“Let ’er Buck!” That’s the call you’ll hear all over town during the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the most iconic rodeos in the country. Since 1910, the Round-Up has been drawing crowds to eastern Oregon with its mix of world-class rodeo, parades, Native pageantry, concerts, and a sense of community that makes you feel like family the second you arrive. This year, I got to experience it for myself—and what a week it was!
My Round-Up experience kicked off with the opening concert, the perfect way to set the tone for the days ahead. I missed Rodney Atkins because of work, but I made it in time to see Tracey Lawrence. After the show, I wandered over to Mac’s for the after-party. There wasn’t much dancing happening like I had hoped for, but it didn’t matter—I was in my element. Why? Because the party was right beside the train tracks, and if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for trains. Standing there with live music (country included,) laughter in the air, good company, and freight trains rumbling directly behind us—it was such a quirky, perfect Pendleton moment. The night wasn’t without its drama, though—a girl fight broke out shortly after we arrived. Let’s just say, it added a little extra “Wild West” to the vibe.
Sunday, I slowed things down and explored the Chute 9 Marketplace and the Round-Up store. Shopping is half the fun at an event like this, and the marketplace was full of Western flair—handmade jewelry, cowboy hats, and Pendleton gear galore. I couldn’t resist picking up a few things to remember the week by.
Monday brought Slack, the preliminary rodeo events that don’t always make the main show but are essential for contestants looking to qualify. Later that evening, I headed to Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls, one of the newer but wildly popular events at Round-Up. Xtreme Bulls is part of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour and features the top-ranked bull riders in the world matched up against some of the meanest, rankest bulls you’ll ever see. The energy in the arena is electric, and each ride could go either way in a split second. My favorite moment was cheering for a rider from Maui who battled his way into the Wild Card round. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make that full 8-second ride, but watching him hold his own against world-class competition made me Hawaii proud.
Work called during the first three official rodeo days, but thankfully the Cowboy Channel had us covered. On shift, we streamed the rodeo and even caught the Westward Ho! Parade, one of the most unique parades in the world. Unlike your typical floats and cars, this parade is completely motor-free. Everything moves by horse, wagon, or on foot, a tradition that stretches back to the very first parade in 1910. You’ll see tribal members in full regalia, colorful wagons, mounted rodeo royalty, and authentic stagecoaches—all rolling (and riding) down the streets of Pendleton. The absence of modern vehicles makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time, which is exactly the point. It’s not just a parade; it’s a living history lesson.
Being in the stands at the Pendleton Round-Up on Saturday was the highlight of my week. The Round-Up arena is legendary—not only is it one of the largest outdoor rodeo arenas in the world, but it also has that old-school, rough-and-ready feel that connects you directly to rodeo’s roots. From bronc riding to barrel racing, every event had me on the edge of my seat. But my absolute favorite was the Indian Relay Races. If you’ve never seen one, picture riders leaping from horse to horse at full speed—it’s chaotic, wild, and deeply rooted in Native tradition. These races have been part of the Round-Up since the early days, and the skill, athleticism, and horsemanship of the riders is nothing short of mind-blowing.
After the rodeo, my friend introduced me to the famous Let ’er Buck Room. I’d heard stories about this place—its reputation for being a rowdy, legendary part of Round-Up lore. For decades, it’s been the gathering spot under the grandstands where rodeo fans and contestants alike come to celebrate. When I got there, though, it was more on the tame side (and definitely hot). Still, stepping into such a historic space felt like a rite of passage.
Later that evening, I checked out the Main Street Cowboys downtown before heading back to the Happy Canyon Night Show. This performance is unique to Pendleton—part Wild West show, part historical pageant, and part celebration of Native heritage. Usually, it includes a staged wedding, but the night I attended was extraordinary. The wedding wasn’t an act at all—it was real.
Rex Buck III, a fourth-generation Happy Canyon participant from the Wanapum tribe, married Tasha Bailey, also a fourth-generation cast member from the Yakama Nation. The ceremony blended tradition and celebration: a feather ceremony in place of rings, a covenant blessing with a Pendleton wool blanket, and the historical Indian wedding dance. Sitting in the audience, I realized I wasn’t just watching a performance—I was witnessing living history. It gave the night show a depth and authenticity I’ll never forget.
Of course, my favorite part of Happy Canyon was something a little less serious—the square-dancing horses. Yes, horses that dance! They stole the show and left me grinning from ear to ear.
We wrapped up the night at Goldie’s Bar & Grill, a Pendleton institution. Goldie’s has been serving up good food, drinks, and live music since the 1960s, 
and it’s got that perfect mix of small-town comfort and lively energy. Walking in, you feel the history on the walls—decades of Round-Up cowboys, locals, and visitors passing through. After such a full week of rodeo, shopping, parades, history, and celebrations, Goldie’s was the perfect place to wind down and toast to the memories made.
Looking back, Pendleton Round-Up week was a whirlwind—in the best possible way. It’s not just about the rodeo (though the rodeo is incredible). It’s about the mix of tradition and community, the way the town comes alive, and those little moments—like trains passing behind an after-party—that make it so unique.
I already can’t wait to go back.
Let ’er Buck!
