It’s Rodeo Week: Street dance kicks off tonight in Athens

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May 12, 2026

Saddle up, the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Returns May 15-16.

Plenty of rodeo action is expected to hit the dirt in May when the annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo returns to the north Alabama town of Athens. Now in its 44th year, the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is set for May 15-16, 2026, and along with two days of high impact rodeo competition, organizers look to engage the community by offering several family-friendly events in the week leading up to the rodeo.

Rodeo week kicks off Tuesday, May 12 with a free Street Dance in downtown Athens at 6 p.m., giving residents an early opportunity to celebrate before the main events begin. Attendees can enjoy restaurants and merchants around the downtown area. On Thursday, May 14 at the arena located at 8118 AL Hwy 99 in Athens, slack performance gives rodeo competitors and fans an additional viewing opportunity ahead of the featured programming. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the competition begins at 9 a.m. Admission is $5.

The Exceptional Needs Rodeo, one of the week’s most anticipated events, will take place Friday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arena. Designed especially for individuals with special needs, this rodeo provides more than 800 attendees with a unique and memorable rodeo experience in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.

The main rodeo event takes center stage Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at the arena. Gates open at 6 p.m. both nights with competition starting at 8 p.m. The performances are produced by Lone Star Rodeo Company, bringing professional-level competition and entertainment to North Alabama.

Daily ticket prices are adults $17 (advance) or $20 (gate) and children four to 12 years old $10 (advance) or $12 (gate). Admission is free for three years old and under. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Limestone County Sheriff’s office or online at www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com.

All proceeds from the 44th annual event benefit the men and women of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office. Visit www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com for more information.

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