For more than eight decades, the Dayton Rodeo has attracted large audiences from across Iowa to experience bull riding, barrel racing, youth mutton busting, and wild horse races.

Returning this year includes the One-Armed Bandit, along with the 10-time PRCA Clown of the year, Justin Rumford.

All weekend there will be city-wide garage sales and vendors in the park.

The top of the hill during the rodeo showcases carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, and the main entrance for the rodeo.

The 2025 Grand Marshal is Paul Erickson. He plays a vital role in keeping the rodeo running smoothly.

“Paul’s dedicated service to both the rodeo and community of Dayton made choosing him as the grand marshal an easy decision,” said Clayton Bills, vice chairman of the rodeo committee.

On Friday, Aug. 29, will be the RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) night. Guests are encouraged to wear red to show support of military members currently serving deployment. Friday is also military appreciation night. Show a military ID to receive a $3 discount. Iowa Central Community College students can also show their ID to get the $3 discount as well. Discounted tickets are only available at the box office.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the gates open at 5 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. After each show will be fireworks and guests are also invited to join the after party at Shed 37 with live music to dance to.

Monday, Sept 3 is kids’ day. Kids 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Monday gates will open at 11:30 a.m. with the rodeo beginning at 1:30 p.m. They will also have the annual Labor Day parade at 10 a.m. The route begins at Oak Park, travels through downtown and ends by the Grand View Health Center.

Tickets for the rodeo are $25 for adults and $12 for kids 6-11. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or skip the line and buy pre-sale tickets online at daytonrodeo.com by clicking the link on the home page.

“This is our 88th year, and it is a family tradition for a lot of people,” said Bills. “The professional rodeos you see on TV is what you will be seeing in the small town of Dayton, Iowa.”

Schedule of Events:

Friday – Aug. 29, 2025

5:00 PM Rodeo Arena Gates Open

6:50 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB

7:00 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo

RED NIGHT – Remember Everyone Deployed – Wear RED to show your support of military currently serving deployment.

Military Appreciation – Show a military ID to receive a $3 discount- VALID FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY. (Box Office purchase only – not available for online ticket sales). We THANK YOU for your service.

Triton Discount – ICCC College Students get a $3 discount with your College ID. – VALID FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY – Only available at Box Office

After the Rodeo – FIREWORKS Show

Rodeo Dance – @ Shed ’37 – The Official ‘After Party’ of the Dayton Rodeo

Saturday – Aug. 30, 2025

10:00 AM SLACK – Free Admittance

5:00 PM Rodeo Arena Gates Open

6:50 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB

7:00 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo ommunity Service Award at 6:40 pm.

After the Rodeo – FIREWORKS Show

Rodeo Dance – @ Shed ’37 – The Official ‘After Party’ of the Dayton Rodeo

Sunday – AUG. 31, 2025

5:00 PM Rodeo Arena Gates Open

6:50 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB

7:00 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo | COWBOY UP FOR CANCER Night

PINK NIGHT – Flood the Hill with PINK to show your support for breast cancer awareness and prevention!

After the Rodeo – FIREWORKS Show

Rodeo Dance – @ Shed ’37 – The Official ‘After Party’ of the Dayton Rodeo

Monday – Sept. 1, 2025

KIDS DAY Kids 11 & Under FREE with paid adult!

10:00 AM Annual Dayton Labor Day Parade- Parade Route begins at Oak Park, traveling through downtown Dayton and ends by Grandview Health Care Center.

11:30 AM Rodeo Arena Gates Open

1:25 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB

1:30 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo

Special Presentation begins at 1:10 pm