North Dakota Rodeos and Powwows

Experience two key North Dakota cultural traditions

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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.

Here is a list of rodeos and powwow in North Dakota in 2019. Check back ocassionally as events are added and dates may change throughout the year.

RODEOS

February
8-9: Pofessional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo, Bismarck

April
27 -28: West Fargo High School (HS) Rodeo, West Fargo

May
3-4: Dickinson State Blue Hawk Stampede, Dickinson
4: Williston HS Rodeo
5: Killdeer HS Rodeo

27: Dickinson HS Rodeo

June
1: Bismarck HS Rodeo
2: New Salem HS Rodeo
12-16: North Dakota HS State Finals Rodeo, Bowman
22: McKenzie County Fair, North Dakota Rodeo Association (NDRA) Rodeo, Watford City
27-29: Roughrider Days Fair PRCA Rodeo, Dickinson
29-30: James River Rodeo, Jamestown

July
2-4: Mandan Rodeo Days Celebration, Mandan
3-4: Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo, Killdeer

August
3: Champions Ride, Home on the Range, Sentinel Butte

September
7: Watford City HS Rodeo
27-28: NDRA Finals Rodeo, Watford City

October
4-6: PRCA Badlands Circuit Rodeo (Y’s Men’s Rodeo) Minot