Ramona Rodeo: California's Premier Summer Rodeo Tradition Returns August 21-23, 2025
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association proudly presents the 2025 Ramona Rodeo, a cornerstone event of the California Circuit
A Golden State Tradition Under Summer Skies
When the August sun casts its golden glow across the rolling hills of San Diego County, the community of Ramona transforms into the epicenter of Western heritage and world-class rodeo competition. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is proud to announce the return of the Ramona Rodeo, set for August 21-23, 2025, at the iconic Fred Grand Arena.
This three-day celebration of Western tradition and athletic excellence has become a cornerstone event of the California Circuit, drawing top competitors from across the nation to vie for a share of the impressive $77,500 purse. But the Ramona Rodeo represents far more than just a sporting competition – it's a cultural touchstone that connects generations of rodeo enthusiasts while welcoming newcomers to experience the thrill of America's original extreme sport.
"The Ramona Rodeo embodies everything that makes our sport special," notes a senior PRCA representative. "From the caliber of competition to the community atmosphere, this event showcases rodeo at its finest. We're particularly proud of how the Ramona Rodeo Committee has developed this event into one of California's premier summer rodeo destinations."
World-Class Competition in the California Hills
As a PRCA-sanctioned event, the Ramona Rodeo delivers the full spectrum of rodeo action that fans have come to expect. Each performance will feature the seven classic events that test the skill, courage, and precision of the sport's elite athletes:
Bareback Riding: Where riders grip a simple handhold while matching wits with horses bred to buck
Steer Wrestling: The ultimate test of timing and strength as cowboys leap from horseback to wrestle a steer to the ground
Team Roping: The only team event in rodeo, showcasing precision coordination between header and heeler
Saddle Bronc Riding: Rodeo's classic event, often called "the ballet of the West" for its emphasis on style and control
Tie-Down Roping: A demonstration of horseback precision and on-ground quickness
Barrel Racing: Where elite cowgirls and their horses navigate a cloverleaf pattern at breathtaking speeds
Bull Riding: The iconic finale of each performance, pitting man against one ton of raw power
The Ramona Rodeo's position in the late summer calendar makes it a critical stop for competitors looking to secure points toward the California Circuit Finals and, ultimately, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. With $77,500 in prize money at stake, expect to see a mix of established champions and rising stars giving their all in the arena.
More Than Just Competition: A Festival of Western Culture
While the competitive events form the heart of the Ramona Rodeo, the experience extends far beyond what happens in the arena. From the moment visitors arrive at the Fred Grand Arena grounds, they're immersed in a celebration of Western heritage that engages all the senses.
The vendor marketplace transforms the concourse into a bustling Western shopping experience, featuring everything from authentic cowboy hats and handcrafted leather goods to Western-inspired jewelry and home décor. Local artisans showcase their craftsmanship alongside established Western brands, creating a unique shopping opportunity for rodeo enthusiasts.
Culinary offerings capture the spirit of the West as well, with food vendors serving up everything from traditional barbecue and Dutch oven specialties to contemporary California cuisine with a Western twist. The aroma of mesquite smoke and sizzling beef fills the air, mingling with the scent of fresh-baked goods and locally roasted coffee.
Each evening performance begins with a pre-rodeo celebration featuring live music that sets the tone for the excitement to come. Local and regional country artists take the stage, creating the perfect soundtrack for this celebration of Western culture. After Saturday's final performance, the music continues with an extended concert that keeps the party going well into the night.
Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages
The Ramona Rodeo prides itself on being a family-friendly event that creates memories spanning generations. The dedicated Kids' Zone offers supervised activities including stick horse races, roping dummies, Western-themed crafts, and face painting. Young visitors can also learn about rodeo events, livestock care, and Western heritage through interactive educational stations.
