Cody, Wyoming, proudly holds the title of the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Rodeo and parades have been integral to the town’s Fourth of July celebrations since the early 20th century. Officially established in 1919, the Cody Stampede Rodeo has been held every summer, making it one of the longest-running and most successful professional rodeos in the nation. Cody is also the only place in the country where rodeo performances take place nightly.
In recognition of its excellence, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association awarded the Cody Stampede the title of "Best Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year" in 1998 and 1999. Additionally, the Cody Nite Rodeo was nominated for "Best Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year" in 2001.
Cody’s legacy as a rodeo hub is undeniable. With two distinct rodeos—the Cody Nite Rodeo (held nightly from June 1st through August 31st) and the Cody Stampede (held July 1st through 4th)—the town continues to make its mark on the rodeo world, embodying the spirit of rodeo all summer long.
A Storied History
Cody’s connection to rodeo dates back over a century, with its roots firmly planted in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. Recognizing the public's fascination with the American frontier, Buffalo Bill saw the need to preserve the traditions of the Wild West before they became part of history. Rodeo tryouts for his show were held behind the Irma Hotel, in what is now the parking lot.
Although the Wild West Show was never formally held in Cody, rodeos and parades became staples of the town's cultural fabric. In 1913, Buffalo Bill held his final Wild West Show performance and hosted one last parade and rodeo in Cody for the Prince of Monaco. Buffalo Bill passed away in 1917, marking the end of an era in the American West.
In 1919, Clarence Williams led the initiative to establish a rodeo in Cody, honoring Buffalo Bill’s legacy and preserving the “Old West” traditions he championed. Timed to coincide with the opening of the East Gate into Yellowstone Park, the inaugural event took place from June 23 to 25, 1919. By 1920, under the leadership of Caroline Lockhart, the Cody Stampede moved to the Fourth of July, becoming a centerpiece of the town’s summer celebrations. The festivities included parades, rodeos, and, in the evenings, dancing and gambling at the Wolfville Hall.
The Birth of the Cody Nite Rodeo
In 1938, Carly Downing, a former Wild West show performer, founded the Cody Nite Rodeo, originally called the “Pup Rodeo.” The event quickly became a vital part of the Stampede and the broader Cody community, providing economic support for the Stampede while attracting cowboys from across the nation. This nightly rodeo brought the excitement of the Wild West to travelers all summer long.
Many of the rodeo’s top bucking stock and famous cowboys trace their roots to the Cody Rodeo, including the legendary "Come Apart," a Wyoming saddle horse renowned for his bucking abilities. Riders such as Freckles Brown, the 1962 World Champion Bull Rider, and Mel Stonehouse, a top competitor in the 1930s and 1940s, began their careers at the Nite Rodeo in 1938.
A Legacy of Champions
Cody has long been a breeding ground for rodeo champions. The tradition of producing world-class talent continues with rodeo legends such as Jim Houston, Chris LeDoux, Tom Ferguson, Deb Greenough, and Dan Mortensen. Cody’s own rodeo icons, including Bill Smith, Mel Stonehouse, Cecil McMillian, Nick Knight, Floyd Stillings, John Kirkpatrick, Norman Price, and Arthur Holman, have all earned their place in the annals of rodeo history.
Cody’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rodeo tradition ensures that it will always be known as the heart and soul of the sport.
Cody is, and will always be, Rodeo.