The West is home to many rodeos, but nothing compares to the Greeley Stampede - a phenomenon all its own. The Stampede tradition began in the 1800s when people came together to honor local potato farmers. Today it’s grown to an internationally known festival drawing more than 250,000 fans from around the world. The event is a magical combination of local culture and tradition with the thrilling competition and athleticism of pro rodeo, a prestigious art show and so much more – a county fair for all.
Organize a weekend of fun with your family, friends, neighbors or visitors. The 2025 Stampede begins June 25 and continues through July 6. The hardest question is when to attend, so check out the schedule here.
Day 1
Stay strong right out of the chute at Roasty’s Diner, featuring hearty breakfast items like omelettes, skillets and huevos rancheros. Continue exploring Greeley and find an authentic cowboy hat at Greeley Hat Works, a leader in cowboy and Western hats for 116 years. Happy customers include many localities, as well as fans like Jimmy Fallon, Miranda Lambert, Kevin Costner, Todd Helton and many more!
Next, you can learn all about Greeley’s heritage that goes into the Stampede at the Centennial Village Museum, a living museum on eight acres with 35 unique structures very close to Island Grove. The museum tells the story of the area’s tough pioneers who built a robust farming and ranching economy. Your Stampede ticket will get you into Centennial Village on June 28, 29, July 4, 5 and 6. Check out the Centennial Village Calendar for details about events featuring Rattlesnake Kate, learning to fight fires, and making toys from another era.
After shopping and learning, answer your lunchtime stomach growls at The Cow Saloon & Eatery whose motto is Eat. Drink. Moo. With appetizers ranging from quesadillas to pesto bread, classic and unique sandwiches and tasty desserts, you can’t help but moo with pleasure.
After lunch, head back to historic downtown Greeley to LINC Library Innovation Center, a 62,000-square-foot building featuring a diverse collection of exhibits and spaces for all ages to play and learn. Don’t miss the permanent installation “Where Water Flows Uphill,” inspired by the local river Cache le Poudre that means “hide the powder,” referring to French trappers hiding gun powder during a snowstorm.
Staying with the cattle theme for dinner, try Boss Burgers, a ghost kitchen concept located in Stella’s Pinball Arcade and Lounge in downtown. Options range from the traditional burger to the Human Torch Burger.
Day 2
Prepare for a busy day with a leisurely breakfast at Doug's Day Diner, a locally owned favorite that prepares most menu items from scratch using fresh and clean ingredients.
Finally, the big event is here! Proceed to Island Grove Regional Park to enjoy everything the Greeley Stampede has to offer. Your admission ticket includes the carnival, music, exhibitors and vendors and more. Don’t miss the Stampede Western Art Exhibition and Sale featuring nationally acclaimed, legacy, local and youth artists. Grab lunch and snacks from the many food vendors throughout the park.
Be sure to grab tickets to the big events. Rodeo is one of the most thrilling sport genres today, testing world class competitors in bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing and roping events. The Superstars Concert series features artists like Ludacris, Warren Zeiders, and Justin Moore with Clay Walker.
So, dust off your hat and pull on your boots for the Greeley Stampede. Whether you come to Greeley to open the festivities at the longhorn drive through downtown Greeley, attend a rodeo or concert, help close out the Stampede with the state’s largest Independence Day Parade, we are happy to host you in Greeley!
