Saddle up, the Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family Festival is returning to town for a weekend of competition and entertainment for the family. The rodeo returns April 10-11 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, bringing residents a weekend of rodeo competitions, live music, games and more.
This marks the fifth year the rodeo has been held in Tampa, with organizers saying fans will see a return of their favorite attractions.
“Since 2022, we’ve expanded to producing two Rodeo & Family Festivals each year, and in 2024, we introduced Tampa Bay Rodeo's Bull Bash & Country Music Festival, which quickly became a fan favorite,” said Ryan Henning, owner of the Tampa Rodeo.
This year’s event will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a tribute to the men and women who serve the community. Top cowboys and cowgirls will compete in events including bull riding, barrel racing and more.
“We’re especially proud to honor the men and women who serve our communities in law enforcement, fire, and rescue. We’re also introducing a new VIP Rodeo Section for our superfans and expanding the animal experience to more than 100 animals, including a Tiger Encounter offering live viewing and feeding. There’s truly something for everyone,” Henning said.
The festival will take place rain or shine. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., with the rodeo competitions beginning at 7 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy food vendors and interactive attractions when gates open, including a mechanical bull, axe throwing, bungee trampolines, cornhole and animal experiences. Live music will be performed by the Randy McNeeley Band at the Busch Light Beer Bar starting at 5:15 p.m.
“In the past I brought quite a lot of people into the tents. I mean it’s kind of a big party. I just love to play. I love to perform and everyone has a lot of fun,” McNeeley said.
McNeeley, a modern country rock artist, has been performing around Tampa since he was about 13 years old. He performed at the Tampa Rodeo in its early years and after some time away, is excited to return.
“It’s okay if you don’t like country music, we play a little bit of everything,” McNeeley said. “We have an edge, we have variety and it’s definitely a good time. Nothing but high-energy shows.”
Attendees can expect to hear a mix of McNeeley’s original songs, covers and some unreleased music. He said it’s been exciting to watch the rodeo row and is looking forward to April.
“The response since our very first rodeo in 2022 has exceeded every expectation—we actually sold out on the day of that first event, which told us right away that this community was ready to embrace something like this,” Henning said. “Since then, sellouts have really become the norm, especially on Saturday nights, which tend to fill up even faster than Fridays.”
General admission is $40 for adults and $25 for children three to 12. Children two and under are free. VIP tickets are $85 on Friday and $90 on Saturday and include reserved bleacher seating, a private bar, private restrooms, complimentary snacks and sponsor giveaways.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the box office beginning at 4 p.m. each day, but organizers said these tickets often sell out fast. VIP tickets and premium parking can only be purchased online.
General parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Premium parking can be purchased for $35.
The rodeo offers accommodations for guests needing additional assistance. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the rodeo arena at least an hour early and speak with onsite personnel for seating support.
Henning said the April Rodeo and Family Festival has become a springtime tradition for Hillsborough County.
“That kind of demand has been incredibly rewarding, but it also pushes us to keep raising the bar every time,” Henning said. “Our goal is to make sure that every event not only lives up to that excitement, but gives people a reason to come back again and again.”
Tickets are expected to sell out, so Henning encourages attendees to round up the family and purchase them in advance online.
