The four-day event celebrates its 61st year with rodeo action, live entertainment and carnival attractions.
HELOTES, Texas — A longtime Hill Country tradition is returning with four days of rodeo thrills, live music and family fun.
The Helotes Cornyval Festival and PRCA Rodeo will take place April 30 through May 3 at the Helotes Festival Grounds, marking the event’s 61st anniversary.
Organizers say more than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual celebration, which features three nights of professional rodeo action, including bull riding and barrel racing.
Event hours are:
- Thursday, April 30: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday, May 1: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Saturday, May 2: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday, May 3: Noon to 8 p.m.
Beyond the arena, families can enjoy carnival rides like Ferris wheels and bumper cars, along with games, food, arts and crafts and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Live music will also take center stage throughout the weekend, with performances by The Spazmatics on Thursday, Wade Bowen on Friday and David Lewis on Saturday. Sunday will feature free admission and a tribute performance honoring Emilio by Mario Flores.
The event also includes the H-E-B KidZone, featuring activities like chicken bingo, a corn-eating contest and pig races, along with special recognitions for military veterans and cultural performances.
First held in 1966, Cornyval celebrates the area’s agricultural roots and has grown into a major fundraiser supporting local nonprofits, schools and community organizations.
Admission times vary by day, with events running into the evening each night. Parking is free, and special pricing will be available for carnival rides.
