Molalla Buckeroo
2026

The History and Legacy of the Molalla Buckeroo

The Molalla Buckeroo traces its origins to September 1913, when the arrival of the railroad to Molalla, Oregon inspired local firemen to organize a rodeo as a fundraiser for new equipment. What began as a small community event in open fields near town quickly grew into one of the premier rodeos in the Pacific Northwest. By 1923, the Molalla Buckeroo Association was formally established to take over operations, and just two years later the organization built its first permanent arena — a facility that has been expanded and improved over the decades but still occupies the same hallowed ground on Shirley Street where cowboys have been competing for more than a century.

As a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, the Molalla Buckeroo attracts professional competitors from across North America who are chasing prize money and standings points that count toward qualification for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas each December. The July 4th timing is strategic — the week surrounding Independence Day is known as "Cowboy Christmas" on the rodeo circuit because of the sheer number of rodeos running simultaneously, giving cowboys the opportunity to enter multiple events and maximize their earnings in a short window. For the athletes, Molalla is a must-stop on the summer schedule; for fans, it means world-class competition in an intimate, small-town setting.

The rodeo features the seven standard PRCA events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Each discipline brings its own brand of excitement — from the raw power of bull riding, where competitors must stay aboard a 2,000-pound bucking bull for eight seconds, to the precision and speed of barrel racing, where riders navigate a cloverleaf pattern against the clock. The Buckeroo's arena atmosphere is amplified by rodeo clowns who entertain between events and bullfighters who protect fallen riders, creating a show that is equal parts athletic competition and western entertainment.

Beyond the arena, the Molalla Buckeroo is a full-scale community festival. The week leading up to the rodeo includes a downtown parade through Molalla, a community barbecue, live music throughout the grounds, a carnival midway with rides and games for kids, and a western trade show featuring local artisans, saddlemakers, and western wear vendors. Every evening performance concludes with a fireworks display over the arena, and the July 4th show is the crown jewel — a massive Independence Day celebration that draws fans from across Oregon and southwest Washington.

The Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo Association remains a nonprofit corporation operated entirely by volunteers. With over 60 active members who donate their time year-round to organize, promote, and produce the event, the Buckeroo is a genuine grassroots community effort. The association reinvests proceeds into maintaining the grounds, supporting local youth rodeo programs, and preserving the western heritage that has defined Molalla for generations. In an era of corporate-sponsored mega-events, the Buckeroo stands out as a rodeo that still belongs to the town that created it. For many families in Molalla and the surrounding communities, volunteering for the Buckeroo is a tradition passed down through generations, with grandparents, parents, and children all contributing to make the event possible. That deep-rooted community involvement is what gives the Buckeroo its authentic, welcoming atmosphere — a quality that fans notice from the moment they walk through the gates.

How to Buy Molalla Buckeroo 2026 Tickets

Where can I buy Molalla Buckeroo tickets?

Tickets for the 2026 Molalla Buckeroo may be available through the official Molalla Buckeroo website and at the rodeo grounds box office. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted third-party resale marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee backed by over 20 years of experience in live event ticketing.

When is the 2026 Molalla Buckeroo?

The 2026 Molalla Buckeroo runs July 1 through July 4, with a pre-rodeo kickoff event on June 27. Evening performances are scheduled for July 1, 2, and 3, and July 4 features both a matinee and an evening show. All performances take place at the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo Grounds at 815 Shirley Street in Molalla, Oregon.

What should I know about the Molalla Buckeroo rodeo grounds?

The Molalla Buckeroo arena seats approximately 7,500 spectators and is located at 815 Shirley Street in Molalla, Oregon, about 30 miles south of Portland. The grounds include ample parking, a carnival midway, food vendors, and a western trade show. Arrive early to explore the grounds and find the best parking spots, especially for the July 4th performances which draw the largest crowds.

Are resale tickets for the Molalla Buckeroo legitimate?

Yes, when purchased from a verified resale marketplace. BigStub verifies all sellers on its platform and backs every purchase with a buyer guarantee. With the highest Trustpilot rating among major ticket resale sites and more than two decades in the business, BigStub provides a safe and transparent ticket-buying experience.

What events take place at the Molalla Buckeroo?

The Buckeroo features all seven standard PRCA rodeo events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Each performance also includes specialty acts, rodeo clowns, and a fireworks display after the evening shows. The July 4th performances are the marquee events of the weekend.

Can I resell my Molalla Buckeroo tickets if I can't attend?

If your plans change, many resale platforms allow you to list your tickets for sale. Check the specific terms and conditions of the platform where you purchased your tickets, as transfer and resale policies may vary.

Molalla Buckeroo 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Molalla Buckeroo?

The Molalla Buckeroo is one of the oldest continuously running rodeos in the Pacific Northwest, held annually during the July 4th holiday in Molalla, Oregon. Founded in 1913, it is a PRCA-sanctioned professional rodeo featuring bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, roping events, steer wrestling, fireworks, live music, and a carnival midway.

When is the 2026 Molalla Buckeroo?

The 2026 Molalla Buckeroo runs from July 1 through July 4, with a pre-rodeo kickoff event on June 27. Evening performances are on July 1, 2, and 3, and July 4 features both a matinee and an evening show.

Where is the Molalla Buckeroo held?

The Molalla Buckeroo takes place at the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo Grounds, located at 815 Shirley Street in Molalla, Oregon. Molalla is about 30 miles south of Portland in Clackamas County, in the foothills of the Willamette Valley.

How old is the Molalla Buckeroo?

The Molalla Buckeroo was first held in September 1913, making the 2026 edition the 113th year of this historic rodeo tradition. It was originally organized by local firemen as an equipment fundraiser, and the Molalla Buckeroo Association took over operations in 1923.

What rodeo events are featured at the Molalla Buckeroo?

The Buckeroo features all seven standard PRCA rodeo events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Performances also include specialty acts, rodeo clowns, bullfighters, and youth events.

Is the Molalla Buckeroo a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo?

Yes, the Molalla Buckeroo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). This means professional cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money and standings points that count toward qualification for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas.

Are there fireworks at the Molalla Buckeroo?

Yes, every evening performance at the Molalla Buckeroo concludes with a fireworks display over the arena. The July 4th fireworks show is the largest of the weekend and is a highlight of the Independence Day celebration.

Is the Molalla Buckeroo family-friendly?

Absolutely. The Molalla Buckeroo is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages, including a carnival midway with rides and games, food vendors, a western trade show, youth rodeo events, and rodeo clowns who entertain between competition events.

What is Cowboy Christmas in rodeo?

Cowboy Christmas is the term used in professional rodeo to describe the week surrounding the July 4th holiday, when dozens of PRCA rodeos run simultaneously across the country. Cowboys can enter multiple events in a short time window, making it one of the most lucrative and competitive stretches on the rodeo calendar.

How many people attend the Molalla Buckeroo?

The Molalla Buckeroo arena seats approximately 7,500 spectators per performance, and the multi-day event draws thousands of fans from across Oregon and southwest Washington. The July 4th performances typically sell out or come close to capacity.

Is there parking at the Molalla Buckeroo?

Yes, the rodeo grounds at 815 Shirley Street in Molalla offer ample parking for attendees. Arriving early is recommended, especially for the July 4th performances, as the area around the grounds can become congested. Some nearby lots and fields also offer overflow parking.

Who runs the Molalla Buckeroo?

The Molalla Buckeroo is organized and produced by the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo Association, a nonprofit corporation with over 60 active volunteer members. The association reinvests proceeds into maintaining the grounds, supporting local youth rodeo programs, and preserving western heritage in the community.