Ennis 4th of July Parade & Rodeo

When the calendar flips to July, the town of Ennis, Montana, trades its peaceful fishing-town vibe for star-spangled banners, the rumble of hooves, and the echo of rodeo announcers over loudspeakers. The Ennis 4th of July Parade and Rodeo, known affectionately as the Ennis Rodeo, returns July 3–4, 2025, delivering a two-day celebration that blends Western pageantry, small-town pride, and big-league rodeo action in the heart of Madison County.

This is Independence Day the Montana way.

Who It’s For

The Ennis Rodeo draws a crowd as diverse as the state itself—rodeo families, veteran ranchers, tourists on the fly-fishing circuit, and wide-eyed kids waving flags from Main Street curbs. Whether you’re here for the bull riding or just the BBQ, this is a celebration that invites everyone into the ring.

Sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association (NRA), the event features elite rough stock and timed events with cowboys and cowgirls from across the Northwest competing in barrel racing, bronc busting, steer wrestling, and bull riding. These aren’t exhibition rides—they’re competitive events judged by points and cheered by thousands.

What to Expect in 2025

Thursday, July 3
Ennis Rodeo – Round One
Ennis Rodeo Grounds, 25 Fairgrounds Road
7:00 PM
The gates open to a full evening of classic rodeo contests, cold drinks, and cowboy camaraderie under the wide Montana sky.

Friday, July 4
Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast
Starts early at Ennis Volunteer Fire Hall
A beloved local tradition with hotcakes, sausage, and plenty of black coffee.

Main Street Parade
Parade route from Madison Avenue to Main Street
10:00 AM
A patriotic procession of color guards, vintage tractors, classic cars, and rodeo royalty. Local businesses like Gravel Bar, Pic-A-Nic Basket, and Willie’s Distillery often decorate floats or host sidewalk specials during the parade.

Ennis Rodeo Finals
Ennis Rodeo Grounds
4:00 PM
Top riders return for the championship round in a high-stakes finale capped with thunderous applause and local fanfare.

Throughout both days, expect a full carnival atmosphere around the rodeo grounds, complete with food vendors serving burgers, dogs, kettle corn, and ice cream, plus beer tents hosted by local organizations.

Where It Happens

The festivities center on Main Street in downtown Ennis and the Ennis Rodeo Grounds, just south of town off Highway 287. Surrounded by the Madison Range and framed by the scenic Madison River, Ennis offers one of the most picturesque settings for a 4th of July celebration anywhere in the West.

Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)—about 1.5 hours north—or take the drive through Virginia City, turning the trip into a full-on Montana heritage tour. Parking is free and widely available throughout town, though visitors are advised to arrive early on parade day.

Why You Should Go

Because there’s nothing like the 4th of July in a town that still believes in handshake deals, hard work, and horseback parades. The Ennis Rodeo offers two full days of Western spectacle, rich with history, pride, and the enduring values of ranch life. There are no fireworks here—just pure Americana delivered on horseback.

Signature experiences include:

• Cheering on local kids in the mutton busting arena
• Watching world-class bronc riders kick up dust under the mountains
• Sipping a Montana Mule at Willie’s Distillery after the parade
• Waving flags with strangers who quickly become friends

Whether you’re here for the rodeo, the parade, or just the pie, you’ll leave with a camera full of snapshots and a heart full of small-town pride.

The Takeaway

The Ennis Annual 4th of July Parade and Rodeo is a celebration that stays with you—sun-soaked, dust-kicked, and deeply rooted in Montana’s Western soul. It’s about tradition, grit, and gathering. And in Ennis, that means rodeo boots, breakfast with neighbors, and a red, white, and blue Main Street you won’t soon forget.