Entertainment: First Annual Music City Rodeo and a Jelly Roll Concert to Remember

At Travel USA Life, we spend a lot of time encouraging folks to go big or go explore—to chase the magic of far-off places, to get lost in theme parks, trails, oceanside escapes, and roadside diners. But sometimes, the best adventures are right in your own backyard.

Sometimes, all you need is a short drive, a little luck, and a two-year-old yelling, “Yeehaw!” at the top of his lungs to realize that entertainment isn’t always about distance—it’s about the moment.

Welcome to our story about the First Annual Music City Rodeo and a Jelly Roll concert that turned a regular Friday night into one of the most unforgettable local road trips we’ve ever taken.

As it turns out, Nashville, Tennessee—just 30 to 40 minutes from our home base (depending on that infamous Music City traffic)—still has the power to surprise and delight, even after all these years. These days, it’s simply better than ever!

The Call-In That Kicked It All Off

Earlier in the week, Rhonda—always the spontaneous one—decided to dial in to a local Nashville radio station promoting ticket giveaways for the upcoming Music City Rodeo at the iconic Bridgestone Arena, right in the heart of Broadway.

Sure enough, the radio gods were smiling: she won! But fate wasn’t done yet. The next day, her sister Kim called the same station.

Wouldn’t you know it—she won too.

We’re not talking about nosebleed seats here either. These were prime-time tickets: lower bowl, just six rows up from the arena floor. Seats that normally go for over $300 a pop.

We had great seats and also had the perfect vantage point for all the dust-flying, boot-stomping, hat-waving action. We arrived just a bit early but that was okay because we enjoyed a few refreshments and located where the suspended stage was (behind the score board) for the upcoming Jelly Roll concert to take place right after the rodeo.

And since kids under 3 got in free, Kim brought along her daughter and her energetic little grandson for his first-ever “Weal Wodeo” and “Jelly Wo” Concert (that’s how he says it). Let’s just say he left with a cowboy spirit, sticky fingers, and a grin that could light up Lower Broadway.

Rodeo Lights and Nashville Nights

Let’s talk about the Music City Rodeo itself—a first-of-its-kind, PRCA-sanctioned event right in the home of honky-tonk dreams and hockey heroics. For three nights, the Bridgestone Arena transformed from an NHL battleground (Go Preds!) into a dirt-floored coliseum of cowboy tradition, complete with bucking broncs, wild bulls, ropers, racers, and one enthusiastic toddler trying to yeehaw louder than the announcer.

Co-founded by none other than Tim McGraw, this wasn’t some sideshow rodeo rolled into town on a flatbed. This was the real deal. McGraw, alongside Bryan Kaplan and real estate developer Patrick Humes, envisioned a rodeo that honored the deep connection between country music and cowboy grit. And man, did they deliver.

Events included:

• Bareback Riding
• Steer Wrestling
• Team Roping
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Tie-Down Roping
• Barrel Racing
• Bull Riding

And yes—even Mutton Bustin’, the adorable (and surprisingly intense) event where young kids hang on to sheep for dear life while the crowd erupts with encouragement.

If you’ve never seen a professional rodeo, let me put it this way: it’s part poetry, part demolition derby, and all heart. As Tim O’Connell said, “When it’s great, it’s like watching rhythmic poetry. But typically, it’s like watching football with hockey fights, and then a NASCAR wreck happens.” He wasn’t wrong.

From Broncs to Beats: Jelly Roll Takes the Stage

Just when the dust started to settle, the arena transformed again. A suspended concert stage was lowered slowly from high atop the ceiling at the Bridgestone Arena all the way down to the dirt foundation below and then the bass began to rumble. That’s when Jelly Roll made his entrance—and let me tell you, the place erupted.

Now, here’s a fun bit of family trivia: our nephew Jonathon, who lives down in Florida now, had a 40th birthday just a few days before the show. Back when he was in third and fourth grade, Rhonda and I helped raise him in Antioch, a Nashville suburb.

He would always come home talking about his friend Jelly Roll, and Rhonda—ever the Southern lady—would remind him, “Now Jonathon, it’s not polite to call your little friends names like that.”

Little did we know, that Jelly Roll—yes, that kid from Antioch—would grow up to become one of Nashville’s most passionate and beloved musical voices.

He hit the Bridgestone stage with full throttle energy, charisma, and a deeply emotional tribute to his roots. At several points, he got choked up thanking his fans, reflecting on his past, and giving heartfelt shoutouts to the very neighborhoods that raised him.

For a guy who’s battled demons and risen through the ranks with honesty and grit, this was a hometown hero moment of epic proportions.

Family, Dust, and Dancing Boots

Kim’s grandson danced until he dropped (quite literally—he fell asleep with a rodeo cowboy hat in one hand and a corn dog in the other).

The energy in the arena was electric, but somehow still warm, familiar, and welcoming. Whether you were there for the bulls or the ballads, the grit or the glitter, you felt like you belonged.

And that’s the beauty of Nashville.

It’s a city of crossroads—of tradition and reinvention. Of cowboys and crooners. Of dusty arenas and bright marquees. And when you live just outside of that energy, it’s easy to take it for granted. But every once in a while, you get reminded just how special it is.

Why You Don’t Always Have to Travel Far

At Travel USA Life, we believe in celebrating all kinds of journeys—whether it’s a two-week road trip across the Rockies or a 30-minute ride to the city next door.

Sometimes, the magic you’re looking for isn’t on the other side of a border or a coastline—it’s tucked into your hometown arena, playing out under a spotlight, or sitting right beside you, holding a toddler who’s having the time of his life.

Our Music City Rodeo trip reminded us of three things:

1. Spontaneity matters. (You never know when a radio call-in will change your weekend.)
2. Family moments are gold. (Especially when they come with cowboy boots and free toddler tickets.)
3. Local adventures can be legendary. (No suitcase required.)

So, the next time you’re itching to pack a bag and head somewhere far, remember this: your next great story might just be waiting in your backyard. Just like ours was.

Planning Your Own Music City Rodeo Trip?

Here’s a quick guide for future rodeo-goers:

• Dates: Music City Rodeo runs annually at the end of May (this year: May 29–31).
• Location: Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN.
• Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. | Rodeo: 6:30 p.m. | Concerts: 9:00 p.m.
• Tickets & Dirt Passes: Visit musiccityrodeo.com

Pro Tips:

• Dress comfy (and maybe throw on a western hat—it’s part of the charm).
• Arrive early for best parking options and to grab your merch.
• Stay for the entire show—the transition from rodeo to concert is truly epic.
• Watch for surprise musical acts. You never know who might show up in Music City!

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Until next time, keep chasing the thrill, even if it’s just down the road. And remember what Jelly Roll taught us all on that unforgettable night:

“You don’t have to come from perfect to end up somewhere beautiful.”

See y’all out there, boots and all. 

Travel USA Life