Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo

Written By: Sarah Reish

Photos By: Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo

If you don’t call the Casper area home, you might want to make your way down July 9th through the 17th for 9 days of exciting events at the local fair and rodeo grounds! Beginning July 9th, visitors can enjoy the largest carnival in Wyoming leading up to 5 nights of one of the top 35 PRCA rodeos in the U.S – the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo.

The History

Casper’s first fair on record dates to 1904 when it was first organized as a state-wide celebration known as the Industrial Convention. For many years to follow, without a permanent place to call home, Casper’s early fairs and rodeos changed names and hands frequently and were hosted at a variety of locations. After Harry Knight took over producing the rodeo solely, the now Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo finally found its permanent residence. 

What it Looks Like Today

As one of Wyoming’s premier annual events, the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo aims to celebrate the best of summer to residents and visitors alike. With timeless carnival rides, a parade, vocal contests, exhibits and five nightly PRCA rodeo performances where athletes compete in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, bull riding, and barrel racing to name a few. 

Schedule of Events & Details

The festivities begin on Friday afternoon with the Crabtree Amusement Carnival, and the event lineup from there does not disappoint!

• Crabtree Amusement Carnival 

  • Enjoy carnival rides, food, games and fun for all ages!

    • July 9 –July 12 from 3PM until 11:59PM; July 13 –July 17 from 12PM – 11:59PM

    • Located at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Midway

    • Admission

      • Advance Purchase Carnival Day Pass $30

      • Onsite Carnival Day Pass $35

      • Advance Purchase Carnival Fun Pass $80. Restrictions apply; read more details here.

  • The Voice Casper

    • Brought back by popular demand, vocalists will participate in a contest mirrored after the hit TV show.

      • July 9 – July 10 – July 12 from 7 – 9PM; July 17 from7 – 7:30PM 

      • Located at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Free Stage (Opening Day – Monday) and Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Outdoor Area (Saturday)

      • Free 

  • Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival

    • Head downtown Casper to enjoy the free community pancake breakfast and art competition for all skill levels.

      • July 10 from 8AM – Noon 

      • Located Downtown Casper

      • Free 

  • Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Parade

    • Visitors will view decorated floats, vehicles, equestrians, bands and more during this annual parade!

      • July 13 from 10AM – Noon

      • Free

  • Live Shark Experience

    • Meet the eyes of a live shark during one of these fascinating shows!

      • July 13 – July 17 from 1PM – 3PM, 3 shows daily

      • Free

  • PRCA Rodeo 

    • Enjoy nightly rodeo events from bareback riding to team roping.

      • July 13 –July 17 from 7:30PM – 9:30PM

      • Located at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Outdoor Area

      • Admission: 

        • Gate admission Monday – Friday free; Tuesday – Saturday $5 (8 and under free with paid adult)

        • Box Seats $15 and $18

        • Chute Seats $22

        • Children 8 and under free admission to general admission seating areas. All box and chute seats are charged regardless of age. 

        • All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges

 For more information, visit Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo’s calendar here and/or contact 307-235-5775 or centralwyomingfair@bresnan.net.

 Hit the Road!

Celebrate the history of our state’s fairs and rodeos by attending in-person! If you make it to the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, be sure to post your photos on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld