Lambert, Crockett to headline 2026 Music City Rodeo

Country music's return to the rodeo ring continues as Tim McGraw announced the star-studded lineup for the second annual Music City Rodeo during his Las Vegas residency debut Thursday night, with Miranda Lambert, Charley Crockett, and Jon Pardi set to headline the three-day event in Nashville next May.

McGraw, co-founder of the Music City Rodeo, revealed the 2026 performers during his opening show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, posting the announcement to social media Friday. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event will return to Bridgestone Arena on May 28-30, 2026, with Lambert performing May 28, Crockett on May 29, and Pardi closing out May 30.country.iheart+4

A Sold-Out Success

The inaugural Music City Rodeo in May 2025 marked Nashville's first major PRCA event, drawing nearly 40,000 fans across three sold-out nights. The event featured performances from McGraw, Reba McEntire, and Jelly Roll, while more than 30 world champion athletes competed for over $292,000 in prize money.musicrow+5

"Nashville showed up and the excitement each night could be felt from the moment the doors opened," said Patrick Humes, co-founder of Music City Rodeo, in June. The 2025 event raised more than $50,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a partnership that continues in 2026 with a portion of proceeds supporting the hospital's pediatric healthcare, research, and training mission.billboard+3

Elite Competition Returns

The 2026 rodeo has been designated as an official Cinch Playoff Series Rodeo, elevating its status within the PRCA circuit. The event will feature seven championship competitions including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and bronc riding. According to multiple sources, the rodeo will showcase bullfighting duo Cody Webster and Dusty Tuckness, who collectively hold 15 Bullfighter of the Year titles.billboard+2

Pre-sale tickets began Thursday, with general ticket sales opening December 12 at 10 a.m. CT. Vanderbilt Health employees have access to a special presale from December 8-10 using the code VANDY.tennessean+3