New Mexico Gay Rodeo Zia Regional Rodeo

The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association (NMGRA) Celebrates 34 years of Gay Rodeo in New Mexico”


New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association (NMGRA) hosts the 34th annual Zia Regional Rodeo, a charitable event to be held in Santa Fe, NM at the Rodeo de Santa Fe grounds located at 3237 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe, NM on August 22-23.

For immediate Release July 30, 2026
Media Contacts:
Jeff Lowe, NMGRA President: [email protected]

Dave Henzel, NMGRA Co-Rodeo Director: [email protected]
Ryan Perrigo, NMGRA Co-Rodeo Director: [email protected]

All events are at the Rodeo de Santa Fe grounds (more info at nmgra.org)

The New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association (NMGRA), a 501c3 organization, announces that the Zia Regional Rodeo (a family friendly event) will be held on August 22 and 23 at the Rodeo de Santa Fe grounds, 3237 Rodeo Rd (Rodeo Rd and Avenida Pueblos)

Both days, the Grand Entry will begin at 10:00 am (Gates open at 9:00 am)

A Rodeo School, for beginners, will be held on Friday with information listed below:

Thursday, August 20:
Sip & Shop event from 6:00-8:00 at (South) Western, a gently used clothing store 510 N Guadalupe St.

Friday, August 21:
Rodeo School registration (on site) will begin at 9:00 am and School starts at 10:00 am
Music and live entertainment 7:00-10:00 pm

Saturday, August 22:
Rodeo begins with “Grand Entry” at 10:00 am (gates open at 9:00 am)
Mingle with the contestants at the bar after the rodeo
30 minutes after the rodeo ends we will have music and live entertainment
Country Western dancing after the live entertainment until 10:00 pm

Sunday, August 23:
Rodeo begins with “Grand Entry” at 10:00 am (gates open at 9:00 am)
Mingle with the contestants at the bar after the rodeo
Approximately two hours after the rodeo ends we will have the Awards Ceremony (under the tent)

Rodeo fans can watch the action for $15 each for Saturday or Sunday, ($25 for a weekend pass). Tickets at the gate or online at www.nmgra.org.

There will be food, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and vendors in addition to the exciting rodeo action.

Gay Rodeo events include animal friendly Breakaway Calf Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Flag Race, Pole Bending and rough stock events like Bull Riding and Steer Riding.

There are three “camp events” that are sure to entertain the crowd, including the fun “Wild Drag Race”. A team of three tries to get a costumed “drag” contestant mounted on the back of an uncooperative steer. If you have never seen the hilarious and unpredictable Wild Drag Race…..now is your chance! Plus, we'll be doing a community goat dressing event where we invite those in the bleachers to join us on the arena floor to compete for prestigious belt buckles! You HAVE to come see it to believe it!

Here’s what you need to know:
We provide an all inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to participate in rodeo events, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These rodeos feature top notch competitors in a variety of events, including traditional rodeo competitions like bull riding, barrel racing, and roping events, as well as unique events like The Wild Drag Race, Steer Decorating and Goat Dressing.

2026 is a banner year, we celebrate 50 years of gay rodeo. The first gay rodeo was held in Nevada in 1976 as a fund-raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Today, Gay rodeos are held in many states.

The Zia Regional Rodeo is sanctioned by the International Gay Rodeo Association.

Home | NMGRA Check out the New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association website for everything rodeo, royalty, and community. From membership details and sponsorship opportunities to event updates and information on the 34th Annual Zia Regional Rodeo, it’s all there. As a proud member of the International Gay Rodeo Associ...

Zia Regional Rodeo 2026. More Information at: NMGRA.org

Here is the Zia Regional Charity Rodeo 32 Weekend Schedule
At the Rodeo de Santa Fe Grounds

Thursday August 22, 2024
6-10 PM Welcome Party at Tumbleroot @2791 Aqua Fria.
Santa Fe Royalty Show to Include Imperial Courts, IGRA and more.
Meet & Greet the Cowboys and Cowgirls , NMGRA Board & a special award presentation.
Specialty Drinks Available All Night Long!

Friday, August 23, 2024
Rodeo School -Rodeo De Santa Fe ( yes you can learn some events)
10AM Sign-ups for – 11AM-2 Rodeo School(arena)lunch following.

Rodeo Registration 5pm-7pm (under tent)
5PM-7PM – Visiting Royalty Entertainment sign-ups.
Cash Bar by Tumbleroot Brewery until 10pm.

Rodeo is come and go at your leisure, action is 11-5 pm

Saturday, August 24, 2024
10AM Front Gates Open for general admission.

11AM Rodeo Begins with Grand Entry

8pm Saturday Show and Dancing under the moonlight!!
Cash Bar by Tumbleroot Brewery until 10pm.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

10AM Front Gates Open for general admission.

11AM Rodeo Begins with Grand Entry
Approximately 4pm rodeo ends

Awards Ceremony 8pm with some special selected performances.
Cash Bar by Tumbleroot Brewery until 10PM.

Zia Rodeo will be hosting a rodeo school on Friday from 10-2. CROF, Chute Do***ng, Deco, Barrel Racing . Registration is at 1000 am , $20 per event, 2 goes per event.

Zia Regional Rodeo 2025

You can delete it….. but you can never un-see it.

It's finally here! Come join us at the Rodeo TODAY! Meet us at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds; tickets are sold at the door.

You could be putting tighty whities on a goat today! Come join us at Rodeo School at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds at 11:00 am. Everyone is welcome!

The wait is almost over! The rodeo is THIS WEEKEND. If you want to participate, come to Cowboy School tomorrow at 11:00 am at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds. If you want to watch all the fun, meet us Saturday morning at 10:00 am, tickets sold at the door!

The Zia Regional Rodeo is this weekend! It has all of your favorite rodeo events like Bull Riding, and Barrel Racing along with the "camp" events like Goat Dressing, Drag Race and more!

For more information go to http://nmgra.org/rodeo/