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Every second Saturday in July, the tiny Western-themed town of Sisters, Oregon does something no other town on earth can claim: it transforms its entire downtown into the world’s largest outdoor quilt show. Over 1,300 handmade quilts hang from storefronts, porches, fences, and railings along Cascade Avenue and the surrounding streets — turning a few blocks of high-desert charm into a mile-long open-air art gallery.

The 51st annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show takes place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and whether you’re a lifelong quilter, a first-time visitor to Central Oregon, or someone who just appreciates beautiful things made by hand, this is one of those events that stays with you long after you drive back over the pass.

What Is the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show?

Founded in 1975 by Jean Wells, owner of the beloved Stitchin’ Post quilt shop on Cascade Avenue, the show started with a handful of quilts hung outside her storefront. Passersby stopped, asked questions, and came back the next year — and Jean invited other quilters to join. What began as a sidewalk display has grown into an internationally recognized event drawing more than 12,000 visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries every year.

The show is free to attend. There’s no convention center, no judging, no velvet ropes — just the town of Sisters dressed in 1,300 quilts that blow gently in the high-desert breeze while visitors walk the streets, read each quilt’s story label, and meet the makers who created them.

When Is the 2026 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show?

The 2026 show falls on Saturday, July 11. Quilts are displayed from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, the surrounding events span an entire week:

Quilter’s Affair (July 6–10): The week before the show features over 86 workshops led by 30 nationally recognized quilting instructors. From traditional hand-piecing to modern improvisational techniques, there’s a class for every skill level. Registration fills up months in advance, so plan early.

Sunday Event (July 12): FivePine Lodge and Conference Center hosts quilt artisan and designer Michelle Wilkie, who will share her practice of blending traditional techniques with contemporary design.

What to Expect on Show Day

Picture this: you arrive in Sisters on a warm July morning, the Three Sisters peaks glowing to the west. The wooden storefronts along Cascade Avenue — already charming on a regular day — are now draped in quilts of every color, pattern, and style imaginable. Traditional log cabin designs hang next to bold modern abstractions. Miniature art quilts share wall space with king-size masterpieces that took years to complete.

The range of work is staggering. You’ll see intricate traditional patterns passed down through generations, political statements stitched in fabric, improvisational designs that break every rule, and fiber art pieces that push the very definition of what a quilt can be. Every piece has a story label, and many of the makers stand nearby, happy to talk about their process.

Beyond the quilts themselves, downtown Sisters fills with vendor booths selling fabric, notions, patterns, and handmade goods. Local restaurants and food carts keep the crowd fed, and the town’s galleries, boutiques, and candy shops are all open for browsing between quilt-gazing sessions.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Arrive early. The show officially opens at 9 AM, but seasoned attendees show up by 8 to find parking and beat the midday heat. By late morning, the streets are shoulder-to-shoulder.

Dress for the high desert. July in Sisters means warm days (highs in the low 80s) with intense sun. Wear a hat, bring sunscreen, and choose moisture-wicking layers. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — you’ll cover a lot of ground on pavement.

Bring water and snacks. While there are food options throughout town, the lines get long during peak hours. A refillable water bottle and a few snacks will keep your energy up while you browse.

Plan your meals strategically. Eat lunch early (before 11:30) or late (after 1:30) to avoid the rush. Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill serves pub fare with locally sourced steaks, and The Barn in Sisters pairs food cart offerings with craft beer and cocktails.

Bring a camera. The quilts against the rustic Western storefronts of downtown Sisters make for incredible photographs. The morning light is especially beautiful.

Take your time. There are over 1,300 quilts to see. You don’t need to see them all in one pass — many visitors do a loop of the main streets, grab lunch, and then circle back to revisit favorites.

Parking and Getting Around

Parking is available on city streets throughout Sisters’ business district and surrounding residential areas. Accessible parking is available at designated spots throughout town, as well as on the west side of Locust Street near the school administration building, Sisters City Hall, and Village Green Park.

Be considerate of residents — don’t block private driveways or alleyways. If you’re coming from Bend (about 20 minutes west on Highway 20), consider carpooling or arriving early for the closest spots. The show area covers Main Avenue, Cascade Avenue, Hood Avenue, and all cross streets from Oak Street through Larch Street — all walkable from any parking spot in town.

Where to Stay Near the Show

Sisters is a small town, and accommodations book up fast for quilt show weekend. Your best options include FivePine Lodge (a boutique property with craft brewery on-site), Black Butte Ranch (a resort community 8 miles west), and various vacation rentals throughout the area. Bend and Redmond are both within 25 minutes and offer more hotel inventory if Sisters itself is booked.

