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Family Fun Takes Center Stage During Big Week at The California Rodeo Salinas; Carnival, Parades, Rodeo Activities, and Interactive Experiences Offer Something for Kids of All Ages from July 10–19

 

SALINAS, CA, July 7, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas is known for bringing the world's top

rodeo athletes to town, but Big Week is just as much about creating unforgettable family

memories. From July 10–19, families can enjoy ten days packed with carnival rides, parades,

interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, rodeo competitions for kids, live entertainment, photo

opportunities with Dude the Rodeo Mascot, and a visit to the California Rodeo Heritage

Museum.

Whether it's riding carnival attractions, competing in a stick horse race, cheering on young

mutton busters, or watching world-class rodeo entertainment, Big Week offers something for

every age.

California Rodeo Salinas Carnival

July 10–19 | 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily

295 Sun Way, Salinas

Presented by Chick-fil-A North Salinas

Big Week begins with ten days of carnival fun featuring exciting rides, classic games and

everyone's favorite carnival treats. Admission and parking are just $5 each. Unlimited ride

wristbands are $35 through July 9 and $40 beginning July 10.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/rodeocarnival.

Kiddie Kapers Parade

Sunday, July 12 | 3:00 p.m.

Salinas City Center

Presented by Bay & Basin Insurance Services

Nearly 1,000 children are expected to participate in this beloved Big Week tradition as they

parade through downtown Salinas. This year's patriotic theme, "America Salutes Red, White &

Boots," will be led by Grand Marshal Addison Joy McWherter, the California Rodeo

Association's 2025 Golden Circle of Champions delegate.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/kiddie-kapers-parade.

Mutton Busting

July 15–19 during Xtreme Bulls and Rodeo performances

Presented by Pacific Valley Bank

One of the Rodeo's most popular events features young cowboys and cowgirls hanging on tight

as they ride sheep in front of thousands of cheering fans. Contestants are selected each spring

through an online application process.

McDonald's Kids Corral

July 16–19

Salinas Sports Complex

Included with Rodeo admission

Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, games, crafts and interactive entertainment throughout the

Rodeo. The Kids Corral opens at 4:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday and

Sunday.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/kids-corral.

Rodeo Clown John Harrison

July 15–19

Presented by Elli's Great American Restaurant

Professional rodeo clown John Harrison keeps the crowd laughing with high-energy comedy,

audience interaction, and family-friendly entertainment throughout each performance.

Tomas Garcilazo

July 16–19, during each Rodeo performance

Presented by Jack in the Box

Internationally acclaimed as the "Charro of America," Tomas Garcilazo combines the beauty of

traditional Mexican horsemanship with precision trick roping and incredible equestrian skills.

His one-of-a-kind performance celebrates the heritage of charreada while entertaining

audiences of all ages.

Stick Horse Race

Thursday, July 16 | 4:30 p.m.

Arena Track

Presented by Black Bear Diner

Children ages 3–8 are invited to bring their own stick horse and race on the arena track before

the evening Rodeo performance.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/stick-horse-race.

Kids Dummy Roping

Friday, July 17 | Approximately 3:30 p.m. (following Slack)

Presented by Resistol and Cactus Ropes

Young ropers ages 6–13 can test their skills in this fun competition. Participants must register

online by noon on July 17 and bring their own rope. Awards will be presented in each age

division.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/2026-kids-dummy-roping.

Special Buckaroos Rodeo

Saturday, July 18 | Noon

Presented by Tanimura & Antle

One of the Rodeo's most inspiring traditions, the Special Buckaroos Rodeo gives 24 local

students with disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive rodeo activities alongside

rodeo professionals and dedicated volunteers.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/special-buckaroos-rodeo.

Fiestas del Rodeo

Sunday, July 19 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

North End of the Midway

Presented by Cabrera Productions

Celebrate Hispanic heritage with mariachi music, traditional games, folkloric entertainment,

Cala riders and family activities. Included with Rodeo admission.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/fiestasdelrodeo.

Western Actors

July 16–19

Step back into the Old West as two strolling Western actors entertain guests throughout the

grounds with humor, storytelling and memorable photo opportunities.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/western-actor-performances.

Meet Dude!

Be sure to stop for a photo with Dude, the California Rodeo Salinas mascot, who makes

appearances throughout the midway before each Rodeo performance.

California Rodeo Heritage Museum

July 16–19

Explore more than 115 years of California Rodeo history through championship buckles, historic

photographs, artifacts and exhibits showcasing the traditions that have made the California

Rodeo Salinas one of the nation's premier rodeos.

Learn more at www.carodeo.com/events/2026/heritage-museum.

Unless otherwise noted, all activities take place at the Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main

Street, Salinas. A clear bag policy is in effect for all Rodeo events.

"The California Rodeo Salinas is about much more than what happens inside the arena," said

Mandy Linquist, California Rodeo Salinas Marketing Director. "Big Week is filled with

opportunities for families to spend quality time together, whether they're riding the carnival

rides, meeting entertainers, participating in a competition, or simply creating new traditions.

We hope families from throughout the region will join us for an unforgettable week of fun."

For a complete schedule of Big Week events and to purchase tickets, visit www.CARodeo.com.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

The 116th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19, 2026. As a not-for-profit

organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the

California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community involvement

and cultural heritage. The Association supports local nonprofits and community groups through

its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex. In 2025, these

efforts generated over $856,000 for local organizations.

For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831) 775-3100.


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