One of the most anticipated pre-rodeo events is the Mutton Bustin' competition, where young cowboys and cowgirls (typically ages 4-7) test their courage by riding sheep. With protective gear and careful supervision, these pint-sized competitors often generate some of the loudest cheers of the entire rodeo as they channel their inner champions.
"Seeing families experience rodeo together is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do," shares a PRCA spokesperson. "At Ramona, we regularly meet grandparents who attended as children themselves, now bringing their grandchildren to experience the same tradition. That multi-generational connection is the lifeblood of our sport."
Securing Your Place at the Ramona Rodeo
With the Ramona Rodeo's growing popularity, securing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Tickets for the 2025 event will go on sale June 21, 2025 – exactly two months before the opening performance.
Attendees can choose from several seating options to customize their rodeo experience:
General Admission: Access to the grandstand seating areas
Reserved Seating: Guaranteed specific seats in prime viewing locations
VIP Packages: Premium seating plus exclusive amenities like dedicated entrance lanes, access to VIP hospitality areas, and commemorative merchandise
Multi-Day Passes: Discounted options for attending multiple performances
Special discounts will be available for military personnel, first responders, seniors, and children. Family packages offer an economical option for households attending together, while group rates accommodate larger parties looking to experience the rodeo as a collective outing.
All ticket types will be available directly through the official Ramona Rodeo website when sales launch. Tickets can be delivered digitally for maximum convenience, allowing attendees to present mobile tickets at entry gates. For those preferring physical tickets, will-call pickup will be available at the box office throughout the event weekend.
Accessibility is a priority for the Ramona Rodeo, with designated ADA seating areas available throughout the arena. Companion seating is provided adjacent to all accessible locations, ensuring friends and family can enjoy the rodeo experience together.
Planning Your Rodeo Weekend
The Fred Grand Arena's location in Ramona provides a picturesque setting for this celebration of Western heritage. Visitors should plan to arrive early to allow time for parking and to enjoy the pre-rodeo festivities. Ample parking is available on-site, with dedicated lots for standard vehicles, oversized vehicles, and accessible parking.
Each day's schedule follows a similar pattern, with gates opening two hours before the main performance to allow visitors to explore the vendor marketplace, enjoy the food offerings, and participate in pre-rodeo activities. The main competition begins with the Grand Entry, a colorful procession featuring rodeo contestants, rodeo royalty, and the presentation of the American flag.
For those attending the Ramona Rodeo for the first time, Western attire is welcomed but not required. Many visitors embrace the opportunity to don cowboy hats, boots, and Western wear, but comfort should be the priority, especially during August in Southern California. Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles are recommended for daytime performances, while light jackets might be appreciated for evening events as temperatures cool after sunset.
Community Impact Beyond the Arena
The Ramona Rodeo's influence extends far beyond the three days of competition. As one of the community's signature annual events, the rodeo generates significant economic impact through visitor spending at local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Many attendees make a weekend of their visit, exploring Ramona's charming downtown, nearby wineries, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The event also serves as a major fundraising opportunity for local charitable organizations. Through partnerships with community groups, the Ramona Rodeo helps support youth programs, agricultural education initiatives, and preservation of Western heritage throughout San Diego County.
Local businesses embrace the rodeo spirit, with many offering special promotions and Western-themed displays during rodeo week. The entire community comes together to welcome visitors and celebrate this cherished tradition that has become an integral part of Ramona's identity.
Join the Tradition
As August 2025 approaches, the excitement builds for what promises to be another memorable chapter in the Ramona Rodeo story. Whether you're a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or curious to experience this uniquely American tradition for the first time, the Ramona Rodeo offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness elite athletic competition while immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the American West.
Mark your calendars for June 21, 2025, when tickets become available, and prepare to secure your place at California's premier summer rodeo experience. The dust will fly, the crowd will roar, and memories will be made at the 2025 Ramona Rodeo.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is proud to sanction the Ramona Rodeo as part of our ongoing mission to preserve Western heritage through the promotion of professional rodeo.