Tickets Nearly Sold Out for 60th Angola Prison Rodeo

From facebook.com/LaDeptofCorrections

BATON ROUGE (press release) – The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections welcomes the public to attend the 60th Angola Prison Rodeo, scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2026, at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP).

“For six decades, this annual event has drawn visitors from across the region and offered a full day of family-friendly fun,” said Darrel Vannoy, warden of Louisiana State Penitentiary. “From the rodeo competitions to the hobby crafts, every part of the experience reflects the hard work of both staff and the incarcerated population who make it possible.”

60th Angola Prison Rodeo + Craft Details

Rodeo gates will open at 8 a.m. with events in the arena beginning at 2 p.m. on both days. The department recommends that attendees make plans for an early arrival to avoid long wait times.

Organizers share that the weekend-long event is known as “The Wildest Show in the South.” The 60th Angola Prison Rodeo will feature live music, arts and crafts booths and a lineup of rodeo events including bust out, bareback riding, wild horse racing, barrel racing and bulldogging.

Signature competitions will also include chariot racing, wild cow milking, bull riding, convict poker and the finale, guts and glory.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique, handmade hobby crafts created by incarcerated individuals, including jewelry, leather goods, furniture, woodworking items, barbecue pits, toys and paintings. Both cash and major credit cards will be accepted for these purchases.

Family-friendly attractions such as carnival games, pony rides and an antique carousel will be available for children.

A variety of food options will be offered through concession stands, cash-only. An ATM will be available on site for convenience. Smoking is prohibited and outside food, drinks and ice chests are not permitted. Clear or transparent bags are allowed, but subject to search

Ticket Information

General admission tickets for the Angola Prison Rodeo are $20.

Tickets for the rodeo on Saturday, April 18, are sold out, but tickets for the craft shopping will be available. Only 2,700 rodeo tickets remain for Sunday, April 19.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections advises that it cannot guarantee the validity of tickets purchased through third-party vendors.

For more information about the event, visit angolarodeo.com or call the correctional facility at 225-655-2030 or 225-655-2607, Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.