About the Valley Center Rodeo

The Valley Center Stampede Rodeo is now in its eleventh year of bringing quality rodeo entertainment to the communities of northern San Diego County. The Stampede Rodeo is held in conjunction with Valley Center Western Days every May. This is a weeklong community event that features a celebration of the western and equestrian heritage of the area.

The Western Days Parade is held on Saturday morning at 10:00. The parade is a local event. You’ll see friends and family not only lined up all along Valley Center Road but riding in the parade as well.

The Stampede Rodeo has a Friday night performance at the rodeo grounds next to the Community Center. Things kick off again just after the parade on Saturday. The grounds open as soon as the parade is done with plenty of vendors at the rodeo catering to rodeo fans. After you've had time to look around, head for the grandstands for the Saturday afternoon show.

The Stampede Rodeo is presented through the hard work of members of the community who form the Rodeo Committee under the leadership of Joyce Holmes, a long time Valley Center resident. The rodeo is made possible by the support of area sponsors who generous contributions allow the rodeo to thrive.

The Stampede Rodeo partners with the Valley Center Optimists Club to bring good family fun and quality rodeo to the community. Proceeds from the event are given to the Optimists Club who provide money and support to the young people of the area such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

During the weeklong Western Days celebration a posse of Valley Centers’ most notorious gunslingers shoots it out at several of the local businesses. The “Mayor Race” is held during the week to elect Valley Centers Honorary Mayor for the ensuing year.

Starting Friday afternoon and running through Saturday night a carnival located next door to the Community Center on Lilac Road provides fun and rides for the kids. At the Community Center you’ll find the Western Days Faire with all sorts of local western, arts and craft and food venders. They’ll be there all weekend.