The small town of Sonoita is set to come alive with three weekends of western tradition, family fun, and community celebration beginning Saturday, August 30 and running through Sunday, September 14.
Kicking off the excitement is the 110th Annual Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo, August 30-September 1, the ‘Best Little Rodeo in Arizona.’ Come hungry and shop happy with onsite vendors, delicious concessions, and a steak fry from 5:00-7:00 pm, followed by live music, both Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 10am. The Jr. Rodeo starts at noon and the Pro Rodeo kicks off at 2:00 pm.
The following weekend, September 6, the action continues with the 25th Annual Sonoita Ranch Rodeo, where working cowboys and ranch teams from across the region showcase their real-life skills. The event includes a Working Ranch Horse competition, Ranch Rodeo, a Jr. Top Hand competition and an authentic cowboy-style chuckwagon lunch. This event starts at 9:00 am and highlights the grit, teamwork, and heritage of the ranching lifestyle.
Capping off the triple-weekend celebration is the 110th Santa Cruz County Fair from September 12-14. With this year’s theme, “Let the Good Times Grow” the fair will feature livestock shows, home arts exhibits, carnival rides, vintage tractors, a pee wee livestock show, perishable foods contest, and, new this year, the first annual “Sonoita Smash” Demolition Derby. Don’t miss the metal crunching action on Saturday, September 13 at 7:00 pm.
The 4-H/FFA livestock auction starts at 1:00 pm on Sunday September 14. Fairgoers can also enjoy food trucks, live music, and a variety of local vendors showcasing the best of Santa Cruz County. Gates open daily at 9:00am.
Don’t miss this incredible stretch of community traditions, western competition, and hometown pride. Whether you’re a rodeo fan, a fair enthusiast, or simply looking for a great weekend escape—Sonoita has something for everyone!
For more information, visit sonoitafairgrounds.com,follow us on Facebook at @SonoitaFairgrounds, email at info@sonoita-fairgrounds.com, or call 520-4553.