Beyond the Quilts: What Else to Do in Sisters

If you’re making a weekend of it — and you should — Sisters has plenty to keep you busy before and after the show. The Metolius River, one of Oregon’s most stunning spring-fed rivers, is a 20-minute drive and perfect for a quiet afternoon of fishing or streamside walking. The Three Sisters Wilderness offers some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest, from alpine lake loops to wildflower meadows. And downtown Sisters itself, with its Western-facade galleries, bookshops, and the legendary Stitchin’ Post quilt shop, deserves a full afternoon of browsing.

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If you’ve never seen a river appear out of nowhere — fully formed, ice-cold, and impossibly clear — then you haven’t met the Metolius. Just 14 miles northwest of Sisters, the Metolius River springs from the base of Black Butte as one of the largest spring-fed rivers in the entire country, pushing out roughly 50,000 gallons of crystal-clear water every single minute. No trickle, no slow build. Just a forest floor, then a river.

For visitors and locals alike, the Metolius River corridor is one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring stretches of landscape in all of Central Oregon. Whether you come to fish, hike, camp, or simply sit on a rock and watch the water do its thing, this is a place that earns every superlative people throw at it.

What Makes the Metolius River So Special?

The Metolius is fed entirely by underground springs filtering through ancient volcanic rock, which means the water temperature holds steady at around 46–48°F year-round — cold enough to keep native bull trout and redside rainbow trout thriving, and clear enough to see the river bottom from almost any vantage point. The river runs 29 miles through ponderosa pine and old-growth forest before joining the Deschutes River at Lake Billy Chinook.

Because the Metolius is a designated Wild and Scenic River, it’s protected from development and damming. That means the corridor today looks much the way it did a century ago: towering ponderosa pines, osprey circling overhead, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget your phone exists.

Where Does the Metolius River Start?

The Head of the Metolius is one of those natural phenomena that stops people mid-sentence. A short, paved 0.3-mile trail from the parking area off Camp Sherman Road (Forest Road 14) leads you to a viewing platform where you can watch the river literally emerge from the ground at the base of Black Butte. One moment it’s dry earth and pine needles. The next, it’s a rushing river.

The observation site is open year-round, wheelchair accessible, and free. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the car, and every single person we’ve sent here has texted us a photo within the hour. It’s that kind of place.

What Can You Do Along the Metolius River?

The Metolius isn’t a thrill-ride river — no whitewater rafting or jet boats here. Instead, it’s a place built for the kind of outdoor experiences that slow you down and sharpen your senses. Here’s what draws people in:

Hiking the Metolius River Trail. The West Metolius River Trail is a 5.5-mile out-and-back from Lower Canyon Creek Campground to Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. The trail follows the river through wildflower-dotted meadows and shaded forest, crossing feeder streams and offering constant views of the emerald-green water. It’s gentle enough for families and stunning enough for seasoned hikers who thought they’d seen everything Oregon has to offer.

Fly Fishing. The Metolius is a blue-ribbon trout stream and one of the most respected fly-fishing rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Native redside rainbow trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish all call this water home. A few things to know: the stretch above Bridge 99 is fly-fishing only, and barbless hooks are required throughout. Bull trout are catch-and-release only. The Camp Sherman Store offers gear rentals and private instruction — an excellent option if you’re new to fly fishing or new to this particular river.

Wildlife Watching. Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, river otters, and mule deer are all regulars along the Metolius corridor. In spring and summer, keep your eyes on the snags above the river — osprey nest there and put on a show every time they dive for trout.

Visiting Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. Run by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this small hatchery raises Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and rainbow trout. It’s free to visit, family-friendly, and a great midpoint stop on a day hike. Kids especially love the outdoor ponds where fish swirl just below the surface.

Where Should You Camp Along the Metolius?

The Metolius River corridor has some of the best campgrounds in all of Deschutes National Forest — and several of them put you within steps of the water. Here are the top picks:

Camp Sherman Campground. Fifteen sites nestled in ponderosa pines right along the river. Close enough to the Camp Sherman Store for supplies, far enough from the road to feel remote. Reservable through Recreation.gov from late May through September.

Smiling River Campground. The largest option with 36 sites, several of which sit directly on the riverbank. Great for families and groups. Fire pits, picnic tables, vault toilets — everything you need, nothing you don’t.

Lower Bridge Campground. Open year-round with a dozen tent sites along the river. This is the quieter option, popular with anglers who want early-morning access to the water without a crowd.

Riverside Campground. True to its name — the sites here are as close to the river as you’ll get without sleeping in a drift boat. It fills fast in summer, so book early.

