The War Bonnet Roundup is Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo. Today, more than 450 cowboys and cowgirls compete each summer in front of more than 15,000 rodeo enthusiasts. The Roundup was originally started in 1911 by a group of local businessman and then was later taken over by the Chamber of Commerce. Eventually, the American Legion Department of Idaho Post 56 nonprofit veteran’s organization took over the reins. Over the years, the rodeo has been held at various locations including Tautphaus Park and is now held at Sandy Downs, a city-owned facility. The Legion grew the widely popular event into the show it is today and for that we are forever grateful.

This year marks the third year the City of Idaho Falls and the Parks & Recreation Department has run this historic rodeo, and we are honored to welcome back the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall. From the beginning, the tribes provided the most colorful component of the rodeo, making the War Bonnet Roundup an important part of eastern Idaho’s culture and tradition. We are very passionate about maintaining and building upon this legacy.

A PRCA sanctioned event, we aim to bring the best rodeo talent and stock in to compete in a family friendly atmosphere. This year’s rodeo will be held August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th 2018 at the Bank of Idaho Arena at Sandy Downs.

Parking opens at 5 pm, with the kid's rodeo beginning at 7 pm, the regular rodeo beginning at 8 pm, and the event ending around 10:30 pm.

No outside food allowed into the event. Only water bottles with their seals intact are allowed. Parking is not included in the ticket price. Parking is $5, and comes with a free program.