The West Coast's Best Rodeo For 2027 Is An LGBTQ-Friendly Gem With Shows, Pool Parties, And Dancing

Howdy there, cowboys, cowgirls, and cowpokes of all stripes. American rodeos have long been associated with conservative, traditionalist values and ideals, which don't always create the most LGBTQ-friendly environments. But hold onto your bedazzled saddlebags and assless chaps, because one rodeo on the West Coast has become one of the country's most anticipated for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Palm Springs Hot Rodeo in California was recently featured by the USA Today 2026 Readers' Choice Awards as the best rodeo on the West Coast and fourth-best in the entire country. While it's already been and gone in 2026, it's a highly anticipated event for 2027.

Palm Springs Hot Rodeo has been running for around 50 years, but the official Greater Palm Springs Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association didn't form until 2000. Since then, the rodeo has had continued support in its celebration of the homoerotic nature of western and rodeo culture for all people beneath the LGBTQ+ flag, many of whom feel excluded from traditional events. "A lot of gay people can't be incorporated into the other rodeo world," contestant Savannah Smith said in a Mother Jones article. "You can do whatever you want here, and everyone here is supportive."

Palm Springs Hot Rodeo, part of the International Gay Rodeo Association circuit, provides an open-minded and welcoming environment for these passionate competitors. Any gender can compete in any event over the weekend-long festivities, whether that's bull riding, barrel racing, wild drag racing, calf roping, or steer wrestling. While the rodeo events take place at Dysart Equestrian Park in Banning, 30 miles from Palm Springs, other celebrations, including a pride parade, pool parties, cowgirl nights, and the awards ceremony, are held at venues in Palm Springs. Needless to say, much frivolity, love, and outlandish Wild West shenanigans await.

The rodeo typically takes place over one weekend in early May, with some events on Thursday and Friday. Most people are here for the rodeo shows, which take place on Saturday and Sunday. These cover over a dozen different categories, including traditional rodeo events and more drag-inspired ones. Have you ever watched a goat get speed-dressed in tighty-whities? At Palm Springs Hot Rodeo, you can. The Wild Drag Race is also particularly entertaining — essentially steer racing with the rider adorned in elaborate drag.

Before these events can even begin, you're welcomed into the LGBTQ+ rodeo world with an official pool party on the Friday. The venue can change — The Velvet Rope held it in 2026 – but it's almost always in Palm Springs, California's mid-century modern vacation destination with fab vintage shopping. It's tops off, swimming trunks on, and cocktails in hand as spectators and contestants mingle by the pool with country music, dancing, hot dogs, and a Hot Buns contest keeping everyone entertained. If you miss the main pool party, you might find several others in Palm Springs over the weekend.

You'll also have many opportunities to dance. Cowgirl Night celebrates the women of rodeo with much dancing and music. The Dancing Under the Stars event keeps you up on your feet with line dancing to country music beneath the vast, starry desert sky. You may even encounter a dance contest or two to really show off your moves. Palm Springs Hot Rodeo will take place May 7-9, 2027. Check out Agua Caliente Resort, a top-rated casino resort with pristine pools, for accommodation. If you have time after the rodeo, visit Palm Springs Surf Club, a resort-style water park.