Pro tip: campground reservations along the Metolius open six months in advance, and peak-summer weekends (late June through August) book out quickly. If you’re planning a July or August trip, set a calendar reminder for your six-month booking window.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Metolius River?

The Metolius is accessible year-round, but each season offers something different:

Summer (June–September) is the most popular window. Campgrounds are open, trails are snow-free, wildflowers line the riverbanks, and daytime temps in the mid-70s to mid-80s make for perfect hiking and fishing conditions. The tradeoff: more company, especially on weekends.

Fall (October–November) brings golden larches, thinner crowds, and excellent fishing as water temps hold steady while air cools. Campground availability is easier, and the forest takes on a glow that photographers live for.

Winter (December–March) is quiet, cold, and beautiful. The river doesn’t freeze — it’s spring-fed, remember — so the contrast of rushing turquoise water against snow-dusted pines is something you won’t forget. Lower Bridge Campground stays open, and the Head of the Metolius trail is accessible with appropriate footwear.

Spring (April–May) is wildflower season. Lupine, paintbrush, and balsamroot pop up along the trails, and osprey return to their nests above the river. Some campgrounds may still be closed, so check Recreation.gov before planning an overnight.

How Do You Get to the Metolius River from Sisters?

From downtown Sisters, head northwest on US-20 for about 10 miles, then turn right onto Camp Sherman Road (Forest Road 14). The Head of the Metolius parking area is about 4 miles down the road. Camp Sherman and the riverside campgrounds are another few miles beyond that. Total drive time from Sisters: about 20 minutes. From Bend, it’s roughly 45 minutes via US-20 West.

The road is paved and well-maintained, though it narrows in spots as you get deeper into the corridor. No high-clearance vehicle required — your family sedan will do just fine.

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Photo: Unsplash

Every June, the small mountain town of Sisters, Oregon transforms into the epicenter of Western grit and community spirit. The Sisters Rodeo — affectionately known as “The Biggest Little Show in the World” — returns June 10–14, 2026, for its 86th year of world-class PRCA competition, small-town hospitality, and traditions that have drawn cowboys, families, and visitors to Central Oregon since 1940. Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or you’ve never seen a bucking bronc in person, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of Sisters Rodeo week.

What Makes the Sisters Rodeo Special?

Back in 1940, a group of local Sisters couples pooled $10,000 to start a rodeo on the edge of town. Cowboys rode for purses that rivaled Pendleton and Cheyenne — and impressed that such a small town offered such big prize money, they gave it the nickname that stuck: “The Biggest Little Show in the World.” Eighty-six years later, Sisters Rodeo is still community-owned, nonprofit, and powered by more than 200 volunteers. It’s a premier stop on the PRCA circuit, named Rodeo of the Year in the Columbia River Circuit and featured everywhere from the New York Times to late-night television. The rodeo donates more than $50,000 annually to local nonprofits and youth scholarships — so every ticket you buy goes right back into the Sisters community.

Photo: Somersetpedia.paul / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

2026 Sisters Rodeo Schedule: Dates, Times, and Performances

The 2026 Sisters Rodeo runs five adrenaline-packed performances over five days. Every show features the full slate of PRCA events — bareback riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Here’s the 2026 performance schedule: Wednesday, June 10 — Xtreme Bulls Night: Gates open at 4:30 PM, performance at 6:30 PM. The rodeo kicks off with one of the most thrilling events in professional rodeo — Xtreme Bulls under the lights. Thursday, June 11 — PRCA Rodeo: Gates open at 5:00 PM, performance at 7:00 PM. All events, all action, all night. Friday, June 12 — PRCA Rodeo: Gates open at 5:00 PM, performance at 7:00 PM. The energy builds heading into the weekend. Saturday, June 13 — PRCA Rodeo (Matinee): Gates open at 11:00 AM, performance at 1:00 PM. A daytime show perfect for families. Sunday, June 14 — Finals Day: Gates open at 11:00 AM, performance at 1:00 PM. The top cowboys and cowgirls battle it out for the championship. Arrive early for the Kiwanis Buckaroo Breakfast and a cowboy church service at 8:30 AM.

Who’s Who at the 2026 Sisters Rodeo

This year’s rodeo features some standout names. Fan-favorite barrelman JJ Harrison returns to keep the crowd laughing between rides, while legendary announcer Wayne Brooks calls the action. The 2026 Rodeo Queen, Naomi Bailey, represents Sisters Rodeo nationally with horsemanship and grace. This year’s Grand Marshals are Corey & Lange Rodeo Company, the stock contractors who have been instrumental in bringing world-class livestock to the arena. The bullfighter lineup includes Logan Blasdell, Erick Schwindt, and Roy Jackson — the athletes who put themselves between cowboys and 2,000-pound bulls every single ride.

