Bishop Mule Days 2025 surpasses expectations!

The Bishop Mule Days Board announces that after a successful winter/spring fundraising campaign, capped off with the energy and enthusiasm of attendees, Mule Days is on its way to planning for the 2026 event.
The 2025 fundraising campaign, topping out over $106,000 was a testament to the fan base and community that has kept this vital event front and center for 55 years. Held May 20-25, Mule Days brought together RV campers, fans, contestants, vendors and sponsors to fill the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop with mule fans and their equine counterparts. The energy of the youth programs, collegiate packing and young mule competitors ensure that the love of mules will continue just like it has for so long right here in the Eastern Sierra. The annual Thursday “School Day” brought 4th grade students from around the valley to watch the thrill of PRCA’s specialty act of the year, “Rider & Bethany” and included many fun activities for the kids. The solemn “Veterans Tribute” on Sunday afternoon, yet again reminded all that the precious liberty we enjoy comes at a high cost and prior to Memorial Day, bids us to never forget those who sacrificed all.

Watching the equine athletes compete in nearly every imaginable discipline during the exciting shows, strolling through vendor booths, listening to the one and only 7-time Western Music Association “Entertainer of the Year” Dave Stamey or kicking up their heels at the Justin Lawrence Western Dance, attendees were treated to the kind of fun one can only experience in Bishop during Mule Days. All this with a backdrop of the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada makes the Mule Days Celebration experience one that draws people back to Bishop year after year.

A local’s favorite, the Saturday parade did not disappoint and promises to return next year with an incredible mix of beautiful mule teams, pack strings, marching bands and dignitaries.
2025 Mule Days President Amanda Tallman noted, “We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, vendors and fans who bring Mule Days to life every year. Contestants know it is the ‘super bowl’ of mule shows and many travel thousands of miles to Bishop to compete. How could it not be the “Greatest Mule Show on Earth”? Be sure to mark your calendars for 2026 as plans are already underway.”
So, with the grit of a hardy mule, the many volunteers who bring Mule Days to life, have persevered through tough times and are coming back with energy, enthusiasm and focus for the years to come. Join us as planning is already underway for the 56th Annual Mule Days Celebration, May 19th – 24th, 2026 in Bishop, California!