EVENT INFO
EVENT DATES:
Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26, 2026
LOCATION:
Desert International Horse Park (DIHP)
85555 Airport Blvd, Thermal, CA
EVENT HOURS:
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
*Event hours are subject to change.
PRCA RODEO COMPETITIONS:
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM daily
*Rodeo hours are subject to change.
SHOPS, ACTIVATIONS & COOKOUT:
Open throughout event hours, including during rodeo performances.
ALL AGES WELCOME:
Desert Rodeo is an all-ages event.
RAIN OR SHINE:
Desert Rodeo takes place rain or shine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Event Passes
When will I receive my passes?
A booking confirmation email will be sent immediately after purchase. Official passes and the corresponding QR code will be delivered via email 7 days prior to the event date. Please ensure the email address provided at the time of purchase is accurate to avoid any delivery issues or delays.
Can I make changes to my pass information after purchase?
Manage Your Passes: You may log into your Universe account to edit your pass information until one week ahead of Desert Rodeo.
Do I need to print my passes for entry?
Scanning for Entry: Passes can be scanned from your mobile device at your designated check-in area on-site. Printing is not required but is permitted for convenience.
PRCA Sanctioned Rodeo
WHAT KIND OF RODEO COMPETITIONS WILL THERE BE?
Desert Rodeo brings you action-packed events produced by the award-winning Flying U Rodeo. Get ready for these crowd-favorite competitions:
- Breakaway
- Team Roping
- Bareback Riding
- Steer Wrestling
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Tie-Down Roping
- Barrel Racing
- Bull Riding
WHAT TIME DOES THE RODEO BEGIN AND END EACH DAY?
The rodeo runs daily from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. During this time, all shops, activations and festival areas remain open and fully accessible for guests to explore and enjoy.
Parking & Transportation
DOES PARKING COST EXTRA?
Parking is complimentary for all Desert Rodeo guests. No extra fees, no hassle – just pull up and saddle up for a buckin’ good time!
IS THERE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE EVENT?
Ride-share services and carpooling are encouraged, with convenient drop-off locations available on-site.
On-Site Experience
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED ON-SITE?
Desert Rodeo is a fully cashless event. We accept major credit/debit cards and mobile payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash will not be accepted, so plan accordingly for a smooth experience.
WHAT KIND OF FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE?
Desert Rodeo offers a wide range of food and drink options, including signature cookout dishes, light bites, festival bars and specialty cocktails in premium areas.
WILL THERE BE SHOPPING ON-SITE?
Yes! Our exclusive Retail Ranch features a curated selection of Western brands, including the Official Hats of Desert Rodeo – Stetson, Resistol and Charlie 1 Horse.
ARE THERE ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF THE RODEO?
Absolutely! Desert Rodeo is a fusion of ProRodeo, retail and festival. In addition to the rodeo action, explore shopping experiences, enjoy delicious food and engage in interactive activations.
WHAT IF I HAVE ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS?
Desert Rodeo is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all guests. ADA accommodations will be available throughout the event.
Contact & Support
HOW DO I CONTACT DESERT RODEO FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Visit our Contact Us page to connect with the right team member and get the answers or support you need.
Permitted Items
WHAT CAN I BRING?
- Bags, backpacks, fanny packs and hip bags no larger than 18”x13”x8.5” (all bags subject to inspection)
- Binoculars
- Blankets / towels (50” x 70” or smaller) for use outside of rodeo arena
- Breast pump (manual, battery operated or powered), breastmilk, formula
- Cell Phones & chargers
- Chapstick, makeup, eye drops, gum/mints, hand sanitizer, bandaids
- Cameras (non-professional digital, disposable, polaroid)
- Face masks (non-costume)
- GoPros (no extenders)
- Hats, sunglasses
- Hydration packets (unopened)
- Inhalers
- Lighters
- Prescription medication (name must match with identification)
- Personal mobility devices for ADA guests only
- Strollers (for infants and toddlers)
- Sunscreen (non-aerosol only)
- Water misters (empty, plastic, personal size)
Prohibited Items
WHAT CAN'T I BRING?
- Bleacher-style seat attachments and portable seat backs
- Aerosol products, including sunscreen
- Air horns
- Animals/pets (service animals only)
- Backpacks or bags larger than 18”x13”x8.5”
- Balloons, balls, inflatables, frisbees, kites, hula hoops
- Candy necklaces/bracelets
- Coolers
- Drones
- First Aid Kits including IV bags or supplies
- Flammables
- Flasks
- Food, beverage, liquid containers
- Glass or Metal bottles/containers
- Instruments
- Laptops, tablets, IT equipment, two-way radios
- Laser pointers, flashlights, glow products, noise-making devices
- Lawn chairs and umbrellas
- Professional cameras and equipment (cell phone cameras, non-professional digital cameras and GoPros are OK).
- Video or audio recording devices
- Signs, flags, banners, posters, caution tape
- Selfie Sticks or tripods
- Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, helmets, scooters, golf carts
- Tents, tarps, sleeping bags
- Toy guns, water guns, slingshots
- Pamphlets or product samples
- Permanent markers, spray paint, paint of any kind
- Drugs & drug paraphernalia (prescription medicine; inhaler with matching Rx or medications approved by on-site personnel OK)
- Water bottles
- Wallet chains, studded belts or bracelets
- Weapons, including knives of any type, firearms, pepper spray, mace, flares or fireworks