Photo: Unsplash

How Do I Get Tickets to the Sisters Rodeo?

Tickets are available through the official Sisters Rodeo website at tickets.sistersrodeo.com. Prices start around $41 and vary by performance date and seating section. Your options include covered Grandstands, exclusive Box Seats, open-air Plaza seating, and General Admission. Pro tip: Saturday and Sunday matinees tend to sell fastest — especially box seats. If you want the full rodeo-under-the-lights experience, Wednesday’s Xtreme Bulls or Thursday night are excellent picks with typically better seat availability.

What to Know Before You Go: Parking, Shuttles, and Arena Rules

The rodeo grounds are located at 67637 Highway 20, about 3 miles east of downtown Sisters. Parking at the grounds is limited, so the rodeo offers a free shuttle from Sisters Parks & Recreation (611 E Cascade Avenue). Shuttles run every 15 minutes starting two hours before each performance. A few things to keep in mind before you head to the arena: No outside food or beverages (sealed water is fine). Local food vendors on-site serve everything from BBQ to cold drinks. No dogs allowed — service animals only. No backpacks, coolers, or camera bags. Seat cushions are welcome, but seatbacks and folding chairs are not. All bags are subject to inspection at entry. No ATMs on-site, but most vendors accept cards. Smoking is only in designated areas. No drones without a media pass.

Community Events and Traditions Beyond the Arena

The Sisters Rodeo isn’t just about what happens inside the arena. Rodeo week turns the whole town into a celebration of Western culture. The famous Sisters Rodeo Parade rolls through downtown Cascade Avenue, drawing thousands of spectators who line the boardwalks. On Sunday morning, the Kiwanis Buckaroo Breakfast serves up a hearty cowboy meal with proceeds benefiting local programs. A cowboy church service is held at 8:30 AM on Sunday for those looking for a more reflective start before Finals Day. And don’t miss the rodeo dances and live music that fill Sisters’ evenings during rodeo week.

Photo: Unsplash

Where to Stay and What Else to Do in Sisters During Rodeo Week

Sisters is a small town — population 3,800 — so lodging books up fast during rodeo week. If you’re still looking for a place to stay, check Black Butte Ranch (8 miles west), FivePine Lodge, Sisters Motor Lodge, or vacation rentals through VRBO and Airbnb. Book as early as possible; last-minute availability is rare. While you’re in town, make the most of a Sisters visit. Walk the 1880s-inspired Western downtown with its galleries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Hike Black Butte for one of the best Cascade panoramas in Central Oregon. Drive out to the Metolius River headspring — one of Oregon’s most magical natural sights. Or pedal the Peterson Ridge Trail, a 20-mile singletrack network that starts right from town.

Arena Records Worth Watching For

Part of the thrill of attending the Sisters Rodeo is watching athletes push the limits. Here are some of the standing arena records — see if anyone breaks them in 2026: Steer Wrestling: 3.6 seconds — Shawn Greenfield (2010) and Josh Garner (2023). Tie-Down Roping: 6.9 seconds — Riley Webb (2025). Bareback Riding: 89 points — Wacey Schalla (2025). Saddle Bronc Riding: 89.5 points — CoBurn Bradshaw (2022). Barrel Racing: 17.09 seconds — Madison Camozzi (2025). Bull Riding: 91 points — Marty Staneart (1993) and Shane Proctor (2012).

Related Guides

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Photo: Unsplash

Every June, the small Western town of Sisters, Oregon transforms into the capital of cowboy country. The Sisters Rodeo — affectionately known as “The Biggest Little Show in the World” — has been drawing ranchers, rodeo athletes, and spectators to Central Oregon since 1940. In 2026, the rodeo runs June 10 through 14, and whether you are a lifelong rodeo fan or a curious first-timer, this is one of the most electric weeks on the Central Oregon calendar.

What Is the Sisters Rodeo?

The Sisters Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event that brings top-level competition to a setting that still feels like something out of a Western film. Set against the backdrop of the Three Sisters mountains and surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, the rodeo grounds sit about three miles east of downtown Sisters on Highway 20. The arena holds roughly 5,000 spectators, which means every seat feels close to the action — you can hear the hooves, smell the dust, and feel the energy from the very first chute gate.

Why Locals Love It

For Sisters residents, rodeo week is more than a sporting event. It is the unofficial start of summer, a week when the whole town comes alive. Shops on Cascade Avenue put up Western-themed window displays. Restaurants roll out special menus. And the rodeo parade — held on Saturday morning — fills the streets with floats, horses, vintage trucks, and candy-throwing cowboys. It is small-town Americana at its most genuine, and the kind of thing that reminds you why places like Sisters still matter.

