Buckle Up: The San Diego Rodeo Returns to Petco Park!
- gaslamphostelsandi
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Dust off your boots and get your hats ready—the Wild West is returning for the third year to downtown Petco Park!
Whether you're a seasoned rodeo fan or a first-timer looking for a high-energy weekend, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 event.
📅 Event Details
Dates: Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 18, 2026
Location: Petco Park, Downtown San Diego
Prize Money: Over $500,000 on the line for the world’s top rodeo athletes.
🤠 What to Expect: The Main Events
The San Diego Rodeo isn't just a show; it’s a high-stakes competition. You’ll see 12 elite contestants in each category battling it out on the dirt (right where the Padres usually play!).
Key Events Include:
Bareback Riding & Saddle Bronc Riding: Pure tests of balance and grit.
Barrel Racing: High-speed agility from the sport’s top cowgirls.
Tie-Down Roping & Steer Wrestling: Precision and strength on full display.
Local Cultural Highlights: Look out for performances by local Charros, bringing traditional Mexican rodeo artistry to the arena.
🎸 The After-Party Concert Series
One of the biggest draws of the San Diego Rodeo is the nightly concert at Gallagher Square. Your rodeo ticket gets you into the arena, but the party keeps going long after the last bull is ridden.
Date | Headlining Artist | Vibe |
Friday, Jan 16 | Charley Crockett | Texan "Gulf & Western" and blues-inspired country. |
Saturday, Jan 17 | Jamey Johnson | Grit-and-soul outlaw country. |
Sunday, Jan 18 | Cody Jinks | Modern outlaw country heavyweight. |
🍻 Beyond the Arena: BeerFest & KidsFest
The organizers have designed this weekend to be a "full-day" experience:
BeerFest (Friday & Saturday): Kick off the weekend with specials from local San Diego and national breweries in Gallagher Square.
KidsFest (Sunday): Perfect for families, Sunday’s festivities include western-themed games, balloon artists, and inflatables for the little buckaroos.
💡 Insider Tips for 2026
Dress the Part: Expect a sea of denim, leather, and turquoise. While San Diego is usually casual, this is the one weekend where "Cowboy Chic" is the official dress code.
Arrive Early for Parking: Downtown will be busy. Use the MTS Trolley to avoid the parking headache, or book your parking spot in advance via the Padres/Petco Park website.
Check the Bag Policy: Petco Park’s standard bag policies apply—usually, only small clutches or clear bags are allowed.
Tickets are already selling fast (some sections are down to 1% availability!). You can find them through Ticketmaster or the official Padres website.
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