More than 700 contestants.
Young athletes from multiple divisions earn a place on a national Las Vegas stage.
2026 JUNIOR NFR GUIDE
RODEO'S NEXT GENERATION TAKES LAS VEGAS.
More than 700 young contestants, nine disciplines and ten days of competition come together at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena. Use the exact daily schedule and practical visitor plan to see it well.
Independent visitor guide • Verified against official 2026 information
WRANGLER RODEO ARENA • LAS VEGAS
DEC 3–12Ten competition days
700+Young contestants
$1M+Cash & prize payouts
9 EVENTSAcross the schedule
RODEO'S NEXT GENERATION
The future competes in the heart of NFR week.
Founded in 2015, the Junior NFR puts elite young competitors in a championship environment alongside Cowboy Christmas. It is both serious competition and one of the most family-friendly ways to see the depth of rodeo.
$1 million+ combined.
Cash and prize payouts—plus Montana Silversmiths championship buckles—raise the stakes.
Wrangler Rodeo Arena.
The purpose-built arena sits at the Las Vegas Convention Center campus in the Platinum Lot.
Bull RidingBarebackSaddle BroncTie-DownBreakawaySteer WrestlingTeam RopingBarrel RacingPole Bending
DAY-BY-DAY
The complete 2026 Junior NFR schedule.
The first five days emphasize roughstock and roping. The second half shifts toward steer wrestling, team roping, poles and barrels, ending with the short go on December 12.
DEC 3THU
- Bull Riding — Ages 10–11 & 14–15
- Breakaway — 19 & Under Girls; 15 & Under Girls
- Bareback Riding — Junior, Senior & Novice
DEC 4FRI
- Saddle Bronc — Junior, Senior & Novice
- Tie-Down — 12 & Under
- Bull Riding — Ages 12–13 & 16–18
DEC 5SAT
- Breakaway — 12 & Under; 10 & Under
- Bull Riding — Ages 10–11 & 14–15
- Bareback Riding — Junior, Senior & Novice
DEC 6SUN
- Saddle Bronc — Junior, Senior & Novice
- Tie-Down — 19 & Under
- Bull Riding — Ages 12–13 & 16–18
DEC 7MON
- Bareback & Saddle Bronc — Junior, Senior & Novice
- Tie-Down — 15 & Under
- Bull Riding — All age divisions
DEC 8TUE
- Steer Wrestling
- Pole Bending & Barrel Racing — Round 1, Group A
DEC 9WED
- Steer Wrestling
- Pole Bending & Barrel Racing — Round 1, Group B
DEC 10THU
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping 12.5
- Pole Bending & Barrel Racing — Round 2, Group A
DEC 11FRI
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping 9.5
- Pole Bending & Barrel Racing — Round 2, Group B
DEC 12SAT
- Steer Wrestling
- Pole Bending & Barrel Racing — Short Go
Schedule note: events, start times and arena operations can change. Confirm the official Junior NFR schedule before travel or ticket decisions.
PLAN THE VISIT
One venue campus. Two big experiences.
Use the Junior NFR as your competition anchor and Cowboy Christmas as the flexible part of the day.
A ticket is required.
The Junior NFR is inside the Wrangler Rodeo Arena. Do not assume Cowboy Christmas free admission includes arena access.
Plan for a large campus.
Use the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall and Platinum Lot directions, then allow time to walk between shopping and the arena.
Pair it with Cowboy Christmas.
Both run during the day, making it easy to watch competition, eat, shop and still leave early for the 5:45 p.m. NFR round.
FOR COMPETITORS
Qualification comes first.
Official registration is managed through event partners. Qualified contestants receive registration instructions by email through SaddleBook; use the official registration page for discipline contacts and deadlines.
FOR FAMILIES
Pack for a long, rewarding day.
- Save tickets and the official schedule offline.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Convention Center campus.
- Bring layers and confirm arena bag rules.
- Choose meals and a meeting point before the first event.
- Protect travel time if you also hold evening NFR tickets.
JUNIOR NFR FAQ
Fast answers for families and fans.
The essentials for seeing the next generation compete.
The Junior NFR runs December 3–12, 2026, at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena on the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, South Hall and Platinum Lot area.
No. Cowboy Christmas admission is free, but entry to the Junior NFR arena requires a ticket. Confirm current ticket details through the official Junior NFR page.
The official 2026 Junior NFR information says more than 700 contestants compete for more than $1 million in combined cash and prize payouts.
Athletes must qualify through the relevant event partner. Qualified contestants receive official registration instructions, commonly through SaddleBook. Use the official registration page for the correct discipline contact.
Yes, if you choose an early Junior NFR session and leave a generous transport buffer. The main NFR performance begins at 5:45 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center, a separate venue.
WATCH THE FUTURE ARRIVE.
Build a daytime visit around the athletes and families who are shaping rodeo’s next chapter.
OFFICIAL SOURCES & IMPORTANT NOTE
This independent guide uses the official 2026 Junior NFR overview, competition schedule and registration information. Schedule details, ticket requirements, divisions and registration procedures can change. Confirm the official page before travel or entry decisions. Vegas NFR is not affiliated with PRCA, Las Vegas Events, event partners or the venue.
