Saddle up for fun: Weeklong celebration of cowboy life rides into town
Published 10:38 am Thursday, January 22, 2026
The area’s cherished annual rodeo celebration returns Saturday when the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo brings a full week of trail rides, rodeo action, parades and community events to the Burton Complex.
The event opens with the annual weeklong heritage trail ride departing Gueydan and making its way through Lake Arthur, Jennings, Welsh, Iowa and Lake Charles before arriving at the Burton Coliseum.
Daily trail‑ride departures begin at 9 a.m.
The Western Heritage Rodeo Parade rolls through Lake Charles at 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, beginning at the corner of Lagrange and Patrick streets. The route continues west on Lagrange, then south on Ryan Street to McNeese State’s football stadium.
The Burton Coliseum doors open at 6 p.m. with Mutton Bustin’ at 7:15 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Rodeo performances continue Friday and Saturday, including a Saturday matinee and a Saturday night finale featuring a pre‑show performance by Barbe High School’s rock band, The Last Hour.
For those who can’t make the rodeo, there will be multiple opportunities to meet rodeo royalty throughout the week. Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo Louisiana will host autograph sessions.
Rodeo Clown Dusty Myers, bullfighters Cade Parks and Austin Rudloff, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association announcer Andy Stewart, and Jerry Thornton with Mr. Bojangles, a horse trained to perform tricks, will also appear for signings at local western‑wear stores.
Community events also include free breakfasts, discounted ticket promotions and the annual “Brodeo,” a special rodeo performance for students with special needs.
General admission is $15, with free lap‑seating for children ages 3 and younger.
Discounts are available throughout the week, including $4 off rodeo tickets with a Sunshine John Deere coupon redeemable at participating locations in Lake Charles, Crowley, Eunice and Welsh.
Additional box‑office coupons are offered for Thursday night and Saturday matinee shows.
