Burlap Hurdles Await 40+ Mules at the 37th Annual Pea Ridge Mule Jump
Mules do not like to jump, and in Pea Ridge, you get to watch handlers try to change their minds. Many locals call the event simply the Jump, and the name leaves little to explain. It takes place in a friendly Ozarks town, where a mule’s firm opinion on the matter keeps the atmosphere full of laughter.
THE DEETS
📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM, with Grand Entry beginning at 8:45 AM
📍 975 Weston St., Pea Ridge, AR, just north of Pea Ridge City Hall
🎟️ $5 for adults, $2 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for ages 5 and under
🔗 More info
Hurdles With Attitude
You will see more than 40 mules compete for more than $4,000 in prize money. Some of the burlap barriers stand as high as 6½ feet.
Here is what the top three jumpers take home in the Pro Jump:
- 1st place: $2,500 and a belt buckle
- 2nd place: $1,250
- 3rd place: $600
A Grand Way to Start
Walk or ride in the Grand Entry, since organizers encourage all participants to join. The Pea Ridge High School Choir performs the National Anthem.
A Comedy Pro Joins the Herd
You can catch Gizmo McCracken, the 2017 Pro Rodeo Comedy Act of the Year, who will be in attendance.
More Ways to Make the Cut
You can also catch these competitions:
- Halter classes
- Barrel races
- Pole bending
- Flag races
Room to Roam
Browse close to 100 vendors. You will find food and drinks, along with crafts and Ozark-specific gifts. Food trucks and a car show fill out the grounds.
Bring the kids for a stick horse race and hog calling, plus other activities for children.
Come One, Come Y’all
Last year, more than 6,000 people attended, and mule registrants and visitors came from as far away as Minnesota and Oregon. If you are traveling in, Pea Ridge has nearby hotels and restaurants. Mayor Nathan See closes his welcome to the Jump with “Y’all come see us!”
