Have a Thrilling Time Watching Rodeo in Orlando at These 4 Venues

Sep 11, 2024

Have a Thrilling Time Watching Rodeo in Orlando at These 4 Venues
By Westgate Resorts

Have a Thrilling Time Watching Rodeo in Orlando at These 4 Venues

Orlando is a popular tourist destination thanks to its incredible theme parks, majestic natural landscapes, and amazing wildlife. But did you know that the area is also well-known for its long history of cattle ranching?

While Texas is typically associated with cowboys and rodeos—you can also find them right in the heart of Orlando!

To help you catch the most thrilling rodeo in Orlando, we'll explore various events and arenas in and around the area. From bull riding to barrel racing, you'll find a rodeo so exciting, it'll have you holding on to your cowboy hat!

4 Best Orlando Rodeo Events

  1. Westgate Saturday Night Rodeo

  2. Silver Spurs Rodeo

  3. Ocala Shrine Rodeo

  4. Southeastern Pro Rodeo

Looking for an authentic way to spend your evening? Get ready for some cowboy-style live entertainment at the best rodeo venues in Orlando. All events offer an authentic rodeo experience with various disciplines, skilled riders, and fantastic music and atmosphere.

1 | Westgate Saturday Night Rodeo |

Enjoy the most captivating rodeo in Orlando every Saturday night at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo arena, where athletes from all over the region compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and trick riding!

Pick the best seats at the 1,200-seat arena and have an incredible night of family fun watching talented competitors put on a riveting show. Plus, you'll get to see a patriotic tribute to the U.S. armed forces.

This event is suitable for all ages, and even small children are bound to have fun. If your kid is younger than four, they can watch the rodeo free of charge!

Want to continue your family cowboy adventure? Head to the Cowboy Adventure Park at River Ranch! It offers numerous fun and daring activities for kids and adults. See how long you can last on a mechanical bull, test your skills and strength on the rock climbing wall, or find out how fast you can go on the tractor racetrack!

Extra tip: If you want to feel like a real cowboy, the resort also offers horseback riding for adults and older children, as well as pony rides for the smallest cowboys and cowgirls! You'll get to ride, pet, and feed majestic horses and other farm animals!

WHERE: 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867 │WHO: 863-692-1321

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2 | Silver Spurs Rodeo |

As one of the most popular rodeos near Orlando, Silver Spurs attracts tourists from all over America to enjoy jaw-dropping entertainment and a thrilling competition of skilled cowgirls and cowboys.

The rodeo originated in the early 1940s and has become the largest event east of the Mississippi River. It's sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), a well-known non-profit organization that often contributes to charity.

Silver Spurs is an amazing option for a night of family fun. You'll feel the true rodeo spirit as talented athletes throw an awe-inspiring show while competing for a cash prize.

You'll get a chance to watch the most popular rodeo disciplines—bull riding, barrel racing, and saddle bronc riding! The athletes will also compete in steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, and tie-down roping.

Since the Silver Spurs Rodeo is held in an indoor arena, you can enjoy two hours of exhilarating performances regardless of the weather. You can also grab a bite inside the venue—there are stands that sell hamburgers, hot dogs, and pretzels.

The rodeo only takes place during the second and third weekends of February, the first weekend of June, and the first Saturday of October each year. So, make sure you get your tickets before they sell out, preferably online to avoid waiting in long lines.

WHERE: 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, FL │WHO: 321-697-3495

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3 | Ocala Shrine Rodeo |

Ready to be mesmerized by the incredible performances at a rodeo that's been entertaining visitors for over 40 years? The Ocala Shrine Rodeo—sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA)—throws a fantastic show you'll want to watch over and over again!

The event is dynamic and fun, with activities ranging from bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, and bull riding to steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping.

Besides cowboys and cowgirls, hilarious clowns keep you laughing throughout the show. Plus, finger-licking food and cold beverages are available to make the experience as enjoyable as possible!

The Ocala Shrine Rodeo is an annual event held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. It takes place on different dates every year, so check the website for the latest information. The rodeo typically starts at 7:30 p.m., and it's free for children under five.

Watching the show is also an excellent way to contribute to the community. The proceeds from the event support various youth organizations, Shriners Hospital for Children, and the Ocala Shrine Club.

WHERE: 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL 34470 │WHO: 352-282-0365

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4 | Southeastern Pro Rodeo |

Established in 1994, the Southeastern Pro Rodeo is an annual event that takes place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion for two days every March. The show is worth the wait as it features jam-packed performances and thrilling competitions of skilled riders you won't be able to look away from!

During the event, professional athletes compete in the saddle and bareback bronc riding, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and barrel racing. You'll also witness the most dangerous rodeo sport—bull riding—that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch the rider getting tossed around while trying to maintain balance despite the bull's powerful kicks!

All the competitors featured in the rodeo are members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), so they're professionally trained to keep you entertained while staying safe (as much as possible) on horse and bull back.

Since you can't bring your own food or drinks to the show, food and beverages are served at the venue. If you're feeling peckish, indulge in delicious food like pizza, burgers, and hot dogs, or snack on popcorn and candy.

WHERE: 2200 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL 34470 │WHO: 352-875-3530

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rodeo in Orlando

Where can I watch bull riding in Orlando?

Most rodeos in Orlando feature bull riding as a part of their program, but the best rodeos to watch skilled bull riders compete include the Westgate Saturday Night Rodeo, Silver Spurs Rodeo, Ocala Shrine Rodeo, and Southeastern Pro Rodeo. Still, you can watch bull riding every week only at Westgate Saturday Night Rodeo—the others are annual or semi-annual events.

What is the best indoor rodeo near Orlando?

Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of the best indoor rodeos near Orlando. The event is held inside an arena, so you can enjoy amazing rodeo performances even during severe Florida heat or pouring rain.

Is there a weekly rodeo in Orlando?

Yes, Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo holds a Saturday Night Rodeo event every week. The show is suitable for visitors of all ages and features popular rodeo competitions like bull riding, barrel racing, and trick riding inside its 1,200-seat arena.

Which Orlando rodeo offers horseback riding?

Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo offers 45-minute horseback rides along beautiful, unspoiled trails near Orlando for anyone older than eight.

What Is the oldest rodeo in Orlando?

The Silver Spurs Rodeo is one of the longest-lasting events in and around Orlando. It was established in the early 1940s and is currently the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. You can watch the rodeo on one or two occasions in February, June, and October each year.

Which rodeos in Orlando are free for kids?

Most Orlando rodeos are free for small children. The Westgate Saturday Night Rodeo is free for kids younger than four, and the Silver Spurs rodeo is free for those three and under. The Ocala Shrine Rodeo and Southeastern Pro Rodeo allow kids aged five and under to watch the performance for free.

Which rodeo in Orlando is closest to Disney World?

If you're planning to visit Disney World in Orlando and watch the rodeo on the same day, the Silver Spurs rodeo is around 20 miles away, making it the closest rodeo to Disney World. Still, this event happens only three times a year, so plan your visit accordingly.

Orlando—An Exciting Getaway

Spending your vacation in Orlando is always a fantastic idea! No matter the season or who you're traveling with, each day of your visit will be memorable. Explore Orando's untamed nature, dine in top-notch restaurants, catch a rodeo show, or have a blast at Disney World! For more information on Orlando hotels and attractions, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.


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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there's a LOT to Check-Out! Your Orlando vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Aside from Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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