Ellensburg Rodeo & Kittitas County Fair

The Ellensburg Rodeo is one of the "old rodeos." It has earned its place as one of America's Top 25 professional rodeos. Started in 1923 with the same volunteer spirit that still "fuels the fire" of today's volunteers, the rodeo has grown from a local competition among ranch hands to the Professional event of today with over 500 contestants and prize money in excess of $250,000! Today's best riders, ropers, and wrestlers compete in what many consider to be the best rodeo arena in the nation. The Friday night opening performance starts in the evening and ends under the stars. The Saturday and Sunday afternoon "perfs" feel electrically charged by the brilliant blue sky. It all leads up to the Labor Day Monday Championship Finals... the best of the best dueling in the dirt!

The Kittitas County Fair, held at the Kittitas Valley Event Center, is a premier example of the hard work and dedication of 100s of volunteers and the facility staff - a tradition that was set in place at Kittitas County’s first fair held in 1885. Their dedication to this tradition exemplifies community pride and a sense of connection to each other and will certainly make you feel welcome and part of something very special. You can explore all of the exhibits located in buildings throughout the fairgrounds; learn about our county's history and heritage in Frontier Village; enjoy the games and rides at the carnival; and, make certain not to miss the 4-H and Future Farmers of America Junior Livestock Sale and Auction and witness the accomplishments of our young people and the community support for their efforts.