The Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee is thrilled to unveil the star-studded entertainment lineup for the 78th Annual Tri-State Rodeo, coming to Fort Madison, Iowa, September 9–12, 2026. This year’s celebration promises bigger thrills, world-class talent, and unforgettable nights you won’t want to miss.
Celebrated as one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo made history with its induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2025. Get ready for electrifying action as the Tri-State Rodeo and the Jim Baier Chute Out bring the world’s most elite rodeo athletes to center stage!
Bobby Holtkamp, Chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo, shared, “Each year, we pull out all the stops to deliver an experience that’s bigger, bolder, and more thrilling than ever before. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time guest, 2026 promises the kind of excitement you’ll be talking about for years to come!”
Alongside four adrenaline-charged rodeo nights, the Tri-State Rodeo is turning up the excitement with four evenings of show-stopping national entertainment on the Great River Health Stage. And the party doesn’t stop there—each night will keep the energy soaring with electrifying live bands inside the Bud Light Stockyard!
Kicking off the excitement on Wednesday, September 9, the Tri-State Rodeo proudly welcomes chart-topping American country sensation, Niko Moon! His debut single, “Good Time,” shot straight to #1 on country radio, and his infectious, feel-good tracks keep climbing the charts, spreading positive vibes and unforgettable energy wherever they’re played. But Niko’s talents don’t stop at performing, he’s penned eight #1 hits and over 40 major cuts for superstars like Morgan Wallen, Avicii, Dierks Bentley, Pitbull, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and more.
Headlining on Thursday, September 10, is Wynonna. Wynonna’s 1992 self-titled solo debut catapulted her to stardom, building on her legacy with The Judds. A five-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist, she’s become a powerhouse in American music. Her iconic hits—like “No One Else On Earth” and “I Saw The Light”—and her unforgettable voice have made Wynonna a true country superstar.
Friday, September 11, 2026, features Parker McCollum. Parker McCollum is a country music superstar known for his authentic sound and powerful performances. Named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by top industry outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and CMT, he’s sold out major venues nationwide. McCollum’s award-winning hits—including “Burn It Down,” “Pretty Heart,” and “To Be Loved By You”—have earned him multiple ACM and CMA honors, cementing his status as one of country’s hottest artists.
The Great River Health Stage will closeout on Saturday, September 12, with Brantley Gilbert. Brantley Gilbert, a pioneer of country’s rock-and-rap style, is a multi-Platinum, award-winning artist with over 8 billion streams and seven No. 1 hits, including “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Known for his fierce independence and high-energy shows, Gilbert has toured with legends and continues to shape the future of country music.
Every night explodes with a thrilling lineup of rodeo events, all brought to life by our legendary announcer, Boyd Polhamus. The excitement continues with the return of Cervi Championship Rodeo as our top-tier stock contractor, and we’re amping up the fun with John Harrison joining as our rodeo clown, Barrelman, and specialty act in 2026. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping finale on Friday and Saturday nights, a spectacular, sky-filling drone show lighting up the arena!
Keep the party going inside the Bud Light Stockyard, where four nights of unforgettable after-parties await! Dance the night away to high-energy performances by The Boys, Brody Vancil & the Burners, and two show-stopping nights with The Bobby Ford Band.
Don’t wait—tickets for the Tri-State Rodeo go on sale Friday, April 3, at 8 AM! Secure your spot at www.tristaterodeo.org or call the Tri-State Rodeo Box Office at (319) 372-2550. One ticket unlocks access to heart-pounding rodeo action, electrifying concerts, and the hottest after-parties of the year!
About Tri-State Rodeo: In 1948, C.E. (Eddie) Richards brought the Rodeo to the Tri-State area, a tradition that has continued yearly, as Fort Madison is home to the best rodeo on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Great Lakes Circuit. Thousands of people flock to the Fort Madison area every year, starting Labor Day weekend, for a week of action-packed entertainment and events. Since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo has been named one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos and continues to rank first among rodeos in the Great Lakes Circuit. In 2001, it ranked 43rd among the nation’s more than 700 sanctioned PRCA events. No other rodeo east of Kansas City, Missouri, is ranked higher. The Tri-State Rodeo continues to attract the nation’s top cowboys, with competition spread over four nights the first week in September, and big-name musicians headlining the Wednesday – Saturday night performances.
2026 Rodeo Week – Activities Calendar
Saturday, September 5
YMCA Rodeo Stampede 5K (Registration begins at 7AM)
Pancake Breakfast (6:30AM – 10AM) sponsored by Fareway at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Special Kids Rodeo – Pre-registration is required to ensure a t-shirt is on hand. Forms will be available on www.tristarterodeo.org.
Sunday, September 6
Chili Supper (5PM – 7PM) sponsored by Fareway at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Monday, September 7
Little Spurs Rodeo (10AM) – Registration forms will be on www.tristaterodeo.org and select local businesses. Registration opens at 8:30AM.
Pork Dinner (5PM – 7PM) sponsored by Hy-Vee at Tri-State Rodeo Grounds.
Lil Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy (6:30PM) in the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.
Tuesday, September 8
Pee Wee Barrel Race (5:30PM) in the Saddle Club Arena behind the C.E. “Eddie” Richards Arena.
Wednesday, September 9 – Jim Baier’s Chute Out
Tri-State Rodeo Competition Jim Baier CHUTE OUT (Gates 5PM | Performance 7PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Niko Moon (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stock Yard Entertainment: The Boys (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)
Thursday, September 10 – Connection Bank’s Family Night
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5PM | Performance 7PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Wynonna (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: Brody Vancil & The Burners (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)
Friday, September 11 – Josh Denning & Associates-Ameriprise Financials’ Military Night
33rd Annual Tri-State Rodeo Golf Tournament (8:30AM Registration / 9AM Tee off) Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5:30PM | Performance 7:30PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Parker McCollum (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: The Bobby Ford Band (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)
Saturday, September 12 – Sullivan Auctioneers Big Iron / Cinch’s Saturday Night Finale
Grand Rodeo Parade (9:30AM) – Travels down Avenue G in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Tri-State Rodeo Competition (Gates 5:30PM | Performance 7:30PM)
The Great River Health Stage Entertainment: Brantley Gilbert (Immediately following the Rodeo Competition)
Bud Light Stockyard Entertainment: The Bobby Ford Band (Immediately following The Great River Health Stage show)
Sunday, September 13
Lion’s Club Fly-In Breakfast (7AM – 11AM) – Fort Madison Municipal Airport