Music City Rodeo Unveils Opry Takeover And Rodeo Plaza Events Ahead Of 2026 Return

The Music City Rodeo is quickly approaching, and excitement surrounding the second annual event is continuing to build.

On Tuesday evening (March 24), rising country artist Mae Estes joined forces with top rodeo talent Rocker Steiner on the Grand Ole Opry stage to announce Music City Rodeo’s Opry Takeover, as well as the official lineup for plaza performances for Music City Rodeo’s Rodeo Plaza at Bridgestone Arena leading into each headlining evening of Music City Rodeo (MCR). 

Music City Rodeo’s Grand Ole Opry takeover will take place on May 5 and feature Grand Ole Opry member and 2026 MCR co-headliner Jon Pardi performing alongside artists like Ashley Cooke, Hudson Westbrook, and more. Additional music and rodeo talent will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the Opry takeover are on sale now. 

Additionally, it was revealed that ahead of each night of the rodeo on May 28–30, fans can once again take part in the free, family-friendly Rodeo Plaza Pre-Party outside Bridgestone Arena. Opening daily at 2 p.m., the event will feature live music, interactive activities, and a live broadcast of The Cowboy Channel’s RodeoLive on Saturday.

The 2026 lineup includes anthem singers Mae Estes (5/28), Tyler Booth (5/29), and MaRynn Taylor (5/30), along with Rodeo Plaza performers DJ Rio and Mae Estes (5/28), Chris Andreucci and Dalton Davis (5/29), and Patrick Thomas (5/30).

With the buzz continuing to build around the Music City Rodeo, the cowboys made a special stop at a Nashville Predators game, along with several other appearances across the city, to promote the return of the event to Nashville.

Sponsored by TennPop, Music City Rodeo, Nashville’s premier PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, will return to Bridgestone Arena May 28–30, 2026, delivering a three-day celebration that blends world-class rodeo competition with top country music performances in the heart of downtown Nashville.

This year’s headlining lineup features Miranda Lambert (May 28), Charley Crockett (May 29), and Jon Pardi (May 30), each set to bring their own style to the highly anticipated event.

For more information and tickets, visit MusicCityRodeo.com.

Music City Rodeo’s return to Nashville was first revealed by inaugural MCR Grand Marshal and headliner Tim McGraw during the opening night of his 2026 Las Vegas residency. McGraw was joined onstage by top rodeo athletes Tim O’Connell, Rusty Wright, Jace Trosclair, and Cody Custer, along with Music City Rodeo Queen Reagan Caen and trick rider Madison Schalla.

Following a standout inaugural year as the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, the event has now been named an official Cinch Playoff Series Rodeo for 2026. After selling out its debut run, Music City Rodeo will return with elite competition in bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and bronc riding, featuring more than $300,000 in prize money up for grabs.