Shawn Patrick’s top 10 things not to be missed at the 104th Greeley Stampede

A short drive north from Denver will have you in Greeley, my hometown and the home of the Greeley Stampede, one of the biggest rodeo and western celebrations in America. It’s where I fell in love with country music and rodeos, and still my favorite summer event to attend. The 104th edition runs June 24 through July 5, and whether you’re making the trip for the first time or you’ve been hundreds of times like me, I have a few suggestions for things you need to see…

10. Western Art Show

I have to be honest, I am not much of an art guy, but this isn’t the kind of stuff that’s in a museum. This art depicts western lifestyle and all that the Greeley Stampede is about, which makes it a little easier to understand for a guy like me. The Stampede Western Art Exhibition, presented in conjunction with the Greeley Art Association, features Western paintings, sculptures and artwork from across the country and runs throughout all 12 days of the event.

9. Kids Korral

It’s usually frowned upon for a grown man to play in the kids area, but my kiddos love all the free activities like the petting zoo, face painting, the Sheep Stampede, Stingray Encounter, pedal tractors, stick horse rodeo and more. The Kids Korral is included with park admission and open daily.

8. Cowboy Church

Both Sundays (June 28th and July 5th) of the Stampede feature special church services with a country flare that you only get at the Greeley Stampede.

7. Hot Rods and Horsepower Car Show

The Stampede Hot Rods & Horsepower car show will feature classic cars and custom hot rods on display around the south side of the park on June 27th. It’s a free attraction included with park admission — and a great excuse to kill time before the evening rodeo or concert.

6. Carnival Americana

The first thing you’ll see when you drive up to the Greeley Stampede is a giant arena and a bunch of rides. Those rides make up the Carnival Americana and provide hours of thrills. The carnival features a large selection of rides for all age groups, plus midway games and food stands with all the classic carnival foods. It’s open every day of the Stampede. You can get individual ride tickets or a daily unlimited ride wristband at the carnival box office.

5. Park Stage

The Greeley Stampede has free concerts that take place throughout the event and are included with your $5 park admission. This year’s park stage lineup is stacked — we’re talking Everclear, Colby Acuff, Aaron Watson, Joe Nichols, Rhett Walker, De Parranda and more. Greeley Stampede CEO Justin Watada said the goal was to bring “top-tier performances to more people than ever before.” Full schedule at greeleystampede.org.

4. Food

Nothing says a summer festival like all the great food options. From traditional carnival fare like corndogs and funnel cakes to local eateries offering their best dishes, and everything in-between. The Greeley Stampede has a ton of food options and something to please everyone’s palate.

3. Demolition Derby

What’s cooler than watching cars ram into each other? I say not much! The Demolition Derby has been a fan favorite during the Stampede for years, and this year it takes place Sunday, July 5, at 3 p.m. Skilled drivers crash into their opponents in a real-life bumper car showdown. Get there early — it fills up fast.

2. Concerts

Some of the biggest names in country music and beyond make the trek to Greeley every summer. The 2026 Superstars Concert Series features Nelly with Graham Barham (June 26), Brothers Osborne with Dylan Scott (June 27), Jake Owen with Dasha (June 28), Nate Smith with Chase Matthew (July 2) and Dierks Bentley with Cole Goodwin (July 3). Tickets for all paid concerts are on sale now.

1. PRCA Pro Rodeos

The event the Greeley Stampede was built on…rodeo! The PRCA ProRodeo Series runs through the Finals on July 1. Performances include bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, bull riding and mutton bustin’ for the little ones. Thursday, June 25, is Military Appreciation Night and Monday, June 29, is Stampede Out Cancer Night.

Also, don’t miss the Independence Day Parade — Colorado’s largest, with more than 120 floats and 40,000 spectators — plus fireworks, the ShenaniGuns comedy act, the daily longhorn parade at 6 p.m. and many more great events and attractions at the 104th Greeley Stampede. Get all the info and tickets at greeleystampede.org.