The Beav's annual rodeo series is more of a Wild West entertainment show than a true rodeo competition, but that’s just fine for the crowds of families who pack the grandstands each week for an intro to barrel racing and bull riding. Parents sip on craft beers and sample local BBQ, while the kids get their kicks from face painting and pony rides and do their best not to get bucked off a mechanical bull. Fearless half-pints who enjoy being the center of attention enter the mutton-bustin' competition, riding bareback on not-so-little lambs.

When it is:

June 20, 27; July 11, 18; Aug 1, 8, 15

Where it is:

Traer Creek Rodeo Grounds, Avon

What it costs:

Free for kids under 12, $12 for youth aged 12-17, $22 for adults, $17 for seniors; VIP pricing available

Who goes there:

Out-of-town families with kids

More info: beavercreek.com

And if you enjoy fine wine paired with a taste of the Wild West ...

Sip local cab (made from Sonoma grapes) at Vines at Vail (vinesatvailwinery.com) at Wolcott’s 4 Eagle Ranch before wandering next door for a family-friendly Wednesday-night rodeo featuring local ranchers (July 17, 31; August 7; 4–8 p.m. $10 adults, $5 kids; 4eagleranch.com). 

If you prefer barrel racing over Formula One ...

Eagle’s county fairgrounds hosts four days of live country music, stock shows, carnival rides, and rough-and-tumble competition fêting the country’s top rodeo stars (July 24–27, eaglecountyfairandrodeo.com).