The YETI Junior NFR returns to Las Vegas December 3–12, 2026, bringing some of the best young rodeo competitors in the country to the Las Vegas Convention Center during Wrangler NFR week.

More than 700 contestants are expected to compete during the ten-day event, with more than $1 million in combined cash and prizes on the line as young competitors chase a coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckle.

The 2026 Junior NFR will feature competition in nine rodeo events, including bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, boys and girls breakaway, pole bending, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing.

This year, the Wrangler Rodeo Arena will be located inside a specially designed tent in the Las Vegas Convention Center Platinum Lot as part of the Cowboy Christmas experience.

Schedule:

2026 Junior NFR Schedule

December 3, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Bull Riding, Ages 10–11 and Ages 14–15

11:30 a.m.
Breakaway, 19 & Under Girls and 15 & Under Girls

2:00 p.m.
Bareback Riding, Junior, Senior and Novice

December 4, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Saddle Bronc, Junior, Senior and Novice

12:00 p.m.
Tie-Down, 12 & Under

2:00 p.m.
Bull Riding, Ages 12–13 and Ages 16–18

December 5, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Bull Riding, Ages 10–11 and Ages 14–15

11:30 a.m.
Breakaway, 12 & Under Boys & Girls and 10 & Under Boys & Girls

2:00 p.m.
Bareback Riding, Junior, Senior and Novice

December 6, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Saddle Bronc, Junior, Senior and Novice

12:00 p.m.
Tie-Down, 19 & Under

2:00 p.m.
Bull Riding, Ages 12–13 and Ages 16–18

December 7, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Bareback Riding and Saddle Bronc, Junior, Senior and Novice

12:00 p.m.
Tie-Down, 15 & Under

2:00 p.m.
Bull Riding, Ages 10–11, 12–13, 14–15 and 16–18

December 8, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Steer Wrestling

11:30 a.m.
Pole Bending and Barrel Racing, Round 1, Group A

December 9, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Steer Wrestling

11:30 a.m.
Pole Bending and Barrel Racing, Round 1, Group B

December 10, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Steer Wrestling

11:00 a.m.
Team Roping 12.5

2:30 p.m.
Pole Bending and Barrel Racing, Round 2, Group A

December 11, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Steer Wrestling

11:00 a.m.
Team Roping 9.5

2:30 p.m.
Pole Bending and Barrel Racing, Round 2, Group B

December 12, 2026

9:30 a.m.
Steer Wrestling

11:30 a.m.
Pole Bending and Barrel Racing, Short Go

Location: Wrangler Rodeo Arena, Las Vegas Convention Center Platinum Lot