| DESERT RODEO Saddles Up for Year Two April 24-26 Announces RESISTOL as Official Title Sponsor Rodeo royalty rides into Desert Rodeo as brothers Stetson Wright, Ryder Wright, Rusty Wright, Statler Wright and uncle Spencer Wright go head-to-head in Saddle Bronc Riding PASSES AVAILABLE NOW AT DESERTRODEO.COM “A 21st-century rodeo…where rodeo enthusiasts and festival goers could come together to celebrate their shared passions” – The New York Times “If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in country culture, Desert Rodeo is the place to be” – US Weekly “The highlight of the weekend” – Rolling Stone THERMAL, CA (April 15, 2026) – Following a breakout debut that captivated festival goers and rodeo fans alike, DESERT RODEO, California’s ProRodeo-Festival fusion, is back in the saddle for its highly anticipated second year at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, CA April 24-26, 2026. Established as the premier daytime destination during the desert’s most iconic weekend celebrating country music, the three-day event seamlessly fuses world-class rodeo action with retail and high-energy festival vibes. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), DESERT RODEO continues to push the mold of traditional rodeo, introducing the sport to a new generation of fans by blending authentic Western heritage with modern festival energy. By creating a space where longtime rodeo enthusiasts and first-time attendees come together, the event is redefining how the sport is experienced, celebrated and shared. “Rodeo is the original American sport and DESERT RODEO is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our best to a unique crowd during the 250th celebration of America,” says Paul Woody, PRCA Chief Marketing Officer. In its inaugural year, DESERT RODEO drew top-tier talent including Stetson Wright, Tucker Allen and Dakota Eldridge, all set to return to the desert this month. In addition, rodeo’s most dominant bloodline will take center stage at DESERT RODEO as brothers Stetson Wright, Ryder Wright, Rusty Wright and Statler Wright alongside Spencer Wright, all compete head-to-head in Saddle Bronc Riding on Sunday, April 26th. It’s a rare, can’t-miss moment for rodeo fans to witness five members of the Wright family legacy go toe-to-toe in the same rodeo event, on the same day, in the same arena. For fans nationwide, Cowboy+ will once again live stream all eight daily rodeo events, including fan-favorites Bull Riding and Barrel Racing, extending Desert Rodeo’s reach far beyond the desert. What’s New for 2026: YETI Contestant Corral A private hospitality oasis designed exclusively for competing athletes, offering premium food, beverages and a space to connect, bringing a new level of care and experience to the competitors themselves. Mutton Bustin’, presented by Morning Star Sporthorses The next generation takes the spotlight as young cowboys and cowgirls (ages 5-7) test their grit in this fan-favorite sheep riding event. Saddle Plus, presented by Coors Banquet A brand-new premium viewing deck spanning the arena, featuring front-row seating, shaded high-top tables, a private bar and elevated sightlines, blending rodeo tradition with a modern hospitality experience. Expanded Premium Rodeo Boxes Back by popular demand, Desert Rodeo’s signature VIP boxes return bigger than ever, hosting brand partners like Wrangler, City Boots, Lovlei Ranch, Pixi Beauty, Dolce Glow, Cowboy Colostrum, Smokeye Hill Whiskey, Melin, Go Rentals and more. Each box delivers a fully customized, high-touch hospitality experience unlike anything in traditional rodeo, complete with bottle service. Expanded Vendor Village A curated retail experience spotlighting local Coachella Valley businesses and artisans, further connecting Desert Rodeo to the surrounding community. Increased Prize Money Higher payouts raise the level of competition, continuing to attract the sport’s top-ranked athletes. Beyond the arena, DESERT RODEO brings together a dynamic mix of heritage Western brands and globally recognized partners, reinforcing its role as a cultural crossover moment. Iconic names like Wrangler, Boot Barn and Resistol stand alongside Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tractor Supply and Purina Animal Nutrition, while partners like FOX’s Farmer Wants a Wife and Melin inject a fresh, modern perspective into the Western lifestyle. The festival grounds are open daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., with rodeo performances beginning at 1 p.m. following the Opening Ceremony, presented by Tractor Supply. National Anthem performances include Genelle Seldon (Friday), Dani Rose (Saturday) and Leah Galván Turner (Sunday). A WEEKEND EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER Catch the ProRodeo Action Experience world-class competition across eight PRCA events including Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding and Saddle Bronc Riding, produced by Flying U Rodeo. Each rodeo performance will take place daily within the arena from 1 - 3:30 p.m. Explore the Outlaw Oasis A high-energy festival hub where guests can:
