Rodeo & Western Events in Farmington, New Mexico
Bull riding, bronc busting, calf roping, and genuine Four Corners cowboy culture — all season long
Farmington, New Mexico has been cattle and horse country since the late 1800s, when ranchers first drove herds along the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers through what would become San Juan County. That western heritage runs deep — through every arena, fairground, and riding club in the region. Today Farmington hosts some of the biggest rodeo and western events in the Four Corners, from one of the largest open bull-riding competitions in the country to a week-long county fair with junior rodeo, 4-H livestock shows, and carnival rides under the New Mexico sky.
Whether you are a competitor hauling a horse trailer, a lifelong rodeo fan, or a family looking for a weekend of authentic western entertainment, Farmington delivers the real deal. And Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr puts you right in the middle of it all — just 4 miles from McGee Park and 6 miles from the San Juan County Sheriff's Posse Arena. We offer full-hookup RV sites at $270/week and $575/month with 30/50 AMP electric, water, sewer, and free WiFi.
McGee Park & Memorial Coliseum
McGee Park is a large, multi-use fairgrounds complex located on US-64 on the east side of Farmington. It is the home venue for nearly every major rodeo, livestock, and equestrian event in northwestern New Mexico. The centerpiece is the McGee Park Memorial Coliseum, an enclosed arena that seats more than 5,000 spectators — large enough to host professional rodeo events, concerts, and trade shows year-round regardless of weather.
Beyond the coliseum, the fairgrounds include multiple outdoor arenas with competition-grade footing, livestock barns that can house hundreds of head, exhibition halls for vendors and displays, and a limited RV parking area with hookups that fills fast during major events. The complex is named for one of San Juan County's pioneering ranching families, and its scale reflects the importance of agriculture and rodeo to this community.
From Sundowner Park, head east on US-64 (Main Street) for approximately 4 miles. McGee Park is on the south side of the highway — you will see the large coliseum building and arena fencing from the road. Parking is free for most events, and the route is wide and flat, making it easy to navigate even with large rigs and horse trailers.
McGee Park hosts the Casper Baca Bull Riding Extraordinaire each Thanksgiving weekend, the San Juan County Fair & Rodeo every August, and dozens of smaller roping jackpots, barrel racing events, horse shows, and livestock auctions throughout the year.
San Juan County Sheriff's Posse Arena
The San Juan County Sheriff's Posse is a volunteer western and rodeo organization with roots going back decades in the Farmington community. Their dedicated arena and clubhouse sit at 9001 Marseille Blvd on the south side of Farmington, roughly 6 miles from Sundowner Park. The outdoor arena hosts the annual Sheriff's Posse Stampede as well as regular practice sessions, team roping events, and community riding clinics throughout the spring and summer months.
The Posse arena features a full-size outdoor competition arena with bleacher seating, livestock pens, a concession area, and ample dirt parking for trucks and trailers. Unlike the larger McGee Park coliseum, the Sheriff's Posse Arena has a more intimate, community-oriented atmosphere — the kind of place where you can lean on the fence rail, watch a team roping run, and strike up a conversation with the cowboys between rounds. From Sundowner Park, take Airport Drive south to 20th Street, then head east to Hutton Avenue and south to Marseille Blvd. The drive takes about 12 minutes.
Major Rodeo & Western Events
Three marquee events anchor Farmington's rodeo calendar — plus year-round arena action
Casper Baca Bull Riding Extraordinaire
Thanksgiving Weekend (November)One of the largest open bull-riding competitions in the country. Roughly 100 bull riders compete inside the McGee Park Coliseum, along with a bucking bull competition, professional rodeo clown, and mutton busting for the kids. This is the marquee western event on Farmington's calendar and draws competitors and fans from across the Southwest.
Full event guide →San Juan County Fair & Rodeo
August (typically second or third week)A week-long celebration at McGee Park featuring the Eldon Walker Memorial Junior Rodeo, open and youth calf roping, 4-H livestock judging, horse shows, barnyard competitions, carnival rides, and classic fair food. The biggest community event of the summer and one of the largest county fairs in New Mexico.
Full event guide →Sheriff's Posse Stampede
Summer (June or July)Held at the Sheriff's Posse Arena at 9001 Marseille Blvd, the Stampede is a grassroots rodeo event with bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, bronc riding, and family activities. A local favorite for its community atmosphere and affordable admission. Support the volunteers who keep western heritage alive.
Full event guide →Farmington Rodeo Calendar Overview
Planning your visit around the action? Here is what happens when in Farmington's rodeo and western events scene.
Spring (March through May)
The rodeo season kicks off as the weather warms and the high desert turns green. Local clubs begin practice sessions at both the Sheriff's Posse Arena and McGee Park. 4-H members start preparing livestock projects for the summer fair season, with clinics covering showmanship, grooming, and ring presentation. Roping jackpots and barrel racing practice nights pop up at arenas across San Juan County. Horsemanship clinics — covering everything from basic riding to advanced reining and cutting — are offered by local trainers and the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service office in Farmington.
