Hudson’s Hope Rodeo returns with 2026 edition on last weekend of July

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — The end of the month of July means the return of what some call ‘the greatest little rodeo in the world.’

The 2026 Hudson’s Hope Rodeo takes place over two days in the district, beginning on July 25 at the Hudson’s Hope Rodeo Grounds.

A storied event in the peace region, it has existed in some form since the 1950s, with the most recent iteration beginning in 2023 after 15 years of dormancy.

Travis Winnicky, president of the Hudson’s Hope Rodeo, told Energeticcity.ca while the event stalled throughout the 2010s due to a lack of volunteers, local rodeo has returned.

“For a while, we were having a lack of volunteers, but rodeo is back in the north,” said Winnicky. “It took a lull for about 10 years; people weren’t around to [organize] it.”

“Now, we have five open rodeos in the area. [North Peace Rodeo] was a couple of weeks ago, Hudson’s Hope is this weekend, and Doig River’s Rodeo is next weekend.”

An open rodeo event, the Hudson’s Hope Rodeo consists of two one-day competitions in various disciplines, such as bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, ladies’ barrel racing, team roping, breakaway open roping, tie down roping, and ranch bronc.

Junior events will also take place, featuring U-12 and U-16 events, including steer riding, breakaway junior calf roping, junior barrel racing and more.  

According to Winnicky, 180 total participants will be featured in 2026.

Food vendors will also be on hand for attendees, and the rodeo itself will manage the beer garden, as Canadian Brewhouse did in 2025.

On the evening of July 25,  after the rodeo, a concert will be held featuring artists Darion Wray and the Outlaw Orchestra at the Gary Powell Memorial Dance Hall, starting at 9 p.m.

Pancake breakfast, courtesy of the Hudson’s Hope Fire and Rescue Service, will be free for attendees on July 26 starting at 7 a.m.

Sponsorship for the event comes from West Moberly First Nations, with additional sponsorship coming from the Charlie Lake General Store, H.D. Services, Commotion Creek Contracting, Pine River Holdings, Butler Ridge Energy Services, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Duz Cho Construction, Longhorn Oilfield Services, Squarehead Holdings, Horse Shoe Creek Outfitters, Pacific Canbriam Energy, Arc Resources, Enbridge, and P and L Ventures.

Tickets for the event start at $15 for adults, children aged six to 12 are $5, with free admission for those over 60 years old and children under six.

Weekend passes, and tickets for the 19-plus dance are $25 each, and can be purchased at the event.

The 2026 Hudson’s Hope Rodeo starts on July 25, with a ‘slack’ start at 8 a.m., and the main event performances beginning at 1 p.m. each day at 9505 Taylor Ave. in Hudson’s Hope.

Further details can be found by visiting the Hudson’s Hope Rodeo’s Facebook page.