Dust off your boots and grab your cowboy hat—the New England Rodeo is back at the Rochester Fairgrounds, bringing two-wheeled thrills and family-friendly fun to the SouthCoast. This biweekly showdown of bull riding and barrel racing is the only event of its kind in Massachusetts, and it promises nonstop energy from start to finish.
Starting Saturday, May 16, the fairgrounds transform into an arena filled with roaring crowds, cowboy hats, pickup trucks, and thousand-pound bulls ready for the spotlight. For 14 years, owner Elias DaSilva—a former PBR bull rider from Brazil—has brought a taste of home to the U.S., creating a stage where Brazilian riders, many of whom dominate the competition, can showcase their talent and passion.
Last year, the rodeo found its permanent home at 65 Pine St., where junior and professional bull riders and barrel racers from across the country gather for a family-friendly spectacle. With thousands of spectators at each event, the night offers more than just competition. You'll also enjoy cultural demonstrations like horse vaulting, mounted shooting, and horse liberty work—a captivating display of trust and harmony between horse and rider.
Beyond the arena, the experience is a full-on rodeo festival. Food trucks serve up hearty eats, local vendors line the grounds, and a mechanical bull invites you to test your own rodeo skills. It's an affordable night out, with tickets at $25 and kids 5 and under free—making it perfect for the whole family.
The action runs every other Saturday from May to September, with a schedule that includes May 16 and 30, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, Sept. 5 and 19, and the finals on Oct. 3. Gates open at 5 p.m., the youth rodeo starts at 6 p.m., the pro rodeo takes over at 7 p.m., and the excitement wraps up before 10 p.m. Remember, this is a cash-only event with no online ticket sales or ATM on site.
Parking and seating are first-come, first-served, with bleachers and picnic tables available. No on-street parking, coolers, open containers, tailgating, smoking, or overnight parking is allowed, and outside food is not permitted unless required for dietary restrictions. If you're ready to immerse yourself in rodeo culture, the Rochester Fairgrounds at 65 Pine St. is the place to be—so saddle up for a night you won't forget.