Seventy Years on the Same Ranch, in the Same Family
In 1955, Haynes Kueckelhan was in college when he started a friendly competition among local cowboys in Fannin County. His father Howard backed him up and let them use the family's working ranch. That small gathering grew into one of the most distinctive rodeo events in North Texas — three nights of professional competition on the same land, run by the same family, every last weekend of July without interruption for nearly seven decades.
The 2026 event is approximately the 70th Annual Kueckelhan Ranch Rodeo. It is sanctioned by CRRA, UPRA, and CPRA. Competitors earn qualifying points toward national and world championship events. Thousands of spectators attend from across the country and beyond.
What makes it different from a standard arena rodeo: the setting is a genuine working ranch, not a convention center. The Grand Entry parade that opens each performance features hundreds of local farmers and ranchers on horseback — in everyday clothes, some riding bareback, some with children up in the saddle. Families who have ridden in the Grand Entry for multiple generations are not unusual here.
What to Expect
Three Nights of Professional Rodeo
Each performance runs approximately two hours of non-stop professional competition beginning at 8:00 PM. Gates open at 6:30 PM — arrive early for vendors, food, and a good seat before the Grand Entry launches the night.
Grand Entry Parade
Opens every night. Hundreds of local farmers and ranchers on horseback — the largest Grand Entry parade on the rodeo circuit. A genuine Fannin County tradition.
Bull Riding
Professional bull riding with rough stock provided by Wing Rodeo Co. One of the signature draws every night.
Barrel Racing
Timed barrel racing competition. One of the crowd favorites across all three nights.
Bareback & Saddle Bronc
Classic rough stock events. Athletes competing for points toward national and world championship qualifying.
Team Roping & Tie-Down
Team roping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and steer wrestling round out the timed events across the three-night program.
Mutton Busting
Kids event. Young riders hang on to sheep for as long as they can. A crowd favorite on all three nights and a regular first rodeo memory for Fannin County kids.
Food & Vendors
Nonprofit organizations operate food, souvenir, and merchandise booths. Mechanical bull rides and rodeo merch available nightly.
All-Around Champion
Trophy saddle awarded to the All-Around Champion. Trophy buckles for event champions each night. Added money across all events.
Location & Getting There
Eight Miles North of Bonham on Highway 78
The Kueckelhan Rodeo Grounds are on the family's working ranch at 7036 S. State Hwy 78, Bonham, TX 75418. The address is sometimes listed as north of town — the direction you travel on Highway 78 (Center Street) from downtown Bonham. It is 8 miles from the town square. From Four Winds at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr, the drive is roughly 15 minutes.
From Dallas, plan 90 minutes to Bonham via US-75 N to US-82 E, then 10 more minutes north on Hwy 78 to the ranch. Parking is on the ranch grounds.
| Dates | Thu–Sat, last weekend of July 2026 · July 23–25, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Edition | ~70th Annual |
| Location | Kueckelhan Rodeo Grounds · 7036 S. State Hwy 78, Bonham, TX 75418 |
| Gates open | 6:30 PM nightly |
| Performance | 8:00 PM nightly (∼2 hours) |
| Tickets | Advance discount at Bonham Chamber & Visitors Center · At gate: adult ~$12–$15 Thu/Fri, higher Sat (verify 2026 pricing) |
| Sanctioned | CRRA / UPRA / CPRA |
| Entry info | 903-640-8867 (competitor entry) |
| From Bonham sq. | 8 miles north on Hwy 78 · ~15 min |
| From Four Winds | ~15 min north on Hwy 78 |
| From Dallas | ~90 min to Bonham via US-75 N / US-82 E, then 10 min north |
| Advance tickets | Bonham Area Chamber · 327 N. Main St · 903-583-4811 |
Base Camp 8 Miles from the Arena
Four Winds Victorian Venue and Suites is a historic, owner-occupied private residence at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr in Bonham — about 15 minutes south of the rodeo grounds on Highway 78. Stay three nights, attend all three performances. No cleaning fee. Self check-in. Two pet-friendly cottages available. More space than any chain hotel within an hour of Bonham. Reservations through our third-party short-term rental platform.
Reserve Your StayFAQ
Kueckelhan Ranch Rodeo 2026 — Common Questions
It is a professional rodeo, sanctioned by CRRA, UPRA, and CPRA. Competitors earn qualifying points toward national and world championship events. The rodeo features added prize money, trophy saddles, and championship buckles. It has been operating continuously for approximately 70 years.
Advance and season tickets are sold at the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce (327 N. Main St, 903-583-4811) and the Bonham Visitors Center. Discount pricing is available until noon on opening day Thursday. Day-of tickets are available at the gate at standard pricing.
From downtown Bonham, take Highway 78 (Center Street) north for approximately 8 miles. The Kueckelhan Rodeo Grounds are on the right at 7036 S. State Hwy 78. From Four Winds at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr, it's about 15 minutes. The City of Bonham also notes: “Event is 8 miles north of town square — follow Hwy 78 / Center St.”
Yes. The rodeo has strong family attendance and a long tradition of local families bringing children. Mutton busting is a regular kids event across all three nights. Food vendors, souvenir booths, and mechanical bull rides are available. Gates open at 6:30 PM — arriving early gives kids time to explore before the 8 PM performance.
Yes. Four Winds has no minimum stay requirement and is available for multi-night reservations. A three-night stay lets you attend all three performances. The property is about 15 minutes south of the rodeo grounds. No cleaning fee. Self check-in. Reservations through our third-party short-term rental platform.