Photo: Somersetpedia.paul / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

What to Expect at the 2026 Sisters Rodeo

The 2026 Sisters Rodeo runs five days with sessions spanning late afternoons and evenings. Here is the general schedule to plan your visit around:

Wednesday, June 10 — Opening night kicks off at 6:30 PM with the Xtreme Bulls competition, featuring the rankest bulls and the bravest riders on the circuit.

Thursday, June 11 — PRCA rodeo performance begins at 7:00 PM. Expect saddle bronc, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing.

Friday, June 12 — Another full PRCA performance at 7:00 PM, plus the energy builds as the weekend approaches.

Saturday, June 13 — The rodeo parade rolls through downtown Sisters in the morning. The afternoon performance starts at 1:00 PM and is often the most popular session of the week.

Sunday, June 14 — Finals day at 1:00 PM. This is where the week’s best athletes compete for championship purses and buckles.

The Events You Will See

If you are new to rodeo, here is a quick primer on the main events. Saddle bronc riding is considered the classic rodeo event — a cowboy rides a bucking horse using only a specialized saddle and a thick braided rein. Bareback riding is similar but without the saddle, which requires enormous upper-body strength. Bull riding is arguably the most thrilling event: eight seconds on a two-thousand-pound animal that wants you off as quickly as possible.

On the timed-event side, tie-down roping tests how quickly a cowboy can rope, dismount, and tie a calf. Team roping is a two-person event where a header and a heeler work together to rope a steer. Steer wrestling — also called bulldogging — involves a cowboy leaping from a galloping horse onto a running steer and wrestling it to the ground. And barrel racing showcases the speed and agility of cowgirls navigating a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels at a full gallop.

Photo: Unsplash

Tips for First-Time Rodeo Visitors

Dress for the weather and the dust. Sisters sits at about 3,200 feet in elevation, and June evenings can cool off quickly once the sun dips behind the mountains. Layers are your friend — a T-shirt for the warm afternoon, a flannel or light jacket for after sunset. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended; the rodeo grounds are dirt and gravel. A cowboy hat or ball cap is not required but widely encouraged.

Seating matters. General admission bleacher seats are available, but if you want shade and a slightly elevated view, reserved seating is worth the upgrade. Arrive early for the best spots and to soak up the pre-show atmosphere — kids can often watch the cowboys warm up behind the chutes before the performance begins.

Food vendors set up along the perimeter with everything from smoked tri-tip sandwiches to Indian tacos and lemonade. The beer garden is a popular gathering spot between events. Cash and cards are both accepted at most stands.

Where to Stay During Rodeo Week

Sisters is a small town, and rodeo week is its busiest. Book early. FivePine Lodge and Conference Center offers upscale cabin-style lodging within walking distance of downtown. The Sisters Motor Lodge has an old-school Western charm that fits the rodeo vibe perfectly. For a more rustic experience, Bend-Sunriver RV Campground and several Forest Service campgrounds near the area offer tent and RV sites. Many visitors also stay in Bend or Redmond — both are about a 20- to 30-minute drive from the rodeo grounds.

Photo: Unsplash

What Else to Do in Sisters That Week

Rodeo week is a perfect excuse to explore everything else Sisters has to offer. Stroll Cascade Avenue and browse the galleries, boutiques, and outdoor shops that give the town its character. Grab breakfast at Sisters Bakery — the line is worth it. Drive out to the Metolius River for some of the best fly fishing in Oregon. Hike the Whychus Creek trail for wildflower views. Or simply sit on a patio with a local craft beer and watch the Cascade peaks turn gold at sunset.

If you are visiting with family, the rodeo parade on Saturday is free and kid-friendly. Many of the evening performances also feature mutton bustin’ — where young children ride sheep for a few hilarious seconds — and other family-oriented activities between the main events.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for the 2026 Sisters Rodeo start around $45 for general admission, with reserved seating and box seats available at higher price points. You can purchase tickets online at tickets.sistersrodeo.com or at the gate on event days, though popular sessions like Saturday afternoon can sell out in advance. Group discounts and multi-day passes are also available — check the official Sisters Rodeo website for the latest pricing and availability.

Related Guides

• Your Guide to the 2026 Sisters Rodeo: The Biggest Little Show in the World
• The 2026 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show: Your Complete Guide to the World’s Largest Outdoor Quilt Show
• The Metolius River: A Complete Guide to Sisters’ Most Magical Waterway
• Hello world!
• Explore the full Central Oregon travel guide

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