Rodeo Austin runs 15-day slate of ProRodeo events, concerts and youth livestock competitions at Travis County Expo Center

April 3, 2026

Visitors arriving at the Travis County Expo Center found the fairgrounds alive with carnival rides, food vendors and crowds in western attire as Rodeo Austin opened for a 15-day run beginning March 13. Luedecke Arena hosted nightly ProRodeo action, and the Grand Entry on March 26 included Miss Rodeo Texas 2025 Reanna Santos carrying the American flag before competitions began.

Rodeo Austin is part of the Texas ProRodeo Circuit and presented traditional roughstock events and timed contests across the run. Riders aim to stay aboard bucking horses and bulls for eight seconds with one hand while judges score both animal and rider. Saddle bronc rider Kade Bruno scored 86.5 points on a horse named CrackerJack on March 26, and Australian bull rider Qynn Andersen posted an 86 on a bull called Off The Rails.

Timed events tested speed and precision as well. Tie-down roper Tyler Calhoun completed a run in 10 seconds, a skill that traces back to ranch work where a mounted cowboy ropes and secures a running calf. Barrel racer Taylor Baize turned a 14.36-second run to take second place on March 26, navigating the triangular barrel pattern at speed.

This season opened with an Xtreme Bull competition that matched elite riders with some of the most aggressive bucking bulls. Wyoming cowboy Dylan Rice won the Xtreme Bull title after an 89.5-point outing on Huckleberry, taking home $13,476. Not every ride ended cleanly; competitors such as Wade Tuni were bucked off in early rounds, and bullfighters like Austin Ashley worked in the arena to protect riders after falls.

The show also emphasized youth agriculture, with 675 livestock entries in the market show and more than 23 active organizing committees on site. Dr. Scott Greiner named Camryn Clift's steer the Grand Market Champion, and the top market steer later sold for $150,000 to the McCarty Corporation, reflecting strong bidder interest in the youth program.

Rodeo Austin relies on a large volunteer force to operate, with more than 1,000 volunteers helping run events and fundraising efforts. Those volunteers help raise in excess of $3.7 million each year to support Texas students and agricultural education, a mission organizers say builds future career and leadership pathways. Between rodeo spectacles and mutton bustin', the event combined competitive sport, community tradition and education over its two-week run.