Tuesday, July 28
The Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo kicks off with competitive team roping events that set the tone for an action-packed week.
Team Roping & Rodeo Action
Time: Evening kickoff 7:30 PM (Books open 6:00pm, close 7:00pm)
Location: Mayfest Park
Admission: Gate Entry is FREE to the public
Watch skilled ropers from Bastrop and surrounding counties compete in fast-paced rodeo competition as teams aim for precision, speed, and perfect coordination. This opening night is a great introduction to the excitement that defines the entire rodeo week.
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday brings a mix of community tradition and high-energy rodeo action, featuring both local tournament play and professional barrel racing at the rodeo arena.
Mike Mathison Memorial Horseshoe & Washer Tournament
Time: 5:30 PM sign-ups | 6:00 PM start
Location: American Legion
Admission / Entry: $20 per event
Sign-ups begin at 5:30 PM in the back room of the American Legion, with competition starting at 6:00 PM. Participants can compete in the Mike Mathison Memorial Horseshoe and Washer Tournament, a longtime community favorite honoring local tradition and friendly competition.
Beer and concessions will be available throughout the evening, with proceeds helping support the local American Legion Post.
4D Jackpot Barrel Racing
Time: Exhibitions 5:00–7:00 PM | Racing begins at 7:30 PM
Location: Rodeo Arena (Mayfest Park, Bastrop, TX)
Admission / Entry:
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$45 entry fee
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$5 office fee per horse
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$5 exhibitions
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80% payout
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Walk-ups welcome
The evening continues at Mayfest Park with the fast-paced 4D Jackpot Barrel Racing event. Riders compete for speed and precision in a high-stakes rodeo format with an 80% payout structure. Exhibitions run from 5:00–7:00 PM, followed by official racing at 7:30 PM.
For additional information, text-only inquiries are accepted at 737-200-9563.
Beer and concession stands will be open throughout the event.
Thursday, July 30
Thursday delivers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at rodeo action with slack competition, where riders and teams compete for top qualifying times ahead of the main rodeo performances.
Diamond Cross Rodeo – Slack Competition
Time: Gate opens 6:00 PM | Competition begins 7:30 PM
Location: Rodeo Arena (Mayfest Park, Bastrop, TX)
Admission: $10 gate entry (wristbands required for arena access)
Experience the “competition before the competition” as contestants compete in timed events that determine qualification and seeding for main rodeo performances. Events include barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, and tie-down roping.
Top times advance into the featured rodeo events, making this an important and action-packed evening for competitors and spectators alike.
Beer and concession stands will be open inside the arena throughout the event.
Food & Vendor Market
Time: 6:00 PM – close (Thursday–Saturday)
Location: Rodeo Grounds (Mayfest Park, Bastrop, TX)
Admission: Free access
Food vendors and merchandise booths open Thursday through Saturday, offering a variety of local eats, drinks, and rodeo merchandise. Guests can enjoy a full evening atmosphere of shopping, dining, and entertainment while taking in the rodeo energy.
Friday, July 31
Friday night brings the full Diamond Cross Rodeo experience followed by live music and dancing at the Showbarn, an all-in-one evening of rodeo action, family fun, and Texas nightlife in Bastrop.
Diamond Cross Rodeo (Full Rodeo Performance)
Time: Gate opens 6:00 PM | Competition begins 7:30 PM
Location: Rodeo Arena (Mayfest Park, Bastrop, TX)
Admission: $15 gate entry (includes rodeo + dance access)
Friday night features a full lineup of rodeo action, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
Fans can also enjoy crowd favorites like Mutton Bustin’ and the Calf Scramble, bringing high-energy fun for younger participants.
- Calf Scramble: Free entry | Unlimited participants | No sign-up required
- Mutton Bustin’: $30 entry | First come, first served | 10 rider limit
- Sign-ups begin at 6:00 PM at the Diamond Cross Rodeo merchandise booth inside the arena
- Additional availability may be offered Saturday night
Beer and concessions will be available inside the arena (wristbands required).
Live Music at the Showbarn: People’s Choice
Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Location: Showbarn (Mayfest Park, Bastrop, TX)
Admission: Included with $15 rodeo entry
The night continues with live music from People’s Choice, bringing a high-energy Texas dancehall atmosphere to close out Friday night. Guests can enjoy dancing, live entertainment, and a full cash bar in the Showbarn area.
Saturday, August 1
Saturday is the biggest day of the Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo, featuring a full day of community traditions, fundraising events, and championship rodeo action capped off with live music and dancing.
Grand Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Bastrop
Admission: Free
Start your Saturday morning with the beloved Grand Parade, a Bastrop tradition that brings together local organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups.
- Parade lineup begins as early as 8:00 AM at Cedar & Hill Streets
- Registration takes place at the corner of Cedar and Hill
- Judging: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (begins at front of parade line)
- Awards are announced prior to parade start
- Registration closes at 9:30 AM sharp
Parade Route:
Runs west down Cedar Street to Main Street, turns left on Main, and continues through downtown, ending near Wells Fargo. Participants may return via Austin Street toward Erhard.
