New England Rodeo is coming to Rochester this weekend. Get a taste of cowboy life.

It’s time to dust off your boots and put on your cowboy hat — the rodeo is headed to town.

That’s right, the SouthCoast is about to get a taste of western culture, as the New England Rodeo brings its cowboy competition to Rochester.

This biweekly bull riding and barrel racing competition is the only event of its kind in Massachusetts.

Eleven years ago, Owner Elias DaSilva, a former PBR bull rider from Brazil, brought the rodeo to Norton.

Bringing a piece of home to the United States, for many Brazilians who make up a vast majority of the bull riders at the rodeo.

The rodeo hosts junior and professional bull riders and barrel racers, with contestants traveling from all over to compete in this family-friendly event.

Now, a 300-unit housing development is being constructed on the grounds in Norton, causing the rodeo to have to find a new home.

Rodeo at the Rochester Fairgrounds

With thousands in attendance biweekly, the rodeo culture is about to transform the Rochester Fairgrounds into a sea of cowboy hats, pickup trucks, and thousand-pound bulls.

"When we began looking for land, employees of ours who live in Rochester told us how it was a great agricultural community that had an unused fairground," said Kelly Pina, Strategic Advisor of the New England Rodeo. "It's a great opportunity to work with the town and integrate into the community this season."

According to a Facebook post by the rodeo, this is a temporary setting for the 2025 season, “while we work hard behind the scenes on something even bigger — our very own new property, which we hope to call home for the 2026 season.”

The news was met with many commenters who were ecstatic that the competition would be closer, or those who were disappointed that it was now a longer drive — but everyone was thrilled that there would still be a rodeo.

Although they have purchased land in a nearby city, Pina isn't sure it will be developed into a space for the rodeo. "We want to see how this year works out in Rochester," she said. "We are really liking the town, and who knows, we could have a future here."

What to expect at the rodeo

Opening and closing days can bring over two thousand spectators to the event, with over 1,000 at each biweekly competition.

Beyond the bull riding and barrel racing, there are also many cultural demonstrations to enjoy. These include horse vaulting, mounted shooting, and horse liberty work, which is a mesmerizing display of harmony between horse and rider.

They are also very passionate about sharing their rescued mustangs and showcasing mustang rehabilitation.

For anyone worried about the animals in the care of New England Rodeo, Pina wants them to know, "The animals are treated with the utmost respect and care, if they don't want to participate — they don't."

"Our animals have their own chiropractors, nutritionists, and specialized veterinarians," she continued. "We make sure they are taken care of."

Where can you see New England Rodeo in 2025

The rodeo kicks off on June 14 with season opener Craig McCoskery demonstrating his mounted shooting.

Saturdays from June to September will be your chance to experience the sport firsthand at 65 Pine St., Rochester.

The rodeo is hoping to get the community involved, they are looking for food trucks and vendors to be a part of their events. "I know Boy Scouts used to help with parking at the old fairgrounds," said Pina. "We would love to bring that back and are really hoping to become a part of Rochester this season."

"It's a great family-friendly event. where you can see lots of action, have fun, and get to interact and participate," said Pina. "You get a slice of western style."

To find out more about this upcoming season, visit https://www.nerodeo.com.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New England Rodeo bringing bull riding and barrel racing to Rochester