Salinas will host the 2026 California Rodeo Salinas this week, with events at the Salinas Sports Complex beginning Wednesday, July 15 and continuing through Sunday, July 19.
The week opens with the Big Week Bull Riding show on Wednesday, July 15, part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Xtreme Bulls Tour. Gates open at 5 p.m. and parking unlocks at 4 p.m. The bull-riding performance runs from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will be followed by fireworks.
Rodeo dates, start times and themes
The California Rodeo Salinas runs Thursday through Sunday with two evening performances and two daytime matinees. Organizers describe the rodeo as one of the nation’s top 15 professional rodeos and the largest rodeo in California.
| Day | Date | Theme | Grand entry | Rodeo start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | July 15 | Big Week Bull Riding | — | 7:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | July 16 | Bucking Cancer Night | 6:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday | July 17 | Ag Appreciation Night | 6:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | July 18 | Salute to Military Day | 1:15 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | July 19 | Crown Royal Day of Champions | 1:15 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
What attendees should expect
- Two evening performances (Thursday and Friday) with fireworks following the shows.
- Two daytime performances (Saturday and Sunday) with earlier grand entries and rodeo starts.
- Food vendors, shopping booths, saloons and family activities across the Salinas Sports Complex grounds.
- Featured entertainers include rodeo clown John Harrison and charro and rope artist Tomás Garcilazo, scheduled to perform each day.
Tickets for individual rodeo performances range from $31 to $45. Season tickets are priced between $148 and $168. Big Week Bull Riding tickets are listed at $46 to $76, and organizers note that Bull X-ing tickets for Friday, July 17 are sold out.
Parking at the Salinas Sports Complex is $30 per vehicle. A clear bag policy is in effect for events produced by the California Rodeo Association. The complex is located at 1034 N. Main Street, Salinas.
Local impact and tips
Residents should expect heavier traffic near the Sports Complex during event nights and bull-riding shows. With parking set at $30 per vehicle and popular tickets selling out, attendees are advised to arrive early: parking opens an hour before gates and may fill quickly for evening events.
Organizers describe the rodeo as one of the top 15 professional rodeos in the country and the largest rodeo in California.
For more information, including up-to-date ticket availability and event details, visit the California Rodeo Salinas website or contact the Rodeo Office at the number on the association’s site.
Big Week brings economic activity to downtown Salinas and the surrounding hospitality sector, while delivering the annual cultural centerpiece many residents and visitors attend each summer.
