Article: Things to Do During Pendleton Round-Up | Burns Saddlery
Things to Do During Pendleton Round-Up | Burns Saddlery
Are you coming to Pendleton for the Round-Up? There is more here than just four days of rodeo.
Every September, Pendleton comes alive with Western traditions, horses, rodeo, live music, vendors, parades and visitors from all over the country. The Pendleton Round-Up may be what brings you to town, but once you get here you will quickly realize there is plenty to see and do before and after the rodeo.
From exploring downtown and going underground to experiencing the Native Village, watching the Westward Ho! Parade, shopping for authentic Western wear and catching the Happy Canyon Night Show, here is how to make the most of your time in Pendleton during Round-Up.
Experience the Pendleton Round-Up
Let's start with the reason you are probably here. The Pendleton Round-Up has been a Pendleton tradition since 1910 and has grown into one of the most famous rodeos in the country. During Round-Up week the arena hosts one of the biggest events in professional rodeo, but here is the thing:
The rodeo is only part of Round-Up.
Some of the best experiences happen outside the arena, which is why it is worth leaving yourself time to explore Pendleton.
See the Happy Canyon Night Show
If you are looking for something to do after the rodeo, put Happy Canyon on your list. The Happy Canyon Night Show has been part of Round-Up since 1916 and combines horsemanship, music, storytelling and history to bring the story of the American West to life.
It is a completely different experience from sitting in the rodeo stands, and one of the traditions that makes Pendleton Round-Up unlike any other rodeo.
Learn more about the Happy Canyon Night Show
Experience the Native Village at Roy Raley Park
One of the most important parts of Pendleton Round-Up is the Native American presence and history woven throughout the celebration. During Round-Up week, the Native Village at Roy Raley Park becomes a gathering place where visitors can experience Native American culture, dancing, crafts and traditions.
It is worth taking the time to walk through the village, listen, learn and experience a part of Round-Up that goes far beyond the rodeo arena. You will also find events such as the American Indian Beauty Contest and ceremonial dancing throughout the week.
For anyone visiting Pendleton for the first time, this is one of the experiences that gives you a deeper appreciation for the history and culture behind Round-Up.
Don't Miss the Westward Ho! Parade
If you only have time for a few Round-Up events outside the rodeo, make the Westward Ho! Parade one of them. The parade takes over downtown Pendleton with horses, wagons, stagecoaches, marching bands and Western traditions.
And one of the coolest things about it?
There are no motorized vehicles in the parade.
The Westward Ho! Parade is a celebration of Pendleton's Western heritage and one of those events where the entire town feels like part of Round-Up.
See the Westward Ho! Parade schedule
Explore Downtown Pendleton During Round-Up
During Round-Up week, downtown Pendleton is an experience all on its own. Main Street fills with vendors, live music, food and people moving between events. You will find Western gear, handmade goods, artwork, jewelry, souvenirs and plenty of things you did not know you needed until you saw them.
Give yourself time to wander. One of the best parts of Round-Up is discovering something you were not looking for.
Go Western Shopping
If you are spending a few days celebrating the West, you might as well take a little bit of it home with you. That is where Pendleton's Western shops and visiting vendors come in.
And if you are looking for a business with a little history behind it, make time to visit Burns Saddlery.
Visit Burns Saddlery: 150 Years of Western Tradition
Founded in 1876, Burns Saddlery is celebrating 150 years in 2026. That is a remarkable piece of Western history. For 150 years, Burns Saddlery has been part of the Western industry, serving generations of horsemen, cowboys, makers and Western enthusiasts.
Today, the Pendleton store carries the things you would expect to find in a true Western outfitter, including boots, hats, belts, buckles, silver, saddles and Western apparel. So if you need a new hat for the rodeo, a pair of boots to take home, a piece of Western silver, or you are simply curious to see what 150 years of Western tradition looks like today, stop in and take a look.
There is something fitting about visiting a saddlery while you are in Pendleton for Round-Up. The rodeo celebrates the traditions of the West. Burns Saddlery has been living them since 1876.
Visit Burns Saddlery in Pendleton
Boots, hats, belts, buckles, silver and saddles. Six generations of Western craft, a short walk from Round-Up.
Find Our StoreShop More Local and Western Businesses
Burns Saddlery is not the only place worth exploring while you are shopping around Pendleton. Round-Up brings vendors and makers from all over the country to town, which means you will find plenty of unique shopping opportunities throughout the week.
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Pendleton Woolen Mills is practically synonymous with the city itself. Stop in to browse their classic wool products and find a piece of Pendleton to take home.
R Rebellion
Looking for a Round-Up souvenir that is a little different? R Rebellion creates candles with Western-inspired scents, making them a fun way to take a little piece of the West home with you.
And do not be afraid to wander. Some of the best shopping during Round-Up comes from the vendors who travel to Pendleton specifically for the event.
Go Underground in Pendleton
You have spent the day exploring the streets of Pendleton. Now go underneath them. Pendleton Underground Tours takes visitors beneath downtown to explore a fascinating part of Pendleton's history.
The tour offers a look at the businesses, spaces and stories that existed below the city streets and gives you a completely different perspective on Pendleton. It is also a great option if you have a little time between Round-Up events.
Plan a Pendleton Underground Tour
Visit the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame
Want to know more about the people and stories behind the Round-Up? Visit the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame, which celebrates the athletes, livestock, contributors and legends who helped build the Round-Up into what it is today.
Pair it with a visit to the museum and you will have a much better understanding of just how much history is packed into this event.
Visit the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame
Learn the History Behind "Let 'er Buck!"
