Rodeo weekend is one of the biggest draws for Jackson County, and everyone in Walden is gearing up for this year’s festivities. Whether you are returning to meet up with old friends and classmates or if you are here to experience one of the biggest events of the year, Rodeo is the best time to head for the mountains for a long weekend of fun!

The Never Summer Jam!: Mountain Night Life

The Stockman Bar and Grill is back with the Never Summer Jam! More than just riding and roping, the Jam! Is the place to be in Walden for Rodeo Weekend. The Jam! Begins on Friday, June 20th on Main Street. The best way to find what is happening in Walden for Rodeo Weekend is to find a place to part and follow your ears to the music and your nose to the great food and drink!

BBQ!

There’s nothing like the sensory meltdown sensation of good barbecue. The smoky aroma and full flavor of slow roasted meat with all the fixin’s. Get your tickets to the best in Jackson County. BBQ starts at 5pm at the Stockman and goes until 8pm or whenever the food runs out, so be sure to get there early and bring your appetite! Wash it all down with a cold brew or a mule! The BBQ is the perfect spot to pre-game for the rest of the evening, because there’s so much more to come.

Street Dance in Walden, CO

The Never Summer Jam! puts together all of the elements for the party of the summer. Live music, old friends and new, outdoor games, and so much more. 

On Friday and Saturday night, Main Street of downtown Walden will be blocked off for the Never Summer Jam! Street Dance. Two step, swing, or just nod your head and sing along to the live music of Gracie Jane Sinclair, Shane Fabiani, and Special Guest!

Who’s Playing at the Never Summer Jam?

Gracie Jane Sinclair is an up and coming singer/songwriter with influences from country, western, indie/folk, the blues, and plenty of tunes you might have heard. Her debut album is out now, just in time for the Jam! So you’ll get a chance to hear a lot of her music before the rest of the country does! 

This will be Shane Fabiani’s fourth summer at the Jam! Shane grew up listening to his dad’s old Johnny Cash records and drew his inspiration for music from both old and new country/western. He taught himself how to play by ear before meeting his favorite local bands before eventually joining them on gigs throughout eastern PA. 

Gypsy Karaoke

Who else is playing? You! Calling anybody who ever sang into their hairbrush or did air drums on their steering wheel: this weekend is your time to shine! With hundreds of songs to choose from, you can dazzle your friends with your rendition of White Snake or make them weep with Colter Wall. It doesn’t matter if you are the American Idol or can’t carry a tune in a bucket; it just matters that you show up! Sing your heart out! Have the night of your life!

What Else is Happening at the Never Summer Jam!

As if live music, dancing, and karaoke wasn’t enough, there’s so much more going on in Walden for Rodeo Weekend.

• Dunk Tank: There’s no better way to stay cool (or exact your revenge on someone who has been kicking the back of your seat on the drive)
• Mechanical bull: You’ve seen the bull riders and bronc busters, now show the pros how it’s done! 
• Horseshoes: Pairs better with a shot and a beer than peanut butter goes with jelly!
• Bounce house: Summer fun for the kids and the kid at heart!
• Cornhole: A great way to pass the time with friends on a summer night in the mountains
• Beer Garden: Beer just tastes better outside and the Beer Garden is happy to oblige
• Calcutta: a tradition as old as Rodeo itself. IYKYK

Vendors Show

Local artisans and creatives bring out the best of their wares for the vendor show. From handcrafted knives, jewelry, unique gifts, and textile crafts you are sure to find that perfect gift idea or keepsake of your weekend in North Park. Located in the park next to the Stockman, stop over to see what they’ve got!

Old Timey Photo Booth

Step back into the past with a selection of Old West costumes, props, and lots of fun! Solo sittings or group photos are available. Perfect to post on social media or frame for your house. The Photo Booth will be operating at the North Park Area Chamber of Commerce Office next to the Walden Post Office. Bring your friends!

Silent Auction

The Never Summer Jam! Is hosting this year’s silent auction. All proceeds go to supporting the North Park Pioneer Museum. At the heart of town is a little museum that has kept our local history alive for generations. It’s a great experience for visitors and locals alike. Take a self-guided tour to peruse the history of North Park from its days as a rough and tumble wild west town to its heyday in the back half of the 20th Century. Our community has continued to grow and change, but it finds most of its support from visitors like you.

There’s still time to donate items for the Silent Auction. Contact the Stockman on Facebook to see about getting your silent auction items in today!

Where to Eat in Walden for Rodeo Weekend

Between the Never Summer Rodeo and the Never Summer Jam! Here are some restaurants in Walden, CO you need to check out!

• Rita’s Cafe: Great place to stop for Breakfast and Lunch. From biscuits and gravy to carne asada loaded potatoes, you won’t leave hungry.
• River Rock in Walden, CO : A sit down restaurant with hot drinks, food, and adult beverages for after a long day on the trails.
• El Toro Tacos: A new taco truck operated by the same folks that run the Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant, only right here in Walden, CO. On the corner of 5th and Main Street, Walden, CO.
• The Stockman Bar and Grill in Walden, CO: A local bar and grill featuring an original antique bar from the frontier days, local character, and plenty of good times.
• Four Winds Pizza in Walden, CO: Pizza, ice cream, and antiques.  Call (970) 723-8668 for current seasonal hours.
• Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant in Gould, CO: If you are riding trails in Gould, Cameron Pass, State Forest State Park, or Owl Mountain, the Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant is close to you.  Serving up a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the snowmobile season, it’s a must-see place to stop to fill your stomach.
• NEW RESTAURANT! A new restaurant has just opened in downtown Walden, CO. Located on the corner of 5th and Main Street, you have to check out Mis Tres Reyes. It’s got Mexican, seafood, burgers, and so much more!

Experience the Mountain West

North Park is one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. This summer avoid the busy tourist traps and experience one of the last holdouts of true Colorado culture. There’s no better place than Walden, CO and there’s no better time than Rodeo Weekend!

Enjoy Your Visit Responsibly

Rodeo weekend has been a big event in North Park for generations. It’s one of the biggest draws to our community during the year, possibly second only to hunting season. We want all of our visitors to have a great time and come back year after year. So please celebrate responsibly. Don’t drink and drive. Know your limitations, and stay hydrated. We will see you there!

2025 Never Summer Rodeo Big Giveway!

Enter for a chance to win one of 3 Rodeo Weekend prize packs!*

There's still time to enter!

2 VIP Passes to the 2025 Never Summer Rodeo

• Covers admission for all three days at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, June 20-22.
• One set of wristbands issued for each day of the Never Summer Rodeo
• Excludes drinks and concessions

2 Never Summer Jam BBQ Tickets

• Good for Friday or Saturday Night
• BBQ starts at 5pm, Main Street, Walden, CO

1 coupon good for an "Old Timey" photo

• For one individual or group sitting
• Photo booth is at the Chamber of Commerce office, Walden, CO

Deadline to Enter is Thursday, June 19th, 2025 at 8am!

To enter, email [email protected]:

Write 2025 Rodeo Giveaway in the subject line, and in the email, tell us:

• Your full name
• Phone number
• Email address

That’s it!

*Rules and limitations: 3 Winners will be selected at random from entries. One entry per household only, please. Winners will be notified by email or phone on Thursday June 19th, 2025. No purchase necessary. If mobile number is provided, carrier charges per minute or text may apply. Winners can claim prize package at the Stockman Bar in Walden, CO anytime after the winners are announced. Prize package cannot be returned or redeemed for cash value.