The Wetaskiwin Agricultural Society is hosting its 26th annual Rawhide Rodeo from June 12 to 14, 2026 at the Wayne Vanouck Motorsports Track, two miles east of Wetaskiwin on Highway 13. The three-day event, now the second largest amateur rodeo in Alberta, brings together local competitors and livestock for a weekend of traditional rodeo action and family entertainment.
Rodeo fans can expect to see bull riding, barrel racing, wild pony races, sheep riding, and the popular mini chuckwagon races. There will also be food trucks, beer gardens, and a kids’ money pit. Gates open two hours before each performance, with debit available on site and no presales for admission. Free camping is offered right on the grounds for those who want to stay the whole weekend.
Organized by long-time volunteer Rod Hok, who has been involved with the Rawhide Rodeo since it began in 1999, the event has deep roots in Wetaskiwin. After a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rodeo returned in 2022 and has continued to grow, drawing competitors and spectators from across the province.
The venue itself is named after local motorsports legend Wayne Vanouck, who was inducted into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame in 2025 for his 65 years in racing and tractor pulling. The track was dedicated to him in 2019, and now hosts both motorsports and the annual rodeo, reflecting the community’s blend of agricultural and motorsports traditions.
With a focus on family-friendly fun and a chance to see Alberta’s top amateur rodeo talent, the Rawhide Rodeo remains a highlight of the summer season in central Alberta.
