The Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival is coming to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on July 19 and 20

Florida’s most popular dirt show returns. The Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, moves into the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20. Fresh off a sold-out event in April, this summer’s rodeo promises to be a can’t-miss event with new competitors, new livestock and exciting action. The area’s best cowboys and cowgirls saddle up for two days of rodeo competition, including bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping and steer wrestling. Fans can come early to the Family Festival for delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music and fun activities for the whole family. Tickets for this energetic event are on sale now; parking is free.

To beat the summer heat, guests can cool off in one of the brand new Family Festival Cool Zones, which offer shade and misters. One Cool Zone is located in the 45 by 40 meter mega tent, a new addition this year. The other is in the Entertainment Beer Barn, where Crossfire Creek Band will take the stage both nights with country tunes.

“We are always looking for ways to make the Tampa Bay Rodeo a bigger and better experience for families,” said event producer Ryan Henning. “Providing everyone a way to get out of the sun and cool off was important to us because of the heat we experienced in Florida. Plus, we know fans of a full rodeo, so we’re offering six different competitions this summer.”

As always, there are delicious dishes including barbecue, tacos, pork rinds, pizza, corn dogs, funnel cakes and more. Visitors can quench their thirst with cold soft drinks, water or a refreshing beer. Monster truck Later Gator makes its debut at the Family Festival and is causing a stir with moving rides. Guests can test their skills on the ever-popular mechanical bull or try their hand at ax throwing. Although food and some activities require an additional fee, there are plenty of entertainment included in the ticket price, such as children’s/family backyard games such as Jenga, Connect 4 and cornhole; the 14 meter high Super Slide; and a goat playground, complete with adorable baby goats. Multiple photo areas allow families to capture memories of the night.

For more information and tickets, please visit https://tamparodeo.com/. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.