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SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — October 14, 2026. Western entertainment returns to Schuylkill County this weekend when the Schuylkill Stampede takes over the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 17.

The event combines two experiences: a free festival from 1 to 5 p.m. and a professional rodeo beginning at 5 p.m. that requires a ticket. Organizers also promise country music, local vendors, food and family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Where is the Schuylkill Stampede?

The festival and rodeo are scheduled for Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. The official event ticket listing identifies October 17 as the date and presents an overall event schedule that extends into the evening. Visitors should check the organizer’s latest announcements before traveling.

The free afternoon festival: 1–5 p.m.

Admission to the daytime festival is free. The Pottsville Area Development Corporation, which is promoting the event, lists live country bands, food trucks, craft and other local vendors, and several western-themed activities.

Highlights in the organizer’s event description include mechanical bull rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, goat snuggling and other activities aimed at families. Organizers also list two hours of free line dancing open to beginners and experienced dancers of all ages.

Individual activities may have their own schedules or restrictions, so the free admission announcement should not be interpreted as a promise that every add-on experience is complimentary or available at all times.

Professional rodeo begins at 5 p.m.

After the daytime festival, the focus shifts to the arena. The evening program is advertised to include bull riding and barrel racing, along with other competitive rodeo events.

A rodeo admission ticket is required. The organizer offers general-admission and VIP options, with VIP advertised as including preferred seating and other benefits. Prices, availability and package contents may change, so the current ticket page is the best place to confirm your options.

Planning a visit

• Saturday, October 17: Schuylkill Stampede at the fairgrounds.
• 1–5 p.m.: Free festival admission with music, vendors and family entertainment.
• 5 p.m.: Ticketed professional rodeo begins.
• Parking and arrival: Allow additional time for traffic, parking and walking to the entrance.
• Clothing: Expect an outdoor October event; layers and sturdy shoes are practical.
• Weather: Recheck the organizer’s social pages for schedule changes before heading out.

Why the Stampede matters to the community

The event gives area residents a large local gathering with an admission-free daytime option. It also provides opportunities for vendors, food providers, musicians and other small businesses to meet potential customers. Families who do not plan to purchase rodeo tickets can still enjoy the afternoon festival portion.

For those seeking a full-day outing in Schuylkill County, the weekend program offers activities from early afternoon through the evening without requiring visitors to travel out of the region.

Official event information and tickets

For updates, event details and access to tickets, visit the Pottsville Area Development Corporation’s official Schuylkill Stampede page or the official SimpleTix event listing.

Featured photo: Xavier McLaren / Unsplash. Illustrative rodeo photograph; it was not taken at the Schuylkill Stampede.