Photos: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros returns to Tucson Rodeo Grounds
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros returns to Tucson Rodeo Grounds on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026.
Kailey Milton rounds makes her first turn during barrel racing on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Danger Browning narrowly avoids getting run over after missing his target in steer wrestling on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Lefty Holman gestures to the crowd after his successful saddle bronc ride on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026. Holman’s score of 81.5 carried the event.
J.J. Harrison gets leads a singing contest between two seating sections on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Valehntyna Torres heads for the line after completing her circuit during girl’s barrel racing in the Junior Rodeo on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
A kid gets thrown off his sheep during the mutton bustin’ competition, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
Jennifer Johnson (JJ) creates custom designed cowgirl hats at the Forever Tipsy booth during La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
Kinsley Anthony rides a mechanical bull before the first event begins at the 101st annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
A jr. rider gets knocked off during the steer wrestling event at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
Crowds walk around Tucson Rodeo Grounds on the first day of the 101st annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
A rider gets some air time as his sheep makes a big jump in the mutton bustin’ competition, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
A cowboy wrangles in sheep before the Mutton Bustin competition at the 101st annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
A variety of western style belts are available for sale at the 101st annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
A kid gets thrown off his sheep during the mutton bustin’ competition, La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
Cowboys prepare for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Feb. 21, 2026.
Casey Thomson rides Mistaken Identity to a score of 78.5 during bareback riding on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Cole Hollen’s hat coming back into his face fails to distract him as he rides Dosie Lotto to a score of 76.0 in bareback on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Dean Thomson hangs in on Time to Shine in the bareback riding on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Bridger Anderson drops on his steer opening the steer wrestling on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Cody Cabral throws his steer in 6.3 seconds, easily good enough to win the event on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Kyler Dick completes his turn at steer wrestling with only one boot after it go hung up in his stirrup on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Heeler Joshua Casias draws aim on the steer competing in team roping on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Anthony Calmelat heels his steer during team roping on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026. Anthony and header Michael Calmelat finished first.
Slade Keith gets a 77.0 on Hitching Post in saddle bronc on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Surprise Party rears up in the chute with Jake Finlay aboard in saddle bronc on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Mitch Pollock has to bail off of The Grooomsman before time saddle bronc on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Valley Steel Supply Blue Steel hops out of the chute, trying to dislodge Ira Dickinson in saddle bronc riding on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Nate Wyly lassos his steer in tie down roping on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Ty Harris dismounts en route to a score of 10.5 in tie down roping on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Ty Pablo heads for his steer and time of 12.3 on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Kaylin Doak is full speed to the finish line a score of 18.32 in barrel racing on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Stacey Padilla makes her second turn during her run on barrel racing on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
A rosin coated glove, flak jacket and helmet of a rider waits behind the chutes just before bull riding on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Maverick Potter can’t register a score on C53 Gucci Equine Aces High in bull riding on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Jake Frost goes sideways but holds on for a 69.0 on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Clayton Sellars gets bounced around but scores 82.0 on 98J Barber Dyson Ford Homeboy in bull riding on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
D65 Doomsday hops around and gets Connor Murnion off balance for no score on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Announcer Will Rasmussen shows off his disco ball at his station in the booth just before the start of competition on the opening day of La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 21, 2026.
Grace Trejo
Photojournalist
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
No flinching: How an athletic trainer became a lifeline for Tucson’s toughest cowboysUniversity of Arizona athletic trainer Jenny Allen moonlights as a rodeo medic, providing critical trauma care for cowboys at the Tucson Rodeo.