Coolgardie Outback Festival 2026

The Coolgardie Outback Festival is a three-day family-friendly celebration of country life, agriculture and Western Australian outback culture, with the ABCRA-sanctioned rodeo serving as the headline event. Held from 14–16 August 2026 in Coolgardie, WA, the festival combines elite rodeo competition with junior events, live entertainment, vehicle displays, markets, camp oven cooking, family activities and free camping, creating a major tourism event for the Goldfields.

About the Rodeo
The rodeo takes place on Saturday 15 August, with gates opening at 11:00am, the National Anthem at 12:00pm, and the Grand Entry commencing at 12:30pm. Competitors from across Australia compete for more than $40,000 in prize money across a range of traditional rodeo disciplines, including:
- Open Bull Ride
- Open Saddle Bronc
- Open Bareback
- Steer Wrestling
- Rope & Tie
- Team Roping
- Ladies Breakaway Roping
- Ladies Barrel Race
- Novice events
- Junior barrel racing, breakaway and steer riding

The rodeo concludes with presentations before live entertainment continues into the evening.

Junior Rodeo
The festival begins on Friday with a Gymkhana followed by the Junior Rodeo, providing opportunities for young competitors from beginners through to under-18s to participate in barrel racing, bending races, steer riding, breakaway roping and dummy roping. The junior program is designed to encourage participation, develop future competitors and promote horsemanship in a safe and supportive environment.

More Than a Rodeo
The festival offers something for the whole family, including:
- Live music across all three days
- Ute, Truck and Dozer Musters
- Tractor Pull
- Camp Oven & Slow Cook Championships
- Markets
- Blacksmith demonstrations
- Perth Reptile Centre
- Children's activities including bouncy castles, bucking bulls and mini diggers
- Food vendors and licensed bar
- Free camping throughout the weekend.

Community Focus
Organised by Outback Rodeos Inc., the festival is a not-for-profit community event that celebrates Coolgardie's rich equine heritage while reinvesting into local organisations and community groups. The event also provides a significant economic boost to the region by attracting visitors to experience the history, hospitality and businesses of Coolgardie and the wider Goldfields.

This year's program reflects the festival's continued growth as one of regional Western Australia's premier country events, bringing together world-class rodeo competition, family entertainment and authentic outback experiences in one weekend.