bags are subject to search

    • Outside food or beverages (exceptions made for medical needs or infant care with proper documentation)

    • Professional cameras, including those with detachable lenses, GoPros, drones, tripods, or selfie sticks

    • Audio or video recording devices

    • Laser pointers, fireworks, or explosives

    • Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or hoverboards

    • Umbrellas, tents, or shade structures

    • Animals, except ADA-recognized service animals

    • Flyers, posters, or marketing materials unless pre-approved

    All guests are subject to search upon entry. Prohibited items discovered during security checks must be returned to the owner’s vehicle or discarded; they will not be held or stored.

    We reserve the right to amend this list at any time and to refuse entry to any item or person deemed a safety risk.

    Thank you for helping us create a safe and fun environment for all!

  • 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 and bag checks 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/