New England rodeo returns for the season on May 16

ROCHESTER — The New England Rodeo returns to the Rochester Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 16 for a season of bull riding, barrel racing and other events. 

Fourteen years ago, owner Elias DaSilva, a former bull rider from Brazil, brought the rodeo to Massachusetts.

Every other Saturday from May to September the rodeo will take place at 65 Pine St.

This year’s schedule is May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and Sept. 19 with finals happening on Oct. 3.

Tickets are $25, and kids 5 and under are free.

The event is cash-only, with no online ticket sales or an ATM on site.

Gates open at 5 p.m., with the youth rodeo starting at 6 p.m., the pro rodeo at 7 p.m. wrapping up before 10 p.m.

Parking and seating are first-come, first-served, with bleachers and picnic tables available.

No on-street parking, coolers, open containers, tailgating, smoking or overnight parking is allowed. Outside food is not permitted unless required for dietary restrictions.

For more information about this season, visit https://www.nerodeo.com.