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Rattlesnake Roundup Day

Get ready to wrangle some fun on Rattlesnake Roundup Day! Join in on the excitement with games, activities, and delicious rattlesnake dishes.

Thursday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 28

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYReptiles

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to shake things up on January 28 with Rattlesnake Roundup Day! This unique holiday originated in the town of Sweetwater, Texas in 1958 as a way to control the growing rattlesnake population. It has since become an annual event where thousands of visitors come to watch demonstrations, taste rattlesnake meat, and even participate in snake hunting contests. While it may not be for the faint of heart, Rattlesnake Roundup Day is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the history and culture of this slithery reptile. So grab your boots and join in on the fun!

TIMELINE

Rattlesnake Roundup Day Timeline

First Rattlesnake Roundup

The first known Rattlesnake Roundup was held in Sweetwater, Texas, originally as a way to control the local rattlesnake population.

Expansion of Roundups

Rattlesnake Roundups gained popularity and started to occur in multiple states across the U.S during the 1960s, often as fundraisers for local community organizations.

Environmental Concerns Raised

By the 1970s, environmentalists began raising concerns about the potential ecological impact of large-scale hunting events like Rattlesnake Roundups.

Embracing Education

The Claxton Rattlesnake and Wildlife Festival in Georgia shifted its focus from hunting to education and conservation in 1988.

Advocacy Against Roundups

The Humane Society of the United States started an active campaign in 2009 against rattlesnake roundups due to their potential for inhumane treatment of the snakes.

Rattlesnake Festival Shift

Sweetwater's annual event shifted its focus from roundup to education, renaming itself as the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Festival in 2020.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Rattlesnake Roundup Day

Attend a rattlesnake roundup event

Check for local events or festivals celebrating Rattlesnake Roundup Day and join in on the fun. You'll get to learn more about these fascinating creatures and maybe even taste some unique dishes made with rattlesnake meat.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself about rattlesnakes

Take this day as an opportunity to learn more about rattlesnakes, their habitats, and their behavior. This will not only help you appreciate these animals more, but also keep you safe in case you encounter one in the wild.

CREATE

Create rattlesnake-themed crafts or recipes

Get creative and make some rattlesnake-inspired items. This could be anything from a paper mache snake to a snakeskin patterned cake. Let your imagination run wild!

WATCH

Watch a movie or documentary about rattlesnakes

Curl up on the couch and watch a movie or documentary about rattlesnakes. This is a great way to learn more about these animals and appreciate their unique characteristics.

VISIT

Visit a reptile sanctuary or zoo

If you're feeling adventurous, visit a reptile sanctuary or zoo that houses rattlesnakes. You'll get to see these fascinating creatures up close and learn more about conservation efforts to protect them.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Rattlesnake Roundup Day

It's a chance to try something new

For those who have never tried rattlesnake meat, Rattlesnake Roundup Day provides the perfect opportunity to do so. Many festivals and events associated with this holiday offer various dishes and products made from rattlesnake, such as jerky or fried meat. It's a unique experience for adventurous eaters!

It's a unique cultural tradition

Rattlesnake Roundup Day is a holiday that celebrates the traditional practice of hunting and harvesting rattlesnakes. In many rural communities, this event brings people together and preserves their heritage. It's a fascinating part of American culture that shouldn't be overlooked.

It promotes conservation efforts

While some may view Rattlesnake Roundup Day as controversial, many organizations and communities use this holiday as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of conserving these creatures and their habitats. This can help raise awareness and hopefully lead to positive change for these threatened species.