Get ready for heart-pounding rodeo action, Western tradition and family-friendly entertainment at the Attica Rodeo & Show Association in Attica, New York.
Established in 1957, the Attica Rodeo has grown from a small local rodeo into one of Western New York's most beloved annual traditions. For generations, families, rodeo fans and visitors from throughout the region have gathered in Attica to experience bull riding, barrel racing, roping, bronc riding, specialty acts and the excitement of professional rodeo.
But the action doesn't end with the annual rodeo. The Attica Rodeo grounds host a variety of horse shows, barrel racing competitions, roping events and cattle penning and ranch sorting throughout the year, making this a destination for equestrian enthusiasts and spectators well beyond rodeo weekend.
The annual Attica Rodeo is the organization's signature event—and a can’t-miss summer tradition in Wyoming County.
Experience the excitement of classic rodeo competition, including events such as:
The rodeo also features specialty performers and crowd-pleasing entertainment that add to the experience between traditional competitions.
For first-time visitors, the combination of high-energy competition, live animals, specialty entertainment, concessions and the atmosphere of a traditional outdoor rodeo makes the Attica Rodeo a memorable Western New York experience.
The Attica Rodeo's story began with four young men and four bucking horses.
In preparation for the first rodeo, founders Dave Wheeler, Dave Leslie, Bernie Buckenmeyer and Gene Reding traveled to a horse sale in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, where they purchased their first bucking horses. They returned home and began building what would become a decades-long local tradition.
The early rodeo looked very different from today's event. There were no grandstands, so spectators parked their vehicles around the arena and watched from their car hoods and even rooftops. The original admission was 90 cents for adults and 25 cents for children.
The organization was built through the hard work of volunteers who cared deeply about the sport and their community—and that volunteer spirit remains an important part of the Attica Rodeo & Show Association today.
More than six decades later, the Attica Rodeo continues to celebrate that same combination of community, tradition and the spirit of the American West.
While the annual rodeo is the marquee attraction, the Attica Rodeo & Show Association maintains a busy calendar of equestrian activities.
Throughout the season, visitors may find:
Competitive barrel racing takes place during the season, giving spectators the chance to watch horse-and-rider teams race against the clock. The organization also hosts special barrel racing competitions and clinics.
The grounds host multiple horse shows throughout the year, including English and youth classes. Select horse shows are open to spectators free of charge, making them an accessible way to experience equestrian competition.
Roping practices and jackpot competitions are held on select dates, including breakaway and tie-down roping.
Cattle penning and ranch sorting events offer another opportunity to experience Western riding and horsemanship at the Attica Rodeo grounds.
Because event schedules change throughout the year, check the current Attica Rodeo calendar before planning your visit.
You don't have to be a lifelong rodeo fan to enjoy the Attica Rodeo.
The event is designed as a family-friendly outdoor experience, combining rodeo competition with specialty acts, concessions, vendors and the excitement of watching live competition from the grandstands. The organization specifically promotes the rodeo as an experience for fans of all ages.
For kids, the fast-moving action, horses, bulls and specialty performers can make for an especially memorable introduction to the world of rodeo and Western sports.
The Attica Rodeo & Show Association is located at 230 Exchange Street in Attica, NY, in the heart of Wyoming County.
The annual rodeo is an outdoor event and is held rain or shine. General-admission seating is first-come, first-served, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early—particularly for popular performances. Concessions are available on the grounds.
Visitors should check the current event information for ticket availability, admission prices, performance times and guest policies before traveling, as these can vary by event and year.
Please note: The rodeo grounds do not permit dogs, coolers, lawn chairs or firearms.
The Attica Rodeo is an annual professional-style rodeo hosted by the Attica Rodeo & Show Association in Attica, New York. The event features rodeo competitions, specialty acts, concessions and family-friendly entertainment and has been a Western New York tradition since 1957.
The Attica Rodeo is held at the Attica Rodeo & Show Association grounds at 230 Exchange Street in Attica, NY.
The annual Attica Rodeo is traditionally held in August, with multiple performances over several days. Exact dates and performance times vary each year, so visitors should check the current official schedule.
Depending on the performance, visitors can experience bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and specialty acts.
Yes. The Attica Rodeo & Show Association promotes the rodeo as an experience for fans of all ages, with rodeo competition, specialty entertainment, concessions and other activities.
Yes. The grounds host horse shows, barrel racing, roping, cattle penning and ranch sorting and other equestrian activities throughout the year.
Yes. Some of the organization's horse shows are open to spectators at no admission charge. Check the current event information for details.
Yes. Barrel racing competitions are part of the organization's regular event schedule, along with special competitions and clinics.
Yes. The organization hosts roping practices and jackpot competitions, including breakaway and tie-down roping.
Yes. The annual rodeo is advertised as a rain-or-shine event.
No. Seating is generally first-come, first-served, and the organization recommends arriving early for the best chance at preferred seating.
No. The current event information states that lawn chairs are not permitted. Visitors should check the current guest policies before attending.
No. The current event information states that dogs are not permitted on the grounds.
Visitors can explore Letchworth State Park, Carlton Hill Multi-Use Area, the Arcade & Attica Railroad, local farms, restaurants, shops and other outdoor and family-friendly attractions throughout Wyoming County.
Discover all the adventurous things you can see and do in the Fresh Air Adventures region. Then bring your travel packet with you to use while you're visiting destinations in the area.