Family-Friendly Fun The Tractor Supply Kids Corral features mini barrel racing pony rides, arts & crafts, face painting and a sensory zone, alongside the Purina Petting Zoo with animals for all ages to enjoy. Shop the Retail Ranch A curated marketplace blending classic Western staples with modern brands, featuring Resistol, Stetson, Charlie 1 Horse, Melin, Hooey, Alberta Boot Company, Cody and Sioux and exclusive DESERT RODEO merchandise. Dine at the Cookout From Brandt Beef’s signature Dirt Floor Barbecue experience to festival favorites like pizza and smashburgers, guests can enjoy elevated yet approachable dining options. Philanthropy remains central to DESERT RODEO’s mission, with fundraising and awareness initiatives supporting organizations including Golden Circle of Champions, California Fire Foundation, Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert, Coachella Valley Horse Rescue and Girl Scouts of America – San Gorgonio Council. The event will also honor a Veteran of the Day each day, presented by True Vet Solutions, and offer Military and First Responder discounts courtesy of Anthem Air Conditioning. Produced by Zenda Productions, Flying U Rodeo and Best Events, DESERT RODEO is ready to prove that while it’s not their first rodeo, the best is yet to come. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind weekend. Secure passes before they sell out at desertrodeo.com. Current DESERT RODEO partners include: Alberta Boot Company, Anthem Air Conditioning, Augustine Casino, Big 106, Boot Barn, Brandt Beef (Official Beef Partner), CA Date Commission, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddlery, Charlie 1 Horse, City Boots, City of Indio, City of Indian Wells (Official City Sponsor), City of La Quinta, Cody and Sioux, Coors Banquet, Cowboy Colostrum, Dolce Glow, FOX’s Farmer Wants a Wife, Free Bird (Official Water Partner), Go Rentals (Official Transportation Partner), Hooey, Jim Beam, Jumex, La Quinta Resort & Club, Lovlei Ranch, Løs Sundays Tequila, Melin, Montana Silversmiths, Morning Star Sporthorses, NBC Palm Springs, Pendleton Whisky, Pixi Beauty, Purina Animal Nutrition, Quinn Cat, Red Earth Casino, Resistol (Title Sponsor), Smarty Rodeo, Smokeye Hill Whiskey, Stetson, Texas Roadhouse Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tractor Supply, True Vet Solutions, Wrangler, YETI. ABOUT ZENDA PRODUCTIONS Zenda Productions is the team behind the first-of-its-kind event that is DESERT RODEO. Founded in 2024, Zenda Productions was created with the goal of bringing a groundbreaking, inclusive western experience to country music festival goers and the surrounding community. DESERT RODEO was conceptualized and developed by Zenda Productions founders Brett Lazar, Entertainment Tonight Correspondent Cassie DiLaura, Balmoral Farm’s Traci and Carleton Brooks and Locale Concierge’s Carrie and David Isen. For more information about Desert Rodeo, please visit desertrodeo.com or @thedesertrodeo on Facebook and Instagram. ABOUT PROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the oldest and largest professional rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The PRCA is the most prestigious western sports organization, with more than 700 PRCA sanctioned rodeo events each year. As a membership-driven organization, the PRCA works to ensure that every event it sanctions is managed with fairness and competence and that the livestock used are healthy and cared for to the highest standards. ABOUT FLYING U RODEO Flying U Rodeo is an elite, legacy brand in the world of rodeo. Founded by the late Cotton Rosser, “The King of Rodeo," Flying U brings over 60 years of family-run expertise led by Cotton’s son and award-winning rodeo producer Reno Rosser. Flying U goes beyond the standard rodeo, blending the thrill of the sport with captivating specialty acts and top-tier entertainers. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every performance, driven by their renowned 'Born to Buck' breeding program. About Resistol: Since 1927, Resistol has crafted premium headwear for cowboys, ranchers and those who live the Western lifestyle. Proudly made in Garland, Texas, and a division of Hatco, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of fur-felt hats, each Resistol felt hat passes through more than 200 hands, ensuring unmatched quality and craftsmanship. Since 1959, Resistol has been the official hat of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), supporting the sport’s top athletes while investing in its future. As a supporter from the start of the Resistol Rookie of the Year race, Resistol is proud to steward the tradition and growth of western sports and heritage. Today, Resisol honors its heritage while offering a full line of cowboy hats, outerwear and boots. ABOUT DESERT INTERNATIONAL HORSE PARK The Desert International Horse Park (DIHP), spanning nearly 250 acres, is the proud home of Desert Rodeo. As one of North America's largest and most prestigious equestrian facilities, it perfectly accommodates the diverse and dynamic needs of this unparalleled multi-experience event. Nestled in Thermal, California and located just ten minutes from the country music scene, DIHP offers unbeatable mountain views and a breathtakingly picturesque desert setting. MEDIA CONTACT: 2PM Sharp desertrodeo@2pmsharp.com To apply for media credentials, please visit: https://desertrodeo.com/pages/media-credentials-application-desert-rodeo-2026 ### |
Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
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DESERT RODEO Saddles Up for Year Two April 24-26 Announces RESISTOL as Official
- April 16, 2026
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