Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Jason Aldean to headline Tampa rodeo festival

The Hondo Rodeo Fest has filled out the concert lineup for its Tampa debut, pairing three nights of rodeo competition with performances by Cody Johnson, Nickelback, Jason Aldean and other country and rock acts.

The festival runs Feb. 26-28, 2027, at Raymond James Stadium, marking the event’s first expansion into Florida. Each night will feature 76 invited rodeo athletes competing for a share of a $1 million purse, followed by two musical performances.

Country singers Jon Pardi and Cody Johnson will open the festival Friday, Feb. 26. Johnson, the reigning Academy of Country Music entertainer of the year, is known for songs including “‘Til You Can’t,” “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap.” Pardi’s hits include “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt on My Boots.”

Canadian rock band Nickelback will headline Saturday, Feb. 27, following a performance by country-rock group Dexter & The Moonrocks. Nickelback has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide and is known for songs including “How You Remind Me,” “Photograph” and “Rockstar.”

Jason Aldean and The Red Clay Strays will close the festival Sunday, Feb. 28. Aldean has recorded 30 No. 1 singles, including “Dirt Road Anthem” and “You Make It Easy.” The Red Clay Strays, an Alabama band named the Academy of Country Music’s group of the year, broke through nationally with “Wondering Why.”

The concerts are part of a three-day event that combines an invitation-only rodeo, live music and a free outdoor festival devoted to Western culture. Rodeo athletes will compete in eight disciplines, although organizers have not yet announced the Tampa field.

The festival begins outside the stadium each day at noon with free entertainment, food and drinks, shopping, interactive attractions and family activities. Rodeo competition is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by concerts from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Hondo Rodeo Fest debuted at Chase Field in Phoenix in 2024 and later expanded to Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Previous editions featured rodeo champions including John Crimber, Tuf Cooper, Hailey Kinsel and Zeke Thurston, along with performers such as Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton and Creed.

Presale tickets are scheduled to become available Aug. 26 and 27, with a limited number offered at a 25% discount, organizers said. General ticket sales begin Aug. 28, with promotional discounts continuing through Oct. 2 before prices increase.

Additional event programming and participating athletes are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets and more information are available at the festival's website.