Summit County Fair and Rodeo: Where Western Heritage Meets Mountain Majesty
A PRCA-sanctioned event celebrating community and cowboy culture in the heart of Utah
When the summer sun casts its golden glow across the Wasatch Mountains and the scent of pine mingles with the promise of adventure, the Summit County Fair and Rodeo springs to life in picturesque Coalville, Utah. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of mountain vistas, this cherished tradition brings together world-class rodeo competition, hometown pride, and family entertainment for three unforgettable days from August 7-9, 2025.
A Storied Tradition in Mountain Country
The Summit County Fairgrounds in Coalville transforms each August into a celebration of western heritage that has captivated generations. This PRCA-sanctioned event has become a cornerstone of summer in the mountains, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region who come to experience authentic rodeo action and small-town hospitality at its finest.
As the sun dips behind the mountains each evening, the arena comes alive with the thundering of hooves and the roar of an appreciative crowd. The 2025 edition promises to continue this proud tradition with a substantial $66,000 purse that will attract top-tier talent from across the Mountain States Circuit and beyond.
World-Class Rodeo Action
The heart of the Summit County Fair and Rodeo beats strongest in the arena, where cowboys and cowgirls showcase their extraordinary skills in classic rodeo disciplines. Each evening performance delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement as competitors battle for championship buckles and crucial points toward circuit standings and national finals qualifications.
Roughstock Events
The ground trembles as 2,000-pound bulls explode from the chutes in the most dangerous eight seconds in sports. Bull riding caps off each performance with raw power and adrenaline as riders attempt to conquer these massive athletes with nothing but a rope and sheer determination.
Equally impressive, bareback and saddle bronc riding showcase the classic contest between cowboy and untamed horse. These events, rooted in the practical skills of working ranch hands, have evolved into technical displays of timing, balance, and grit that separate the champions from the rest.
Timed Events
Precision and partnership take center stage in the timed events. Team roping showcases coordination between header and heeler as they work to rope a steer's horns and hind legs in a seamless dance of horsemanship. Tie-down roping combines speed, accuracy, and gentle livestock handling in a test of all-around cowboy skills.
Steer wrestling—the bulldogging event—demonstrates raw power and perfect timing as cowboys leap from horseback to bring down steers many times their weight. And barrel racing showcases the lightning-fast turns and thundering straightaways of talented cowgirls and their equine partners as they navigate the cloverleaf pattern in mere seconds.
Special Features
The Summit County Rodeo takes pride in showcasing the next generation of rodeo talent through junior events that allow young competitors to test their mettle in the same arena as the pros. From mutton bustin' for the littlest cowboys and cowgirls to junior barrel racing and roping events, these competitions connect rodeo's past to its bright future.
Beyond the Arena: A Complete Fair Experience
While the rodeo performances serve as the nightly main event, the Summit County Fair offers a full day's worth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
Agricultural Heritage
True to its roots as a celebration of agricultural achievement, the fair features impressive livestock exhibitions where local ranchers and 4-H youth showcase prize-winning cattle, sheep, goats, and more. The livestock barns offer visitors a chance to connect with the agricultural foundation that built the American West and continues to sustain our communities today.
Midway Magic
The carnival midway lights up with the whirl of rides and the cheerful calls of game operators. From heart-stopping thrill rides to gentle attractions for the youngest visitors, the carnival brings an extra dimension of excitement to the fairgrounds. Games of skill and chance offer the opportunity to win prizes and create lasting memories.
Crafts and Culture
The exhibition halls showcase the remarkable talents of Summit County residents through competitive displays of handcrafts, baking, canning, photography, and fine arts. These exhibits celebrate the creativity and skill that thrive in mountain communities and offer a glimpse into the cultural fabric of the region.
Culinary Delights
No fair experience would be complete without indulging in the array of food offerings that tempt visitors throughout the grounds. From classic fair favorites like funnel cakes and cotton candy to hearty barbecue and local specialties, the food vendors at Summit County Fair ensure no one goes home hungry.
Entertainment Beyond the Arena
Throughout the day, stages across the fairgrounds feature local musicians, dance troupes, and variety acts that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Summit County. These performances provide the perfect backdrop for relaxing between rodeo events and other fair activities.
Securing Your Spot at the Action
Ticket Options That Fit Every Experience
The Summit County Fair and Rodeo offers a variety of ticket options designed to accommodate different preferences and budgets. General admission fair tickets provide access to the fairgrounds, exhibitions, and entertainment (excluding rodeo performances). For those seeking the complete experience, rodeo performance tickets grant entry to the evening's main event with options for reserved seating or general admission sections.
Combination tickets represent the best value, offering access to both the fair and rodeo performances. For the ultimate experience, VIP packages include premium seating, exclusive hospitality areas, and additional perks that take your rodeo experience to the next level.
Special pricing is available for children, seniors, and military personnel, making this a budget-friendly option for families. Group rates accommodate larger parties looking to experience the excitement together.
When and How to Purchase
Mark your calendars: tickets for the 2025 Summit County Fair and Rodeo will go on sale beginning June 7, 2025—exactly two months before the event kicks off. Savvy rodeo fans know that securing tickets early ensures the best selection of seating options, particularly for the popular Saturday night championship performance.
Tickets will be available for purchase directly through this website when sales open. The online purchasing system offers the convenience of selecting specific seating sections and printing tickets at home or downloading mobile tickets for seamless entry.
For those who prefer in-person transactions, the Summit County Fairgrounds box office will open for ticket sales on the same date. Additionally, select retail locations throughout Summit County will serve as authorized ticket vendors.
Seating Options for Every Preference
The rodeo arena offers various seating configurations to match your preferred viewing experience. Reserved seating in the covered grandstand provides guaranteed spots with excellent sightlines to all the action. These sections typically sell out quickly, especially for weekend performances.
General admission seating in the uncovered bleacher sections offers a more flexible option, allowing groups to arrive together and select their spots. Early arrival is recommended for general admission ticket holders to secure the best available locations.
For those seeking a premium experience, box seats and VIP sections offer the best views in the house along with added amenities like padded seating and convenient access to concessions and facilities.
Accessible seating areas are available throughout the arena for guests with mobility requirements, with companion seating adjacent to these designated spaces.
Planning Your Visit
The Summit County Fairgrounds in Coalville provides ample parking for fair and rodeo attendees. Located just minutes from Interstate 80, the venue is easily accessible yet maintains its charming small-town atmosphere.
For visitors traveling from Salt Lake City, the fairgrounds are approximately 45 minutes east via I-80. Those coming from Park City can reach Coalville in about 25 minutes by following Highway 40 to I-80 eastbound.
A Community Celebration
What truly sets the Summit County Fair and Rodeo apart is the sense of community that permeates every aspect of the event. Local volunteers, many from families who have participated for generations, work tirelessly to create an experience that honors their heritage while welcoming visitors with open arms.
The rodeo serves as both a competitive sporting event and a cultural touchstone—a place where neighbors reconnect, traditions are passed to new generations, and the spirit of the West is celebrated in authentic fashion.
As the summer sun sets behind the Wasatch Range and the arena lights illuminate the night sky, the Summit County Fair and Rodeo offers a perfect blend of excitement, nostalgia, and community pride. Whether you're a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or experiencing your first bucking bronc, this celebration of western heritage promises memories that will last long after the final bull ride.
Join us this August 7-9, 2025, at the Summit County Fairgrounds in Coalville, Utah, for three days of rodeo action, fair attractions, and mountain community spirit. Secure your tickets when they become available on June 7th, and become part of a tradition that continues to capture the heart and soul of the American West.