Gilroy Rodeo

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Sports & AdventureGilroy
Dates7–9 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe modern Gilroy Rodeo represents a genuine
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Gilroy Rodeo in Gilroy

The Gilroy Rodeo is a second-weekend-of-August rodeo at the Gilroy Rodeo Grounds, sanctioned by the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association and run by the nonprofit Gilroy Rodeo since a 2018 revival by Erik and Kendra Martin. Its roots trace to a 1930 event called the Gilroy Gymkhana Rodeo that ran until 1956, and it is entirely separate from the city's better-known Gilroy Garlic Festival.

It complements Gilroy's food-festival identity with a separate public rodeo tradition.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The modern Gilroy Rodeo represents a genuine community revival rather than a new invention: after the original Gilroy Gymkhana Rodeo, a 1930s town-wide event with its own dedicated grounds and bleacher seating, ceased in 1956, local residents Erik and Kendra Martin worked to bring the tradition back, and the rodeo returned in 2018 after a sixty-two-year gap

02

The mystery stays covered

Its logo and mascot reference Casey Tibbs and War Paint, evoking a beloved cowboy-on-bronco statue that stood atop Gilroy's old Hall's Department Store for more than fifty years, tying the event to a specific piece of local visual history

03

The city starts moving

Sanctioned by the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association, the rodeo was named Rodeo of the Year in 2025, and recent editions have sold out all three days

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The rodeo continues California ranching and cowboy competition traditions specific to the CCPRA circuit

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and its revival explicitly reconnects Gilroy to its own 1930s-era Gymkhana Rodeo history

The sacred route

Living ritual

including honoring the memory of the Casey Tibbs and War Paint cowboy statue that was once a fixture of the town's downtown skyline

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

7–9 August 2026

Getting around

Driving from San Jose or Morgan Hill is typical.

What to wear

Warm-weather western wear suited to Gilroy's hot, dry August climate, where temperatures regularly exceed ninety degrees Fahrenheit; a hat and sun protection are more important than layering...

Safety

Gilroy Rodeo is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Gilroy

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map37.01 N, 121.57 WOpen in Google Maps

Gilroy, CA

TransportDriving from San Jose or Morgan Hill is typical.
Stay areaGilroy

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Gilroy via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Gilroy, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearWarm-weather western wear suited to Gilroy's hot, dry August climate, where temperatures regularly exceed ninety degrees Fahrenheit; a hat and sun protection are more important than layering for this event.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Gilroy Rodeo?

Gilroy Rodeo is listed for 7–9 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Gilroy Rodeo take place?

The festival is listed in Gilroy, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Gilroy, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLgilroyrodeo.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates7–9 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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