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cowboys trying to rope a steer

Sports and Leisure

Rodeo

Join us for an authentic country fair and rodeo extravaganza on summer Wednesdays. It’s perfect for the whole family!

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Alisal Ranch is in rodeo mode every Wednesday at 5:30 pm. This authentic western experience is fun for all ages!

Our wranglers demonstrate a wide variety of rodeo events including roping, barrel racing, and team sorting. Adult team sorting lessons are even offered on rodeo day for intermediate and advanced riders who wish to participate in the team sorting competition. Become a part of all the action, and take your Alisal Ranch experience to a whole new level!

Please contact our Concierge by emailing ranchconcierge@alisal.com for more information.

After the rodeo, enjoy our western-style BBQ at the arena, complete with live country music and dancing.

Details

June – August:

Wednesdays at 5:30 pm (Team sort lessons at 11:45am)

At a Glance
  • A one-of-a-kind California rodeo!
  • Watch roping, barrel racing, and team sorting events
  • After the rodeo, enjoy an outdoor Santa Maria-style BBQ buffet and line dancing
  • Available Memorial Day to Labor Day (& Spring Break Schedule)
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Rodeo Events

Learn more about the three exciting events that are demonstrated during the rodeo.

cowboys trying to rope a steer

Roping

This energized event historically derives from the duties of real-life working cowboys, which often required catching and restraining calves for branding or medical treatment. This tradition, along with modern technologies, eventually turned their work into more informal contests and rodeo events.  Our ropers will show you how they catch steers and stop their horses—competing for the best time.

person riding a horse

Barrel Racing

If you have yet to experience the beauty, precision, and athleticism of barrel racing, we invite you to be amazed! Barrel racing is a classic rodeo event in which a horse and rider seemingly become one as they attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. 

This event combines the horse’s own athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of the rider.

two people riding horses trying to rope a steer

Team Sorting

This western-style equestrian sport evolved from traditional ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring, or transport. It pits teams of two riders against the clock as the riders work in harmony to separate the “correct cattle” and drive them to the pen… all while keeping the “wrong numbered cattle” back. 

Tip from Alisal Ranch Wranglers: You can be included in this event if you want! Adult team sorting lessons are offered on rodeo day for intermediate and advanced riders who wish to participate. Just speak with a Guest Services team member to get signed up!

families eating at an outdoor seating area with heated lamps

Food, Music & Dancing at the Rodeo

Western-Style BBQ at The Arena

After the excitement of the rodeo, our  good old-fashioned, western-style barbecue features traditional smoked, grilled, and barbecued meat along with all the fixin’s, and a full bar. (Special dietary considerations can be requested ahead of time.)

It is, in our humble opinion, the best BBQ in California!

people line dancing outside

Live Country Music & Dancing

No California rodeo or country fair experience would be complete without country music and country-western dancing! Let our staff help you master your two-step, line-dance, or square-dance talents while you enjoy amazing music and an unbeatable night under the stars. Your whole family will get a kick out of participating in this tradition.

Tip from Alisal Ranch Wranglers: Don’t forget to pack those cowboy boots, English riding boots, or other hard, click-soled heeled shoes if you’re planning on participating in the team sorting. Otherwise, the dress code at the rodeo is casual – but we like to encourage your best dude ranch-inspired, two-steppin’ western wear!

The spirit of adventure.

At Alisal Ranch, we start each day with an unrelenting curiosity—and we invite you to do the same. There’s no better place to connect with the passionate, pioneering spirit, or to spend meaningful moments with friends and family. Take the road less traveled, breathe a little deeper, feel the power of nature, and dream under the stars.

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