Red Bluff Round-Up Roars Back for Its 105th Year: America’s Largest 3-Day Pro Rodeo Returns April 17-19
- Rex Ballard
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Red Bluff, California — With just days until the chutes open, the historic Red Bluff Round-Up is gearing up for its 105th annual celebration, cementing its reputation as the largest three-day professional rodeo in the country. Held at the Frank Moore Arena on the Tehama District Fairgrounds (670 Antelope Blvd.), the event draws thousands of fans, top PRCA competitors, and world-class livestock for three days of heart-pounding action from April 17-19, 2026.
This year’s Round-Up promises the classic rodeo thrills that have made it a Northern California staple since 1921: bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. The rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned stop that consistently attracts elite athletes hungry for season points and big payouts — with more than $350,000 in proceeds historically benefiting local organizations and community groups.
Photos from previous Round-up events - Images https://www.facebook.com
Spotlight on J.B. Stacy: The Heart and Hands Behind the Round-Up
At the helm is J.B. Stacy, the second General Manager of the Red Bluff Round-Up Association (often referred to in leadership contexts as the driving force or “CEO-equivalent” of the organizing group). A lifelong Red Bluff resident with deep roots in the community, Stacy has been volunteering with the Round-Up since 1978 and has served as a Director since 2015. He took over as General Manager in late 2022, succeeding James Miller, and has since become the public face and operational backbone of the event. His dedication mirrors the tough, resilient spirit of the event itself, which has endured the Great Depression, World War II, and more to become one of America’s Top 30 pro rodeos and a 2015 inductee into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
Stacy oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates with all committee chairmen, manages staff, and works hand in hand with the Board of Directors and the Executive Board. Beyond logistics, he spends countless hours building sponsor relationships, promoting the event locally, and serving as the official liaison with city, county, state officials, and the fairgrounds. In interviews, Stacy emphasizes the Round-Up’s role not just as a rodeo, but as a community cornerstone that brings families together and fuels the local economy (with an estimated multi-million-dollar impact).
Full Schedule of Events – April 17-19, 2026
All main performances take place in the Frank Moore Arena. Gates typically open 1-2 hours before showtime. Tickets are available now at redbluffroundup.com (note: the Saturday afternoon performance is reported as sold out in some updates; Friday and Sunday remain available).
Friday, April 17 – Friday Night Performance 7:00 PM Full slate of PRCA/WPRA events + family-friendly atmosphere to kick off the weekend.
Saturday, April 18 – Saturday Afternoon Performance 2:30 PM Rodeo action followed by the Saturday Night Concert (doors open 6:00 PM, show starts 7:00 PM) featuring rising country star Corey Kent with local opener Chad Bushnell. Concert tickets are available in separate or bundled options.
Sunday, April 19 – Sunday Afternoon Performance 1:30 PM (doors open at noon) Final day of competition highlighted by the legendary Wild Ride — cowboys in outrageous costumes (think drag queens, pop icons, and pop-culture chaos) bursting from the chutes on bucking horses. Now in its 26th year, the Wild Ride offers doubled payouts, big prizes (including a custom Cactus saddle), and non-stop entertainment.
Additional family fun includes track events, mutton bustin’ for kids, and the overall carnival-like atmosphere that turns Red Bluff into a Western festival.
Don’t Miss the Action – Photos & Video Highlights
For a preview of the adrenaline, check these visual highlights:
Video Links for maximum engagement:
Exclusive 2026 preview interview with General Manager J.B. Stacy
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-timer, the Red Bluff Round-Up delivers the perfect blend of tradition, competition, and small-town hospitality. Tickets and full details are at redbluffroundup.com.
Let’s Rodeo, Red Bluff! See you in the stands. 🤠
