The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival is held annually in the rural town of Valley Center, CA over the Memorial Day weekend. Our quaint community is nestled in the mountains of North San Diego County and still exemplifies many aspects of America’s traditional western and agricultural lifestyles.
Since 2002, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo has provided a family-friendly rodeo as part of the annual week-long western heritage celebration that began in 1950. In 2015, we created the Memorial Festival to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans. The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival provides the ultimate venue for our town and surrounding communities to come together and participate in America’s greatest showcase of patriotism and western heritage…rodeo!
In 2017, the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) sanctioned the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo, making it the first-ever professional rodeo in Valley Center.
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo committee takes great pride in showcasing local youth through our Mutton Bustin’ event, Junior Barrel Racing, and a Calf Scramble during intermission that is open to children in attendance free of charge. In support of our stated mission, rodeo proceeds are donated to local youth organizations, as well as organizations that promote the morale of our local military.
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization – there are no paid positions. As such, we truly appreciate our dedicated volunteers and we welcome new volunteers (from high school age on up) each year. If you are interested in joining our efforts to put on the 2024 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival, please send us a message and we’ll put you in touch with the appropriate volunteer coordinator.
Happy Trails,
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Committee
The Best little Cowboy & Cowgirl Contest! April 7, 2022
This is a chance for Valley Center’s best little cowboys and cowgirls to show off their love for rodeo and compete for the chance to ride in the RAM truck with the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Queens during the rodeo! The best western outfit and cutest introduction wins! Flyer » Entry Form & Rules »
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ Sign-Ups Begin April 3, 2022
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ event is open to kids from 4 to 7 years of age, weighing 50 pounds or less. The entry fee is $50.00 and includes admission to the rodeo for the rider, plus one adult companion, and a commemorative belt buckle!
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Jr. Barrel Racing Sign‐ups Begins March 19, 2022
In keeping with our mission to promote the youth of Valley Center, the Stampede Rodeo has created a division of Barrel Racing for young, novice riders. The Junior Barrel Race event is designed to encourage young riders to get their feet wet in the sport of rodeo, without having to compete against experienced barrel racers.
Help Support the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo! Dec. 16, 2021
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo has teamed up with Legend Towing to raise funds for the 2022 Rodeo. As a 501(c) organization, you are able to donate cars, boats, tractors, etc. After we sell it, you get the IRS donation deduction for your taxes. Just give us a call and we will do the rest. For more information, contact Joyce Holmes at (760) 445-1723. Print a flyer »
Valley Center Stampede & Memorial Festival
RODEO
May 24-25, 2024
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Committee is pleased to announce that scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors to help defray the cost of the college, university or trade school that they will be attending this fall. Graduating seniors can apply for this community service based scholarship if they volunteered at two or more Valley Center Stampede Rodeos during their high school years (including this year’s rodeo) and cumulatively volunteered at least 20 hours.
The application must be competed in its entirety, along with an essay (approximately 750 words) answering the following prompt, “What impact do you believe the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival has had on the community? What made you decide to volunteer for this organization?”
All applications must be received by May 29th. The application provides more information regarding requirements and ways to submit the application. For more information, email the Rodeo at Volunteers@VCStampede.com.
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Committee is pleased to announce that $2,000 will be awarded to graduating seniors to help defray the cost of the college, university or trade school that they will be attending this fall. Graduating seniors can apply for this community service based scholarship if they volunteered at two or more Valley Center Stampede Rodeos during their high school years (including this year’s rodeo) and cumulatively volunteered at least 20 hours. The application must be competed in its entirety, along with an essay (approximately 500 words) answering the following prompt, “What impact has volunteering at the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo had in your life and how do believe community service in general will affect your future?” All applications must be received by June 1st. The second page of the application provides more information regarding requirements and ways to submit the application. VCHS Seniors will be recognized at the Senior Awards Night. For more information, email the Rodeo Scholarship Coordinator, Trina West, at foreverwest@earthlink.net.
The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival relies on the generous contributions of sponsors, vendors and others who enjoy this family-friendly event. Your donations to the Rodeo are welcome and appreciated!
One of the highlights each year is the crowning of the Valley Center Rodeo Queen, Junior Queen, Young Miss & Little Miss. The new Valley Center Rodeo Queen is crowned each April and represents the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo each May. To learn more about the pageant and see the current title holders, please visit the Rodeo Queen site.
Rodeo Queen Site
Contact Valley Center StampedeValley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival
PO Box 432
Valley Center, CA 92082
Valley Center Stampede Rodeo