59th Annual Clearwater Rodeo — June 26–28, 2026
Clearwater’s Big Rodeo is one of Northeast Nebraska’s premier summer events — a three-night rodeo held every June at Gene Snodgrass Arena along West US Highway 275. Now in its 59th year, the rodeo is organized by the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce and draws competitors and fans from across the region. Fan-friendly, family-friendly.
2026 Schedule
Thursday, June 25 — Pre-Event
Sidewalk chalk event on Main Street businesses, 1–2:30 p.m.
Friday, June 26
Hot dog feed at Cornerstone Bank, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. · Mutton busting 7 p.m. · Rodeo 7:30 p.m. (featuring the new Toro-Totter event) · Tim Zach live on Main Street until 1 a.m. · The Waterhole and Sons of the Legion serving food and beverages.
Saturday, June 27
Breakfast at The Waterhole 8 a.m. · Co-ed sand volleyball tournament (contact Elly Herley 402-640-9738, $60/team, cash prizes) · Inflatables 10 a.m.–2 p.m. · Branded by C&D Permanent Jewelry at Clearwater Public Library 10 a.m.–1 p.m. · Mutton busting 6 p.m. · Rodeo 6:30 p.m. · Concert: Luke Mills 8 p.m., Zach John King 9 p.m., Tyler Braden headlines 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 28
Mutton busting 6 p.m. · Rodeo 6:30 p.m. · Grand Prize Drawing: 2026 Can-Am Outlander DPS 500 (must be present; free to sign up). Also: Rough Stock Challenge skybox tickets (Aug. 8) and Chamber Checks.
Admission
Adults: $10 · Youth ages 6–12: $5 · Ages 5 and under: Free
Clear-bag policy on Main Street Friday & Saturday evenings. ID required for drink tickets.
Event Details
Dates: June 26–28, 2026 (59th Annual)
Location: Gene Snodgrass Arena, 1st St, Clearwater, Nebraska 68726
Organizer: Clearwater Chamber of Commerce · Curt Thiele, President
Phone: 402-640-5734
Volleyball: Elly Herley · 402-640-9738
External Links
See Clearwater, Nebraska for more. Clearwater is on US Highway 275 in Antelope County.
View in Nebraska Directory
Clearwater Rough Stock Challenge — August 8, 2026
The Clearwater Rough Stock Challenge is a one-night rough stock rodeo held each August in Clearwater, Nebraska. Featuring bull riding and bareback bronc riding, it draws top regional competitors to Gene Snodgrass Arena — the same venue as the annual Clearwater Big Rodeo in June.
2026 Event
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Location: Gene Snodgrass Arena, Clearwater, Nebraska (West US-275)
Organizer: Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Gates open at 6 p.m. with rough stock competition beginning at 7:30 p.m. Concessions available. Family-friendly event with grandstand seating.
See Clearwater, Nebraska for more about this community in Antelope County.