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