North Dakota Rodeos and Powwows
Rodeos and powwows are important parts of North Dakota culture. The dates surrounding the Fourth of July are known as Cowboy Christmas for all the money that can be earned at the rodeos held around the holiday. Eight seconds seems so long when you're watching a cowboy hang on for dear life. From national professional events to local high school competitions, rodeo isn't just a sport in North Dakota, it's a feel-the-dirt-in-your-teeth way of life.
The Algonquin word "pau wau" was the Native American word some of the first Europeans associated with dancing. Although pau wau meant "he dreams" to the Algonquins, the term was eventually accepted by Europeans to refer to dancing, later being spelled "powwow."
Powwows were originally held in the spring to celebrate the beginning of new life, but are now held throughout the year. The celebrations often have religious significance, but are also a time for people to gather, sing, dance, feast, pray, renew old friendships and make new ones. These celebrations are still an important part of life for many American Indians.
2021 Rodeos
May 31: Dickinson High School Rodeo, Dickinson
June 5-6: Elgin Saddle Club NDRA Rodeo, Elgin
June 5-6: Dodge RRA Rodeo, Dodge
June 12: Home on the Range Barrel Race, Sentinel Butte
June 12-13: Bull Blowout, Dickinson
June 12-13: White Earth RRA Rodeo, White Earth
June 18-19: Bottineau RRA Rodeo,
June 18-19: Professional Bull Riding, Bismarck
June 19: McKenzie County Fair NDRA Rodeo, Watford City
June 25-26: Dunseith RRA Rodeo, Dunseith
June 25-27: Roughrider Days Rodeo, Dickinson
July 2-3: Roughrider Rodeo, Jamestown
July 2-4: Mandan Rodeo Days PRCA Rodeo, Mandan
July 2-4: Killdeer Mountain Roundup PRCA Rodeo, Killdeer
July 3-4: Towner NDRA Rodeo, Towner
July 4: Sheyenne Stampede NDRA Rodeo, Sheyenne
July 16-17: Stark County NDRA Rodeo, Dickinson
July 23-24: Maddock RRA Rodeo, Maddock
July 24-25: Fort Totten RRA Rodeo, Fort Totten
July 31-Aug. 1: Antler RRA Rodeo, Antler
Aug. 6-7: Max RRA Rodeo, Max
Aug. 7-8: Ray RRA Rodeo, Ray
Aug. 13-14: Richardton RRA Rodeo, Richardton
Aug. 21: Grant County Fair Rodeo, Carson
Sept. 3-5: Rough Rider Rodeo Finals, Jamestown
Sept. 11: Watford City High School Rodeo, Watford City
Sept. 24-25: NDRA Rodeo Finals, Watford City
Oct 1-3: Dickinson State Bluehawk Stampede Rode, Dickinson
2021 Powwows/Celebrations
May 1: Jackpot Indian Relay, Parshall
May 27-30: Four Bears Powwow, New Town
June 11-13: Flag Day Celebration, Cannon Ball
June 25-27: Santee/Lucky Mound Powwow, Parshall
Aug. 6-8: Twin Buttes Powwow, Twin Buttes
Aug. 13-15: Little Shell Powwow, New Town
Aug. 20-22: Turtle Mtn Little Shell Memorial Powwow, Dunseith
Sept. 3-5: Labor Day Powwow, Belcourt
Sept. 10-12: United Tribes International Powwow, Bismarck
