Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson invites everyone to attend the 61st annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo and announces the schedule of events taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19. All events take place on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.
The Dixie National Rodeo starts back up tomorrow with bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Legendary country artist Tanya Tucker will perform immediately following rodeo competitions. A few of her many top hits include “Delta Dawn,” “Blood Red and Goin’ Down” and “The Jamestown Ferry.” As a special event, Cavender’s is sponsoring a costume contest, “Way Back Wednesday,” at 6:00 p.m. Rodeo attendees dressing in their best retro western wear can enter to win a gift card to Cavender’s. Participants can enter the contest at the Gold Buckle Entrance inside the Coliseum Vestibule when they arrive.
Then, following the action-packed Rodeo on Thursday, February 19, rodeo fans will enjoy a performance by up-and-coming artist Waylon Wyatt. Wyatt’s hits include “Arkansas Diamond,” “Smoke & Embers” and “In Loving Melody.”
Fast-paced Cinch Breakaway Roping is a new addition at the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo this year, taking place tomorrow and Wednesday inside the Kirk Fordice Equine Center, starting at 9:00 a.m. This timed rodeo event involves mounted competitors roping a calf as fast as they can. The rope is fastened to the saddle horn with a string, and the timer stops when the string breaks, ending the run.
Another addition this year is the Dixie National Super Sort, which kicks off Thursday inside the Kirk Fordice Equine Center. Super Sort is a ranch-style equestrian event where riders compete against the clock to sort cattle into pens in numerical order. This unique competition tests a team’s horsemanship, strategy and teamwork skills while racing against the clock. Both equine events, Breakaway Roping and Super Sort, are open and free to the public.
Scheduled Activities & Events for Wednesday, February 18, 2026:
- 9:00 a.m. – Dixie National Cinch Breakaway Roping - Equine Center
- 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Dixie National Steakhouse - Trade Mart
- 6:00 p.m. – “Wayback Wednesday” Costume Contest - Coliseum Vestibule
- 7:00 p.m. – Dixie National Rodeo featuring Tanya Tucker - Coliseum
Scheduled Activities & Events for Thursday, February 19, 2026:
- 8:00 a.m. – Dixie National Super Sort - Equine Center
- 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Dixie National Steakhouse - Trade Mart
- 7:00 p.m. – Dixie National Rodeo featuring Waylon Wyatt - Coliseum
In conjunction with the nationwide America250 celebrations, this year’s Dixie National will take on a special patriotic focus. Events of the 61st Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo run through Sunday, February 22, 2026. The Dixie National Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River, runs through Saturday, February 21, inside the Mississippi Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds.
Rodeo Entertainment:
- Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. – Tanya Tucker
- Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 p.m. – Waylon Wyatt
- Friday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m. – Muscadine Bloodline
- Saturday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – Mark Chesnutt
To purchase tickets to the Dixie National Rodeo, visit www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=dixie+national+rodeo online or the Coliseum Box Office in-person. For more information on the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit www.dixienational.org and follow the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo on Facebook, Instagram and X.
