2023 Angola Prison Rodeo Returns Every Sunday in October

The Angola Prison Rodeo will be returning in a couple of weekends.

Every Sunday in October, the public can attend the longest-running prison rodeo in America. The rodeo opens at 8:00 a.m. and culminates with its big event, the "Wildest Show in the South," at 1:00 p.m.

Inmate cowboys compete in traditional and unique rodeo events. Like a traditional rodeo, you'll see bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling.

And then on the more unique side, you'll see Convict Poker, where four cowboys play poker seated at a table with a loose bull and the last one sitting wins, and Prisoner Pinball, where cowboys stand in randomly placed hula-hoops with a loose bull and the last offender still in their hula-hoop wins.

The grand finale and most infamous event at the rodeo is Guts and Glory. That's where a poker chip is fastened to the head of a huge longhorn bull and released into the arena as inmates scramble to snatch the chip and win the monetary prize.

Rodeo fans can also listen to inmate bands and shop for prisoner-made arts and crafts including jewelry, paintings, woodwork, and more.

Children will also have the opportunity to ride ponies, play carnival games, and ride a carousel.

Proceeds of ticket sales from the Angola Prison Rodeo benefit the Inmate Welfare Fund, which funds recreational and educational programs for images.

Rodeo tickets are on sale now for $20 per person. Children 2 years and under are free as long as they sit on an adult's lap.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Angola Prison Rodeo office at (225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays or at this website.