Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Cindi Calcinari

The little town of Cave Creek has always made its mark on the Western heritage of Arizona and this year’s Cave Creek Rodeo Days, March 21–24, will continue that tradition. The parades and beauty queens, the dust and glory, the beating of hooves in the arena and the roar of the crowd are the sights and sounds that have drawn crowds for nearly 50 years.

“Celebrating more than 47 years of tradition, the Cave Creek Rodeo stands as a cherished hallmark of our community, embodying the essence of our rich Western heritage,” says Mike Poppenwimer, president of Cave Creek Rodeo Days. “This iconic event brings together families and friends for an unforgettable experience, uniting us in the spirit of camaraderie and celebration.”

Crowns, Kids and Cornhole
A dedicated planning team, sponsors and scores of volunteers plan all year to make this series of events happen. Even in the cooler days of January, the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Royalty Horsemanship Competition is held at the Cave Creek Memorial Arena, followed by a celebratory Royalty Banquet at the Holland Community Center. Those winners are part of the excitement of the family-friendly parade and competitions that herald the official beginning of festivities.

On Saturday, March 16, the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Parade will proceed through the center of town with the participation of local youth and community groups, veterans, members of the equine community and more.

That afternoon and evening bring a crowd favorite: mutton bustin’, where fearless little ones hold on for dear life to the backs of sprinting sheep — helmets included, of course. As afternoon turns to evening, Harold’s Corral hosts the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Cornhole Tournament and Kick-off Dance.

Ropin’ and Ridin’
Thursday, March 21, begins the four-day series of competition, vendors, food and fun at the Cave Creek Memorial Arena with “All Bulls, All Night.” The event debuted last year and was a massive success. The gates open at 5 p.m. each night through Saturday, with arena performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 22, ushers in the first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association performance. Attendees can expect to see cowboys, cowgirls and animal athletes competing in calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, steer roping, barrel racing and more.

When it comes to the bucking broncos and fearsomely strong bulls, “rough stock” is used to test the human competitors, and those animals can earn appearances at the National Finals in Las Vegas each December, where only the best humans and animals perform.

On Sunday, March 24, the gates open at noon and the final PRCA performances begin at 2 p.m.

Seats for the Scene
As the Cave Creek Rodeo is one of the top rodeos in the Turquoise Circuit, expect tickets to quickly sell out — both general admission and upgraded experience tickets like Stockman’s Club and Chute 6.

Stockman’s Club is a limited-capacity seating area with unlimited beverages, a host bar, a complimentary buffet at each performance and admission to the general admission area for access to vendors. Tickets are $150 per person. Special arrangements can be made for handicapped access through the Stockman’s Club chairperson.

Chute 6 is the next level up from Stockman’s Club and is limited to just 20 members, with arena-side seating and a private bar on the exclusive platform. The 18-and-up space is not handicapped-accessible, and the cost is $200 per person.

From any seat, each day of the Cave Creek Rodeo is fast-paced, old-fashioned Western entertainment and part of the ongoing legacy of the town, its people and Arizona’s singular history.

Cave Creek Rodeo Days
March 21–24 // See website for schedule // Cave Creek Memorial Arena // 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek // $35+; youth discounts available // 480-304-5634 // cavecreekrodeo.com