Summer (June through August)
Peak rodeo season in the Four Corners. The Sheriff's Posse Stampede typically runs in June or July, drawing competitors from across the region. August brings the San Juan County Fair and Rodeo — a full week of livestock competitions, junior rodeo events, carnival rides, and fair food at McGee Park. High school and youth rodeo circuits also run events throughout the summer at various area arenas. Farmington's 300-plus days of sunshine and comfortable evenings at 5,395 feet elevation make outdoor arena events especially enjoyable.
Fall (September through November)
The fall season builds toward the biggest single event on the calendar: the Casper Baca Bull Riding Extraordinaire on Thanksgiving weekend. In September and October, you will find ranch rodeos, team roping events, and occasional horse sales at McGee Park. The cottonwoods along the San Juan and Animas rivers turn gold, making the drive between arenas scenic. Many competitors use these smaller fall events to tune up before the Casper Baca.
Winter (December through February)
Arena activity slows but does not stop. The McGee Park Coliseum's enclosed arena allows for winter events including horse shows, livestock auctions, and the occasional indoor jackpot roping. Farmington's mild winters — daytime highs typically in the 40s with only about 10 inches of annual snowfall — mean outdoor riding is still possible on many days. This is also a popular time for equine veterinary clinics, tack sales, and getting rigs and gear ready for the spring season.
Rodeo Culture in Farmington
A deep-rooted western community with clubs, youth programs, and horsemanship for all ages
Youth Programs & 4-H
San Juan County has one of the most active 4-H programs in New Mexico, with dozens of youth enrolled in horse, beef cattle, sheep, goat, and swine projects each year. The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension office in Farmington coordinates 4-H activities including livestock judging clinics, showmanship workshops, and the county fair livestock show. Many local youth go on to compete at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque and national-level junior rodeo events. High school rodeo is also popular, with local students competing in bronc riding, barrel racing, goat tying, and team roping on the state circuit.
Local Riding Clubs & Associations
Beyond the Sheriff's Posse, Farmington is home to several riding clubs and equestrian associations. The San Juan County Horseman's Association promotes recreational riding and advocates for trail access on public land. Team roping clubs hold regular jackpot events at private and public arenas across the county. Barrel racing associations host weekly practice and competition nights throughout the summer at multiple venues. If you are visiting with horses, Farmington's equestrian community is welcoming and easy to connect with — just show up at a practice night and introduce yourself.
Horsemanship Clinics & Training
Throughout the year, experienced clinicians visit the Farmington area to offer multi-day horsemanship clinics covering natural horsemanship, reining, cutting, trail riding skills, and colt starting. These clinics are often held at McGee Park or private arenas and attract riders from across the Four Corners region. Local trainers also offer private and group lessons ranging from beginner horsemanship to advanced competition preparation. Check with local tack shops and the NMSU Extension office for upcoming clinic schedules.
Western Heritage & Shopping
Farmington has a strong selection of western wear and tack shops where you can pick up boots, hats, saddles, and horse supplies. Whether you need a replacement cinch before a competition or want to pick up a souvenir belt buckle, you will find what you need without leaving town. Western art galleries along Main Street showcase local and regional artists who capture the ranching and rodeo heritage of the Four Corners in bronze, oil, and silver. The Farmington Museum at Gateway Park also features exhibits on the region's ranching history.
Planning Your Rodeo Trip to Farmington
Farmington is well-positioned for rodeo visitors traveling from anywhere in the Four Corners region. The city sits at the junction of US-64 and US-550, with easy highway access from Albuquerque (3 hours south via US-550), Durango, Colorado (45 minutes north via US-550), and the Navajo Nation to the west. Farmington's Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) also offers commercial flights for those flying in and renting a vehicle.
Sundowner Park is the smart choice for rodeo weekends because we are close to both major venues and we welcome rigs of all sizes. Our 34 full-hookup RV sites include 30/50 AMP electric, water, sewer, and free WiFi — everything you need to rest up between performances. At $270 per week, a rodeo weekend stay is affordable and convenient. We are located at 219 Airport Dr, just off Main Street on the west side of Farmington, with easy in-and-out access for trucks and trailers.
Farmington offers all the services you might need during your stay: veterinary clinics, feed stores, farriers, western wear shops, grocery stores, and restaurants are all within 10 minutes of the park. San Juan Regional Medical Center, the largest hospital in the Four Corners region, is less than 2 miles away. For exploring between events, check out area attractions including Aztec Ruins (15 miles), Navajo Lake (25 miles), and the stunning Bisti Wilderness (35 miles).
Ready to book your rodeo weekend stay? Visit our RV spaces page for full site details, or contact us to reserve your spot. Call (505) 327-1671 and we will get you set up.