Oakdale Rodeo Draws Crowds Across Central Valley

72nd annual event celebrates Western tradition and cowboy culture

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a rodeo scene with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and movement of the event.The Oakdale Rodeo's iconic events, from bull riding to flag-bearing horse displays, come alive in a cubist interpretation that captures the thrill and community spirit of this longstanding Central Valley tradition.Oakdale Today

The Oakdale Saddle Club Grounds came alive with the sounds of cheering crowds, roaring bulls, and pounding hooves as the 72nd annual Oakdale Rodeo kicked off last weekend. The event, deeply rooted in Western tradition, is one of Oakdale's most anticipated events, bringing the community together for a weekend of bull riding, livestock competitions, and heritage celebrations.

Why it matters

The Oakdale Rodeo is a longstanding tradition that showcases the city's identity as the 'Cowboy Capital of the World.' The event draws visitors from across the Central Valley and beyond, celebrating the region's agricultural and ranching history while fostering a sense of community pride.

The details

The Rodeo featured a variety of classic events that kept the crowd entertained, including bull riding, where the top riders of the day were 24-year-old Dawson Branton with a score of 85, 27-year-old Kyle Eaton with a score of 83, and 32-year-old Colby Demo with a score of 80. Horse riding events also captivated the audience, and a patriotic display during the national anthem, with a woman riding a horse while holding the American flag, drew cheers from the crowd.

  • The Oakdale Rodeo is held annually on the second weekend of April.
  • The 72nd annual Oakdale Rodeo took place on April 12th, 2026.

The players

Oakdale Saddle Club

The organization that officially established the Oakdale Rodeo in 1957.

Savannah Sahagun

A Fresno State senior and Agricultural Business major who attended the Oakdale Rodeo.

Dawson Branton

A 24-year-old bull rider who scored 85 points at the Oakdale Rodeo.

Kyle Eaton

A 27-year-old bull rider who scored 83 points at the Oakdale Rodeo.

Colby Demo

A 32-year-old bull rider who scored 80 points at the Oakdale Rodeo.

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What they’re saying

“As someone who is studying agriculture, I think events like this are important because they show how Oakdale supports this kind of industry, especially since most of my family and friends come together for one of the best Rodeos around.”

— Savannah Sahagun, Senior, Agricultural Business

“It was a real symbol of America, seeing the horse racing so fast with the flag blowing in the wind. I had a drink in one hand and a corn dog in the other, and I said this is what being American is about.”

— Devin Harwell, Frequent Oakdale Rodeo attendee

“This is my first time at the Rodeo, and so far it's been such a great experience; I came with some friends and it's incredible to see so many people all come together for their shared love of cowboy culture.”

— Estefany Esquivel, First-time Oakdale Rodeo attendee

What’s next

The Oakdale Rodeo will return for its 73rd annual event on the second weekend of April 2027.

The takeaway

The Oakdale Rodeo remains a beloved tradition that celebrates the region's agricultural heritage and brings the community together through shared experiences of Western culture and cowboy pride.