The best week of the year is back in Prescott. It’s the 4th of July. A must-see for everyone in Arizona and beyond, Independence Day and Prescott Rodeo Week are more western, more fun, and more celebratory than any other week of the year.

The oldest rodeo in the world is the biggest attraction, but Prescott and its surrounding communities are festive every day and everywhere. Here’s our complete guide to making the most of Independence Day weekend and Prescott Rodeo Week.

World’s Oldest Rodeo | Prescott Frontier Days

The world’s oldest rodeo is one of Arizona’s signature events. Held from June 28th to July 4th, you’ll be able to see the West in action all week long.

Since 1888, Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. has hosted the World’s Oldest Rodeo® each year at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. The 2022 rodeo will run from Tuesday, June 28th through Monday, July 4th. Relax and enjoy your favorite events: Steer Wrestling, Bareback Riding, Tie Down Roping, Women’s Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronx Riding, Team Roping, Women’s Barrel Racing, Bull Riding and other great entertainment. You can also shop at local vendors, experience a fun rodeo game and eat delicious treats.

Photo courtesy of Merrily Mills.

date: June 28-July 4, 2023
tickets: World Sol Destrodeo.com
For more information
position: Prescott Rodeo Grounds – 840 Rodeo Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305

To learn more about the world’s oldest rodeo and what’s happening this week, be sure to tune in to CAST11’s podcast Talkin’ Central Arizona Sports.

In addition to the world-famous rodeo, there are many things to do in Prescott and the surrounding area on Independence Day. From boot races to craft fairs, rodeo dancing and fireworks, Prescott has something for everyone.

Here’s our complete guide to making the most of Independence Day and Rodeo Week in the Prescott area.

rodeo parade

The Prescott Frontier Days® – The World’s Oldest Rodeo® proudly presents the 136th Annual Rodeo Parade in downtown Prescott on the weekend of July 4th. This year’s rodeo theme is ‘Dancing with Bulls’, which celebrates the skill of the rodeo bullfighter (sometimes mistaken for a rodeo clown).

The Rodeo Parade is a wonderful tradition that celebrates the rich Western history here in Prescott, Arizona.

date: July 1, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
For more information
position: Downtown Prescott – Courthouse Plaza

rodeo dance

Put it all on the dance floor, kick up the dust with your boots, and have a fun night of rodeo dancing.

date: 29 June – 1 July 2022, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8:00pm – 1:00am
For more information
position: Depot Marketplace – 303 N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade

Signs will be displayed to mark the areas for judging the following categories: The most original float. The most patriotic float. The youngest walking cowboy and cowgirl. The most patriotic walking boys and girls. Best dressed cowboys and cowgirls. The best decorated pet and owner combination. Boys and girls in the most original costumes. A boy and a girl on the best decorated bicycles. Best fictional characters boys and girls. Best decorated scooter/skateboard. And the largest decorative group.

Winners in each category will be awarded a ribbon and cash prize. Awards will be presented on the Girly Street side of the court after the parade. After the parade, all young people are served ice cream.

Children 12 and under and pets weighing 100 pounds or less are welcome. Battery powered vehicles are permitted with prior approval. No other motorized vehicles are permitted. No pre-registration or fees are required to participate.

date: June 30, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
For more information
position: Courthouse Plaza – 101 W. Goodwin St.

Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Show

The Prescott Rodeo Days Arts & Crafts Show draws hundreds of vendors and performers to Prescott’s historic downtown Courthouse Plaza. The event attracts thousands of locals and out-of-town visitors each year. We are looking for artists and crafters!

date: 1-3 July 2022, 9am-6pm
For more information
position: Courthouse Plaza – 120 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86303

Whiskey Row Boot Race

The annual Whiskey Row Boot Race is a 100-yard* dash down historic Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona. This annual race is a recreation of an earlier historic foot race, but with a twist. In keeping with Prescott’s western vibe and Frontier Days festivities, contestants are required to wear cowboy his boots while dashing.

Now in its 40th year, the event is sponsored by Hensley Beverage Company in partnership with Anheuser-Busch/Budweiser. The Hensley Beverage Company has participated in the Prescott Whiskey Row Boot Race for the past 40 years, making him one of the company’s signature charity events. This annual race raises funds for local non-profit organizations in Yavapai County. Hensley Beverage Company was founded in 1955 and is Arizona’s largest beer distributor.

date: July 1, 12:00 pm (after the parade)
Event registration: $10 registration fee: hensley.com/bootrace/
For more information
position: Whiskey Row – N Montezuma St, Prescott, AZ 86301

cowboy church

Join cowboys and cowgirls for a Western-style church service at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds.

date: July 2, 2022, 9am-10am
For more information
position: Prescott Rodeo Grounds – 840 Rodeo Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305

1st of July Fireworks in Prescott City

The City of Prescott will host a Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Watson Lake. The family-friendly event will begin at 3pm, with fireworks scheduled to go off around 9pm.

date: July 1, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
For more information
position: watson lake

Prescott Valley Red, White and Boom!

Join us for a PV of fireworks, music and food at the Red, White and Boom event in the town of Prescott Valley. This year’s Fourth of July will be held at the Prescott Valley Civic Center from 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Get ready for a bigger and better event. Features carnival rides, splash inflatables, food trucks, beer gardens and more. Also featuring live artists such as Tyler Gummersall and Trailer Park Millionaires. See you on Tuesday, July 4th! Fireworks start at 9pm.

You are welcome to start the party early at the Findlay Toyota Centre. Tailgating and his RV parking are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bob Edwards Park will also have a space for viewing fireworks. Perfect for families who want to watch the fireworks quietly.

date: July 4, 2023, 3:00pm – 9:30pm
For more information
position: Prescott Valley Civic Center – 7501 Skoog Blvd, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

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