The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections hosts the 60th anniversary Angola Prison Rodeo at the Louisiana State Penitentiary on April 18th and 19th, 2026.
The weekend-long event, also known as ‘The Wildest Show in the South,’ will feature live music, arts and crafts booths, and a lineup of rodeo events including bust out, bareback riding, wild horse racing, barrel racing, and bull dogging. Signature competitions will also include chariot racing, wild cow milking, bull riding, convict poker, and the finale, guts and glory.
Rodeo gates will open at 8 a.m. with events in the arena beginning at 2 p.m. on both days. General Admission tickets are $20.
Tickets for the rodeo on Saturday, April 18, are already sold out, but hobby craft tickets will be available.
Only 2,700 rodeo tickets remain for Sunday, April 19. The Department recommends that attendees make plans for an early arrival to avoid long wait times.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique, handmade hobby crafts created by incarcerated individuals, including jewelry, leather goods, furniture, woodworking items, barbecue pits, toys, and paintings.
Both cash and major credit cards will be accepted for these purchases.
Family-friendly attractions such as carnival games, pony rides, and an antique carousel will be available for children. A variety of food options will be offered through concession stands; however, concessions will be cash-only.
An ATM will be available on-site for convenience. Guests are reminded that smoking is prohibited, and outside food, drinks, and ice chests are not permitted. Clear or transparent bags are allowed, but subject to search.
For more information, visit angolarodeo.com
