What’s New at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2026

Now in its 130th year, CFD returns with 10 days of rodeo, plus new experiences like the Morning Star American Indian Village and Chute 9.

May 11, 20262 min read

Laramie County
A man waving his cowboy hat and riding a horse
From sunrise pancake breakfasts to late nights at Frontier Nights, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ turns Cheyenne into one of the West’s biggest summer celebrations. (Courtesy Photo)

The following is sponsored content from Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ returns July 17-26, 2026, bringing ten days of rodeo, live music, and one of the most iconic summer traditions in the West. 

From sunrise pancake breakfasts to late nights at Frontier Nights, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ turns Cheyenne into one of the West’s biggest summer celebrations.
From sunrise pancake breakfasts to late nights at Frontier Nights, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ turns Cheyenne into one of the West’s biggest summer celebrations. (Courtesy Photo)

Celebrating its 130th year, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) continues a tradition that dates back to 1897 while introducing new experiences that make this year worth planning for.  

Known as “The Daddy of ’em All®,” CFD is more than a rodeo or a concert series. It’s a 10-day event that blends world-class competition, live music, and a full festival atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. 

At the center of it all is the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo, now expanded to 10 full days of PRCA competition beginning Friday, July 17. From bull riding to barrel racing, the best athletes in the world return to Cheyenne’s legendary arena. The PRCA Xtreme Bulls also returns for two nights, delivering a fast-paced, high-adrenaline showcase of one of rodeo’s most intense events.  

Cheyenne Frontier Days™ expanded to 10 full days of PRCA rodeo action in 2026, with the first performance kicking off Friday, July 17.
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ expanded to 10 full days of PRCA rodeo action in 2026, with the first performance kicking off Friday, July 17. (Courtesy Photo)
CFD’s Xtreme Bulls was named the 2025 PRCA Xtreme Bulls Event of the Year.
CFD’s Xtreme Bulls was named the 2025 PRCA Xtreme Bulls Event of the Year. (Courtesy Photo)

In 2026, there’s even more to experience beyond the arena. 

The new Morning Star American Indian Village is a permanent cultural destination developed in collaboration with Native partners. Designed with a fully accessible, circular layout centered around a dance arbor, the space creates a gathering place for music, storytelling, and cultural connection. With artisan booths, educational opportunities, and engagement with Native artists and performers, it adds a meaningful new dimension to CFD and invites visitors to connect more deeply with the region’s history. 

The new 3.8-acre Morning Star American Indian Village was developed in partnership with the Hughes Charitable Foundation as part of CFD’s Year of the American Indian, creating a permanent space for cultural celebration, education, and connection.
The new 3.8-acre Morning Star American Indian Village was developed in partnership with the Hughes Charitable Foundation as part of CFD’s Year of the American Indian, creating a permanent space for cultural celebration, education, and connection. (Courtesy Photo)

Another major addition is the reimagined Chute 9. Perched above the arena, the Chute 9 Rooftop offers elevated views right in the heart of the action, along with a full-service bar and seating options for groups. Private suite levels provide a more premium, up-close view of the rodeo.  

The reimagined Chute 9 features rooftop views overlooking the arena, private suite levels, and direct access to food, drinks, and premium rodeo seating in one of CFD’s most sought-after locations.
The reimagined Chute 9 features rooftop views overlooking the arena, private suite levels, and direct access to food, drinks, and premium rodeo seating in one of CFD’s most sought-after locations. (Courtesy Photo)

When the sun goes down, Frontier Nights takes over. This year’s lineup includes Zach Top, Blake Shelton, Riley Green, Hardy, The Red Clay Strays, and Alex Warren, bringing a mix of established names and emerging artists to the stage.  

Unlike many major concert events, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ does not use dynamic pricing or ticket resale platforms. CFD remains the only authorized ticket seller, helping keep tickets more affordable and accessible for fans.
Unlike many major concert events, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ does not use dynamic pricing or ticket resale platforms. CFD remains the only authorized ticket seller, helping keep tickets more affordable and accessible for fans. (Courtesy Photo)

From Grand Parades and pancake breakfasts to the carnival midway and Chuckwagon Cookoff, CFD transforms the capital city of Cheyenne into a full-scale summer celebration. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, 2026 is chance to experience what’s new while taking part in an authentic tradition that continues to define summer in the West.  

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Tickets are on sale now at www.cfdrodeo.com.  

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