The phrase "Let 'er Buck!" is more than just a slogan in Pendleton. It is part of the identity of the Round-Up and the city itself.
The Let 'er Buck Room offers another opportunity to learn more about the history and traditions surrounding the Pendleton Round-Up. If you are interested in the stories behind the celebration and not just the events themselves, it is worth adding to your list.
Learn more about the Let 'er Buck Room
Catch the Xtreme Bulls Finale
Coming to Pendleton early for Round-Up? Do not overlook the Xtreme Bulls Finale. Held before the main Round-Up performances, the event gives bull riding fans another reason to arrive early and get into the Round-Up spirit.
If bull riding is your thing, this is definitely one to add to your schedule.
Get information about the Xtreme Bulls Finale
Where to Eat During Pendleton Round-Up
After a full day of rodeo, shopping and exploring, you are going to need somewhere to eat.
Virgil's at Cimmiyotti's
For a classic Pendleton dinner, check out Virgil's at Cimmiyotti's. It is a great place to settle in after a busy day and enjoy a good meal before heading back out into the Round-Up crowds.
Visit Virgil's at Cimmiyotti's
Hamley's Steakhouse & Saloon
A Pendleton Round-Up trip would not feel complete without considering Hamley's. Located downtown, Hamley's Steakhouse & Saloon is another classic Western stop for a meal, a drink and a little more of that Pendleton atmosphere.
Visit Hamley's Steakhouse & Saloon
A Sample Pendleton Round-Up Day
One of the best things about Round-Up is that you do not have to spend the entire day waiting for the next event. Take an Underground Tour, walk through the Native Village, shop downtown, stop by Burns Saddlery, grab lunch, visit the Hall of Fame, listen to live music, check out the vendors, then head back to the rodeo. You can pack a surprising amount into a day in Pendleton without ever getting far from downtown.
Not sure how to fit everything in? Here is one way to spend a day during Round-Up.
Your schedule will depend on the events you are attending, but that is part of the fun. There is always something happening.
More Things to Do in Pendleton, Oregon
If you are staying for a few extra days, do not stop with Round-Up events. Explore some of Pendleton's other attractions, including:
- Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
- Heritage Station Museum
- Pendleton Center for the Arts
- Pendleton Bronze Tour
- Pendleton Makers Tour
- Umatilla River Parkway
- Wildhorse Resort & Casino
- Pendleton Woolen Mills
There is a lot of Western history and culture to experience in Pendleton even when you are not sitting in the rodeo stands.
Know Before You Go: Pendleton Round-Up Tips
Parking Is Limited
Round-Up brings tens of thousands of visitors to Pendleton, and parking gets difficult. If you are staying nearby, consider leaving your vehicle at your lodging and walking when possible. Rideshare is also a good option. The less you have to move your vehicle around town, the easier your day will be.
Expect Crowds
Pendleton gets very busy during Round-Up. Restaurants, shops, streets and attractions will all be busier than a normal week. Give yourself extra time to get places and expect a little more waiting than usual. That is part of the experience.
Dress for the Weather
Round-Up weather can be unpredictable. It can be hot during the day and surprisingly chilly at night, so layers are your friend. A good pair of boots, a hat and a jacket you can throw on after the sun goes down will go a long way.
Buy Tickets Ahead of Time
The Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Night Show both require tickets. If there is an event you know you want to attend, do not wait until you arrive in town. Purchase through official Round-Up channels and be cautious of unauthorized ticket sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pendleton Round-Up
What is there to do in Pendleton besides the rodeo?
There is plenty to do in Pendleton beyond the main rodeo, including the Happy Canyon Night Show, Westward Ho! Parade, Native Village, Pendleton Underground Tours, downtown shopping, museums, live music, restaurants and local vendors.
What should I do in Pendleton during Round-Up?
Start with the Round-Up events, but make time to explore downtown Pendleton, visit the Native Village, take an Underground Tour, shop local Western stores, visit the Round-Up Hall of Fame and experience Happy Canyon.
What is the Happy Canyon Night Show?
Happy Canyon is an evening performance held during Round-Up week that combines horsemanship, music, history and storytelling to portray the history and cultures of the American West.
Where can I shop in Pendleton during Round-Up?
Downtown Pendleton is filled with shops and visiting vendors during Round-Up week. For Western boots, hats, belts, buckles, silver, saddles and apparel, stop by Burns Saddlery in Pendleton.
Is parking available during Pendleton Round-Up?
Parking is limited during Round-Up because of the large number of visitors. If you are staying nearby, walking or using a rideshare service can be easier than trying to find parking downtown.
What should I wear to Pendleton Round-Up?
Plan for warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Layers, comfortable boots or shoes and a hat are all good choices for spending a full day around Pendleton.
Do you need tickets for the Pendleton Round-Up?
Yes. The main Round-Up performances and Happy Canyon Night Show require tickets. Check the official Pendleton Round-Up website for current ticket information and schedules.
Make the Most of Your Pendleton Round-Up Trip
The Pendleton Round-Up might be what brings you to town, but do not let the rodeo be the only thing you experience. Walk downtown. Watch the parade. Experience the Native Village. Go underground. Learn the history. Listen to live music. Eat a good steak. Find a new hat. Stay for Happy Canyon.
And take some time to experience the businesses that have been part of the Western tradition for generations. Burns Saddlery has been doing just that since 1876, and in 2026 Burns celebrates 150 years of Western tradition.
So while you are in Pendleton celebrating the West, stop by Burns Saddlery and see what 150 years looks like. After all, you are already in cowboy country.
You might as well leave with something worth remembering it by.
See You in Pendleton
Handmade saddles, hats and Western goods crafted in Salina, Utah since 1876.
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