Day 1: Daily: Get an early start at the Cowboy Breakfast, which kicks off at 6 a.m. each day in Stillman Park. From here it’s an easy walk downtown to Hamley & Co., known for its custom harnesses and saddles. The store has been selling Western wear since 1883, including a wide variety of jewelry and other goods. Get to the Round-Up Grounds by 1:15 p.m. sharp, when the rodeo starts with the thrilling Grand Entry of the Queen & Court. (As of press time, tickets for the Friday and Saturday rodeo performances are sold out, but even if you never set foot in the grandstands there’s still plenty to do during this four-day event.) There are free activities each evening on Main Street and a special Hall of Fame BBQ ($15) on Thursday night. Staged nightly, the Happy Canyon pageant tells the story of the Indians and the settling of the West. Gamble and dance the night away at the Convention Hall.



Day 2: Friday: View the Westward Ho! Parade—a non-motorized procession of cowboys and cowgirls, Indians, oxen and mule teams, and more. Back at the rodeo grounds, you’ll find tasty Basque barbecue at Mario’s on the west end of the stadium. (The lamb sandwich is a favorite.) Under the rodeo stands, the Let’er Buck Room is the official bar of the Pendleton Round-Up. Try on the gorgeous cowboy hats at Montana Peaks Hat Co. and the fine, hand-made buckskin and leather outfits at Boots Leonard Gallery. Dating from 1909, Pendleton Woolen Mills still operates about two miles from the rodeo grounds; tours of the blanket weaving facility are offered every 1/2 hour beginning at 9 a.m.



Day 3: Saturday: Attend the Indian Dance Contest held in the Round-Up arena and Roy Raley Park, and explore the authentic Indian Teepee Village. Champions are made at Saturday afternoon’s rodeo finals, with winners receiving saddles, boots, hats, prize money, and the cherished Pendleton Round-Up trophy belt buckles. The Rainbow Café, continuously operated since 1883, has tasty grub and walls covered with autographed photos of past competitors. The elegant Hamley’s Steakhouse has 1890s décor and an amazing 14 oz. USDA Prime-graded rib-eye steak. The Hamley Café next door serves breakfast and lunch.