It’s getting close to that time of year again… to the second full weekend in March when the Jaycees in Sweetwater, Texas host the world’s largest Rattlesnake Roundup!  This year it is the 68th round-up, so head to Nolan County Coliseum located at 220 Coliseum Drive in Sweetwater March 13-15, 2026. Weekend events include a parade, carnival, Miss Snake Charmer pageant, gun/knife/coin show, cook-off, guided hunts and more. These events serve to entertain and educate the public about rattlesnakes in general, and all the ways they can be used— from food to products like snakeskin and antivenom production. For those who wish to view and photograph the rattlesnake in its natural habitat, bus tours are offered throughout the 3- day event.

The Nolan County Coliseum is a two-story building with most of the attractions on the first floor.   Enter through the front doors of the coliseum which is essentially on the second floor. Things you will see inside are vendors, the skinning pit, weigh in, research,  milking pit, official rattlesnake roundup apparel, and safety demonstrations. If you are still hankering for more come Saturday evening, head to the Jaycee Barn at 307 West 4th where the Jaycees hold a dance. 

Few sounds will make a a person freeze or take flight faster than a “rattle,” but folks also recognize the important part that snakes play in our ecosystem, including keeping populations of mice and other rodents in check. Most people do not agree with the old adage “the only good rattlesnake is a dead rattlesnake.”  There are 15 species of venomous snakes found in Texas, some of which are only found in remote areas where contact with humans is rare. There are four groups of dangerously venomous snakes in North America, and Texas has all four: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes (another good reason to wear snake gaiters when hiking, hunting, and working in snake country).

The most famous feature of the rattlesnake is, of course, its rattle.  The rattle is found at the tip of the tail and used by the snake to warn potential aggressors to back off. The rattle can also be used to distract the snake’s prey. The rattle sound is created when hollow and bony segments (buttons) bang together. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new button appears.  Until a rattlesnake has two or more buttons, it does not make a sound. That means baby rattlesnakes can be extra dangerous— they have no buttons to warn off a target.

Rattlesnake babies are born venomous and often are more aggressive than the adults. As the rattlesnake ages it learns to control the amount of venom it releases, whereas young snakes don’t have that kind of control.  Spring is breeding season for rattlers. Adult female rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous, meaning the egg sacs are incubated within the mother so the young emerge fully developed. The longest rattlesnake in Texas so far has been recorded at 81.5 inches long.

Whether you are a wildlife biologist, university scientist, herpetologist, snake collector, or just someone interested in seeing and learning more about rattlesnakes, head to Sweetwater, Texas March 13-15, 2026 for the world’s largest Rattlesnake Roundup.  Residents say their usual population of 11,000 people soars to approximately 40,000 for the festivities, and all are welcome. Since 1958, this specific rattlesnake roundup has brought a sense of adventure and excitement to the rural community— and the tradition continues!