War Bonnet Round Up

View on map
Sports & AdventureIdaho Falls
DatesDates TBA · Usually AugustCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceWar Bonnet Round Up began in 1911 as part of
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

War Bonnet Round Up in Idaho Falls

Idaho's oldest rodeo, War Bonnet Round Up has run in Idaho Falls since 1911, when it began alongside horse and relay races staged by Shoshone-Bannock riders from Fort Hall. Now a PRCA-sanctioned event held the first weekend of August at Sandy Downs Arena, it pairs modern rodeo competition with an ongoing partnership with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

War Bonnet Round Up began in September 1911 as part of the county fair held at Tautphaus Park in Idaho Falls, where horse racing and relay races staged by Shoshone-Bannock riders from the nearby Fort Hall Reservation drew enough interest that organizers decided to build a standalone event around it.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

War Bonnet Round Up began in 1911 as part of a county fair, featuring horse racing and relay races staged by Shoshone-Bannock riders from the nearby Fort Hall Reservation, and it was formally inaugurated the following year with stagecoach races, chariot races, wild mule riding, and trick roping

02

The mystery stays covered

More than a century later, it has grown into a modern PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, voted Best Medium Rodeo in Idaho by the PRCA Wilderness Circuit for three consecutive years, while maintaining its founding relationship with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes through tribal horseback warriors, drum groups, and dancers featured at every edition

03

The city starts moving

Organized over the decades by local businessmen, the Chamber of Commerce, and American Legion Post 56, the rodeo is now run by the City of Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Featuring Shoshone-Bannock tribal horseback riders

Water and renewal

Living ritual

drum groups

The sacred route

Living ritual

and dancers at every edition continues a partnership that traces back to the rodeo's founding year

The local code

Living ritual

when Shoshone-Bannock riders from Fort Hall staged the original horse and relay races the event grew out of

Tradition 5

Living ritual

The rodeo's American Legion-era ties also keep a veterans'-honor thread running through the modern event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually August

Getting around

For War Bonnet Round Up, plan transport around the exact Idaho Falls venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Western wear is the norm: boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat if you have one, though casual summer clothing works fine too. Early August evenings in Idaho Falls stay warm, so lightweight...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For War Bonnet Round Up, stay near the part of Idaho Falls you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map43.47 N, 112.03 WOpen in Google Maps

Idaho Falls, ID

Nearest airportIDA — Idaho Falls Regional
TransportFor War Bonnet Round Up, plan transport around the exact Idaho Falls venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor War Bonnet Round Up, stay near the part of Idaho Falls you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

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 Idaho Falls via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Idaho Falls, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearWestern wear is the norm: boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat if you have one, though casual summer clothing works fine too. Early August evenings in Idaho Falls stay warm, so lightweight, breathable clothing suits the outdoor arena.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 War Bonnet Round Up?

War Bonnet Round Up is listed for August · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does War Bonnet Round Up take place?

The festival is listed in Idaho Falls, 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?

Summer 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?

Idaho Falls, ID

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 URLidahofallsidaho.gov
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually August
Source statusOfficial source linked
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