Blue Ridge, Georgia | August 21–22, 2026
There are some traditions in the North Georgia mountains that simply feel like summer—and the annual Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo is one of them.
This August, the excitement returns to the Blue Ridge Fairgrounds for the 30th Annual Kiwanis Club Championship Rodeo, bringing professional cowboys and cowgirls, live rodeo action, family entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of Appalachian small-town spirit to Blue Ridge.
Whether you’re a longtime local, a weekend visitor, or planning a mountain getaway, the Kiwanis Rodeo is one of those Blue Ridge experiences worth adding to your calendar.
Two Nights of Classic Rodeo Action
The 2026 rodeo is scheduled for Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22, at the Blue Ridge Fairgrounds at 124 Jones Street.
The gates open at 6:00 PM, with the rodeo beginning at 8:00 PM both nights.
Once the action begins, spectators can expect the fast-paced competition that has made the event a longstanding favorite throughout the region.
Featured events include:
- Bull riding
- Bareback riding
- Saddle bronc riding
- Barrel racing
- Team roping
- Calf roping
- Ladies breakaway roping
- Steer wrestling
- And more
The event also features the crowd-favorite Human Barrel Race, adding an entertaining twist to an already action-packed evening.
And if you’ve never experienced a professional rodeo in person, there’s nothing quite like hearing the crowd react as a rider holds on through a difficult ride or watching a barrel racer race against the clock.
More Than Just a Rodeo
One of the things that makes the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo special is that it isn’t simply a sporting event. It’s a community tradition.
The rodeo is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge, with proceeds supporting the organization’s work benefiting children and families in Fannin County. The Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club has described the annual event as one of the Southeast’s top small-town rodeos, drawing approximately 2,500 people per night.
That community connection gives the weekend a distinctly local character. Families can enjoy the rodeo, grab something to eat, browse vendors, and spend an evening surrounded by neighbors and visitors who have come to enjoy one of Blue Ridge’s most anticipated annual events.
Tickets and Family-Friendly Fun
General admission tickets are currently listed at $18 in advance and $20 at the gate. Children 8 and under are free with general admission. VIP tickets are available online for $27, offering reserved prime seating in the center arena; VIP tickets are required for all ages in the VIP section.
Because this is a fundraising event, the organizers note that additional senior, military, or similar discounts are not available.
The rodeo is also designed to be enjoyed by the entire family, making it an easy choice for visitors looking for something different from the typical mountain activities.
A Great Weekend to Visit Blue Ridge
August is already a popular time to visit the North Georgia mountains. Add the Kiwanis Rodeo to the weekend, and you have the perfect opportunity to experience a different side of Blue Ridge.
Spend the day exploring downtown Blue Ridge, take a scenic drive through the mountains, enjoy a meal at one of the area’s restaurants, or spend the afternoon on the lake before heading to the fairgrounds for an evening of rodeo action.
For visitors staying in a cabin or vacation rental, the rodeo can also be a fun way to make a mountain getaway feel a little more memorable.
And for those considering Blue Ridge as a second-home or vacation-home destination, events like the Kiwanis Rodeo are part of what makes the community so appealing. Blue Ridge offers more than beautiful mountain views—it has a calendar filled with local traditions, festivals, outdoor recreation, arts, dining, and community events throughout the year.
Don’t Miss the Mountain Valley Boot Toss
The 2026 rodeo also brings back the Mountain Valley Boot Toss, with a chance for a lucky participant to win a Jeep courtesy of Mountain Valley Motors in Blue Ridge. Registration takes place at the Mountain Valley Motors booth inside the vendor hall before the rodeo begins.
It’s just one more reason to arrive early and explore the grounds before the main event begins.
Planning Your Night at the Rodeo
A few things are worth knowing before you go.
The organizers recommend using the free shuttle from Fannin County Middle School on Old Highway 76, as on-site parking is limited. The rodeo takes place rain or shine, although arena events may be temporarily delayed if lightning occurs.
Pets are not permitted, except documented medical service animals, due to the presence of livestock. Outside food is also not allowed, and smoking or vaping is prohibited in the stands.
Since the event is held outdoors and in the evening, comfortable clothing and footwear are a good idea—and don’t forget that mountain weather can change quickly.
Experience One of Blue Ridge’s Favorite Traditions
The Kiwanis Rodeo represents something that makes Blue Ridge special: the ability to combine professional entertainment with genuine community spirit.
It’s a night where locals and visitors come together, families make memories, and the energy of a traditional rodeo fills the mountain air.
So if you’re looking for something fun to do in Blue Ridge this August, mark your calendar for August 21–22, 2026 and make plans to experience the 30th Annual Kiwanis Club Championship Rodeo.
Gates open at 6:00 PM. Rodeo starts at 8:00 PM.
For tickets and the latest event information, visit the official Blue Ridge Rodeo website.
Looking for More Things to Do in Blue Ridge?
The Kiwanis Rodeo is just one of many events that make summer in the North Georgia mountains special. From outdoor adventures and scenic drives to live entertainment, local festivals, and the area’s growing dining scene, there’s always something happening in Blue Ridge.
Thinking about making Blue Ridge your home or owning a mountain retreat?
The right property isn’t just about the house—it’s about the lifestyle, community, recreation, and experiences that come with owning in the North Georgia mountains.
Interested in exploring Blue Ridge real estate? Connect with Thomas Echea and the E+E Group for local insight on mountain homes, vacation properties, investment opportunities, and luxury real estate throughout the Blue Ridge area.
