The countdown is on for the 73rd annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, set to ride into town August 6–9, 2025, with four nights of high-flying PRCA rodeo action and an entertainment lineup as bold and diverse as the Bootheel itself. Drawing nearly 40,000 people annually and generating over $8 million in local revenue, the rodeo is more than an event. It is a cultural institution in Southeast Missouri.
Photo: SikestonRodeo.com
This year’s entertainment lineup is one of the most exciting yet, delivering a genre-spanning soundtrack to accompany the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd:
- August 6: Ty Myers, a 17-year-old country phenom from Austin, Texas, kicks off the week. Raised on a cattle ranch and steeped in traditional values, Myers brings heartfelt storytelling and bluesy guitar licks to the Sikeston stage. With millions of Spotify streams and performances alongside Willie Nelson and Cody Johnson, his set promises to set the tone for a thrilling rodeo week.
- August 7: Get ready for a southern twist with Ole 60, the genre-blending band from Kentucky making waves with their mix of country, rock, and indie folk. Known for their viral fan engagement and rootsy storytelling, they’re as authentic as they come and are sure to light up the night.
- August 8: A truly unique double-bill features BigXthaPlug, the rising hip-hop star from Dallas whose hit “Texas” went Gold, and Kameron Marlowe, country powerhouse and “The Voice” alum with deep southern roots and chart-topping hits like “Giving You Up.” It’s a night where two distinct worlds collide. The crowd wins.
- August 9: Wrapping up the week is Treaty Oak Revival, a Texas-based band redefining country music with their high-energy mix of red dirt country, southern rock, and raw punk edge. With a growing national following and recent Billboard success, they’re bringing unfiltered energy straight to the Bootheel.
Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo’s Entertainment Chair Craig Templeton joined Dylan and The Mox on the Midwest Mixtape Podcast, brought to you as always by The Barn, to give listeners an inside look at the entertainment side of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. Templeton shared how this year’s lineup came together, what it takes to book big-name acts like Kameron Marlowe and Treaty Oak Revival, and the excitement that surrounds one of Missouri’s biggest summer events. With music, rodeo action, and community pride all rolled into one week, Templeton offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes the Bootheel Rodeo a must-attend tradition.
The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo brings a thrilling mix of tradition, athleticism, and raw excitement to Southeast Missouri, and the rodeo events are at the heart of it all. From the grit of Bareback Riding, where cowboys face intense physical punishment to maintain their grip with nothing more than a leather rigging, to the electrifying chaos of Bull Riding, where staying aboard a 2,000-pound beast for eight seconds can make or break a cowboy’s weekend, the rodeo is packed with high-stakes competition and unforgettable moments.
The speed and precision of Barrel Racing showcase the unmatched bond between horse and rider, as competitors race against the clock in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. On the more technical side, Steer Wrestling (or “bulldogging”) demands perfect timing and strength, with cowboys leaping from horseback to bring a steer to the ground. Team Roping, the only team event, highlights trust and coordination as headers and heelers work in sync to rope a fast-moving steer.
Events like Saddle Bronc Riding bring classic rodeo style, judged on rhythm and control, while Tie-Down Roping combines agility and horsemanship in a timed event that leaves no room for error. Bullfighting takes danger and finesse to another level, with professional bullfighters performing daring maneuvers against aggressive Spanish bulls. And for younger thrill-seekers, Mutton Bustin’ provides a safe, fun way for kids to feel like rodeo stars themselves, riding sheep with as much bravery as any adult on a bull.
Together, these events not only entertain but honor the legacy of rodeo — celebrating the toughness, skill, and heart of every competitor who enters the arena.
Photos: SikestonRodeo.com
More Than Music: A Celebration of Legacy
The rodeo experience doesn’t end at the arena fence. In a move that celebrates the event’s rich heritage, the Sikeston Rodeo Museum will host its grand opening on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The opening includes:
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
- Food, drinks, and family-friendly activities
- Gifts for the first 50 attendees
This museum marks a milestone for the Jaycees, who have not only hosted one of the Top 40 PRCA Rodeos in the nation since 1953 but also reinvested deeply in the community. With decades of memories, memorabilia, and moments, the museum aims to preserve and honor the spirit of the Sikeston Rodeo for future generations.
🤠 Get Your Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at www.sikestonrodeo.com, by phone at 800-455-BULL, or at the Rodeo Box Office. Whether you’re drawn by the rodeo action, music lineup, or deep-rooted community spirit, the 73rd Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo promises a week of unforgettable experiences.
The Barn 