Homestead Rodeo: What to Know Before You Go
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The Homestead Rodeo is a yearly professional rodeo in Homestead, Florida. The Homestead Championship Rodeo is held in late January, according to its official website, and it has been part of Homestead life since 1949. It is held at the ""Doc"" DeMilly Rodeo Arena, 1034 NE 8th Street, Homestead, FL 33031. If you are looking at homes at Ivy Ranch, the rodeo is one of the best-known events in the area.
This guide covers what the rodeo is, what you can see there, and how to find the current schedule. It does not list dates or prices, because they change every year.
What the Homestead Rodeo Is
The Homestead Championship Rodeo is run by the Homestead Rodeo Association. The association's website says it is an all-volunteer nonprofit. The website also calls it the only PRCA rodeo in Miami-Dade County. PRCA stands for Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. That means it is a professional event.
According to the rodeo's history page, the first Homestead Rodeo was held on November 11, 1949, at Municipal Park. The Elks Lodge sponsored it. The Homestead Rodeo Association formed in 1952. The home page calls it one of the oldest annual professional sporting events in South Florida.
You can learn more on the Homestead Rodeo website and its history page.
When It Happens
The rodeo is held in late January each year. The exact dates change. The site lists the schedule on its calendar of events.
The site says the rodeo goes on rain or shine. It also lists the gate times and show times for each day. Always check the current year's page, because times can change.
What You Can See
The rodeo's website lists these events:
Barrel racing
Breakaway roping
Team roping
Bareback riding
Saddle bronc riding
Bull riding
Tie-down roping
Steer wrestling
All-around champion
If you do not know rodeo words, here is a quick guide. Bronc riding is when a rider tries to stay on a bucking horse. Bull riding is the same idea with a bull. Roping is when a rider ropes a calf. Barrel racing is when a rider and horse race around barrels in a pattern.
The site also lists specialty acts, such as the Homestead Everglades Posse Mounted Drill Team and Faithful W Ranch.
More Than a Rodeo
The Homestead Rodeo Association also runs other programs. The website lists:
Books and Broncs Literacy Program. A reading program tied to the rodeo.
Rodeo Dance. A dance event.
Rodeo Queen Pageant. A pageant for the rodeo.
Check the website for the latest details about each program.
How to Plan Your Day
Here is a simple plan:
Go to the official website. Check the dates, the gate times and the show times.
Get tickets from the official page. The site has a tickets page.
Check the venue address. Use the street address, not a guess.
Plan your route. Use a map app on the day you go.
Dress for the weather. The rodeo goes on rain or shine.
Arrive early. Parking and lines take time.
If you want to eat before or after, our guide to downtown Homestead and the Seminole Theatre lists restaurants from the theatre's own website. Restaurants change, so confirm before you go.
Why the Rodeo Matters to Home Buyers
A rodeo is a good example of how Homestead is different from other South Florida cities. It still has farms, ranches and a long local history. People here also grow tropical fruit and plants. See our guides to nurseries in Homestead and farmers markets in Homestead.
If you want a newer home in a place with local character, Ivy Ranch is one option. It is a D.R. Horton community with two one-story plans. The Fraser has about 2,533 square feet and the Camden has about 2,837 square feet. Both have four bedrooms and a three-car garage. The builder says Ivy Ranch is just west of Krome Avenue. Our Krome Avenue guide explains the road.
See the Ivy Ranch community page for more.
What Does an Ivy Ranch Home Cost?
Ivy Ranch homes have recently started in the high $860,000s to the low $880,000s. Lot, options and incentives change the final number, and the builder updates them often. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers.
A First-Timer's Guide to Rodeo
If you have never been to a rodeo, here is what to expect.
Some events are timed. Barrel racing, roping and steer wrestling are against the clock. The fastest time wins.
Some events are scored. In bronc riding and bull riding, a rider tries to stay on for eight seconds, and judges give points for the ride. Check the rodeo's rules for details.
Many events happen in one show. The announcer explains what is going on, so you do not need to know everything.
The animals are athletes too. Both the riders and the animals get scores in some events.
Tips for Families
A rodeo can be a good family day. A few ideas:
Bring ear protection for little ones. It can get loud.
Bring water and sun protection. Florida weather can be hot, even in winter, and the sun can be strong.
Check what you can bring in. The rodeo's website or contact page can tell you about bags, food and drinks.
Arrive early. You will have time to find your seats and look around.
Take a break if you need one. Kids can get tired during a long show.
Know the exits. Pick a meeting spot in case you get separated.
Why Locals Care
Many events come and go. A rodeo that has run since 1949 is a sign that a place has deep roots. Neighbors know each other here. The Homestead Rodeo Association's website says its programs include reading and community events, not only the rodeo itself. That is part of what makes a town feel like home.
What to Do Before and After
Make a small plan so the day runs smoothly. Pick where you will park, where you will meet your group, and what you will do if the weather turns. After the show, many people look for a meal in downtown Homestead. Our Krome Avenue guide names the main street downtown, and the Seminole Theatre's website lists restaurants. Confirm each restaurant's hours before you go.
Common Questions
When is the Homestead Rodeo?
The Homestead Championship Rodeo is held in late January each year, according to its official website. The exact dates change, so check the rodeo's calendar for the current year.
Where is the Homestead Rodeo held?
It is held at the ""Doc"" DeMilly Rodeo Arena, 1034 NE 8th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, according to the rodeo's contact page.
How long has the Homestead Rodeo been going?
The rodeo's history page says the first Homestead Rodeo was held on November 11, 1949. The Homestead Rodeo Association formed in 1952.
What events are at the Homestead Rodeo?
The website lists barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and an all-around champion award.
Does the rodeo happen in the rain?
The rodeo's website says it is held rain or shine. Check the site before you go in case anything changes.
Where do I buy Homestead Rodeo tickets?
Use the tickets page on the official Homestead Rodeo website. We do not list ticket prices here, because they change from year to year.
Who runs the Homestead Rodeo?
The Homestead Rodeo Association runs it. The association's website says it is an all-volunteer nonprofit.
Call 561-704-0091 or See Ivy Ranch: Schedule a Visit to tour Ivy Ranch and ask Simon what it is like to live in Homestead.
Related reading: Seminole Theatre, Farmers Market in Homestead, FL, Krome Avenue in Homestead, Nursery in Homestead, FL, Homestead Hospital, and the Ivy Ranch community page.