Angola Prison to Host 60th Annual Spring Rodeo

The iconic event returns April 18-19 after a pandemic hiatus.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a rodeo cowboy hat in bright, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the energy and spirit of the Angola Prison Rodeo event.The Angola Prison Rodeo's iconic cowboy hat design takes center stage in a bold, pop art-inspired celebration of this long-running Louisiana tradition.Baton Rouge Today

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections is excited to welcome the public to attend the 60th anniversary Angola Prison Rodeo, scheduled for April 18-19, 2026. The iconic event, which features inmates competing in traditional rodeo events, is returning after being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

The Angola Prison Rodeo is a longstanding tradition that provides entertainment for the local community while also offering inmates opportunities to develop skills and earn money through prize winnings. The event's return signifies a return to normalcy after the disruptions of the pandemic.

The details

The Angola Prison Rodeo features inmates competing in events such as bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. Proceeds from ticket sales and concessions go towards inmate programs and facility improvements. The rodeo has been held annually since 1965, making it one of the longest-running prison rodeos in the United States.

  • The 60th Angola Prison Rodeo will take place on April 18-19, 2026.
  • The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The players

Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections

The state agency responsible for operating the Angola Prison and hosting the annual rodeo event.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Angola Prison Rodeo will go on sale to the public on the event's website in early 2026.

The takeaway

The return of the Angola Prison Rodeo is a welcome sign of the community's resilience and the prison's commitment to providing meaningful programs and activities for its inmate population.