If there’s one place to be this May, it’s Fort Worth. The 2026 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast is set to deliver nearly two full weeks of nonstop adrenaline, Western culture, and world-class entertainment from May 7–17, and this year might be one for the history books.
With two powerhouse riders from the Austin Gamblers sitting inside the Top 10, Sage Kimzey ranked No. 2 and Dalton Kasel at No. 7, the stakes couldn’t be higher. There’s a real shot that one of them walks away with the 2026 PBR World Champion title and a $1 million bonus. The action kicks off at the iconic Cowtown Coliseum (May 7–10) before moving to Dickies Arena (May 14–17) for the championship rounds, where the gold buckle is decided.
Live Music Lineup
Get ready for an electric mix of country and high-energy performances:
- Cody Webb – May 14
- Taylor Austin Dye – May 15 (Tailgate Party)
- Ashley Cooke – May 15
- Emerald City – May 16
- McCoy Moore – May 17
Fan-Favorite Events & Experiences
- Stockyards Stampede Fan Fest – daily live music, DJs, food, and drinks
- Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drives – a true Western tradition
- Drone Shows (May 7–9) lighting up the Texas sky
- PBR World Finals Parade – a can’t-miss kickoff celebration
- Ultimate Tailgate Parties outside Dickies Arena
Unique Competitions
- UBF Midnight Bullfights – late-night, high-intensity action
- ABBI American Heritage Futurity – top bovine athletes competing for $200K
- Chris Shivers Mini Bull Riders – the next generation of champions
- NextGen Bull Riding Finals – future stars on display
Spotlight on Women’s Rodeo
The newly launched PWR Championship (May 12–15) is a major highlight, bringing elite women athletes to the center stage across:
- Breakaway Roping
- Barrel Racing
- Team Roping
Plus rare showcase events like Women’s Bull Riding and Bronc Riding, marking a major moment for the sport.
Cultural Celebrations
This year’s Finals also celebrate the diversity of Western heritage:
- Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo – honoring Black Western athletes
- Spirit of Mexico Rodeo – celebrating Hispanic rodeo traditions
Signature Events
- PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K (May 9) – run through the Stockyards (yes, boots encouraged)
- Cowboy Church with LeAnn Hart (May 10 & 17)
- PWR Gala at Billy Bob’s Texas
- Charity Golf Tournament (May 14) supporting the Western Sports Foundation
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets are on sale now and vary depending on the event and seating:
- Cowtown Coliseum rounds: starting around $25–$75
- Dickies Arena finals: approximately $40–$150+
- Premium Experiences & Tailgate Parties: additional cost
- Fan Fest, parade, and many daytime events: FREE
Tickets available now at the official PBR World Finals website: https://pbrworldfinals.com/
Event Schedule Highlights
The 2026 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast isn’t just a weekend; it’s 11 days of non-stop action across Fort Worth. Here are the must-see highlights you’ll want to build your trip around:
Opening Weekend (May 7–10) – Where It All Begins
Cowtown Coliseum + Stockyards
- May 7:
- NextGen Bull Riding World Finals (FREE)
- Round 1 – Unleash The Beast (7:45 PM)
- Drone Show to close the night
- May 8:
- Mini Bull Riders (future stars)
- Round 2 – Unleash The Beast
- UBF Midnight Bullfights (11:30 PM)
- May 9 (One of the busiest days):
- Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K
- World Finals Parade through the Stockyards
- Round 3 – Unleash The Beast
- Midnight Bullfights + Drone Show
- May 10:
- Cowboy Church with LeAnn Hart
- Round 4 – Unleash The Beast (1:45 PM)
Perfect for fans who want a more intimate, up-close experience before the Finals move to the big stage.
Midweek Events (May 11–13) – Rising Stakes
Stockyards & Cowtown Coliseum
- May 11:
- PWR Gala at Billy Bob’s Texas
- May 12–13:
- PWR Championship preliminary rounds
- Showcasing elite women in barrel racing, breakaway roping & more
These days are ideal if you want fewer crowds but still top-tier competition.
Championship Weekend (May 14–17) – The Main Event
Dickies Arena
- May 14 (Kickoff at Dickies):
- Charity Golf Tournament (morning)
- Tailgate Party + Live Music by Cody Webb
- World Finals rounds begin at Dickies Arena
- May 15:
- Tailgate Party + Taylor Austin Dye
- PWR Championship Finals
- Evening performance by Ashley Cooke
- May 16:
- Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (1:30 PM & 7 PM)
- Live music from Emerald City
- Final rounds intensify
- May 17 (Championship Sunday):
- Tailgate Party + Cowboy Church
- Live music by McCoy Moore
- FINAL DAY – World Champion Crowned (1:45 PM)
- Spirit of Mexico Rodeo
If you’re only attending one part of the event, this is it. The energy, the stakes, the history, it all happens here.
Don’t Miss These Daily Experiences
Throughout the entire week at the Fort Worth Stockyards:
- Stockyards Stampede Fan Fest (live music, drinks, vendors)
- Fort Worth Herd cattle drives
- Food, shopping, and Western culture everywhere you turn
“I don’t miss PBR Finals! There is so much energy, great riders and so much fun!”
Traci Greenwald
Texas resident and PBR fan
WHEN, WHERE & WHAT TO BRING
Where
- Cowtown Coliseum (May 7–10)
- Dickies Arena (May 14–17)
- Fort Worth Stockyards (Fan Fest & outdoor events)
When
May 7–17, 2026
- Early rounds: May 7–10
- PWR Championship: May 12–15
- Final rounds & concerts: May 14–17
What to Bring
- Cowboy boots & hat (you’ll fit right in)
- Comfortable clothing for long days
- Sunscreen & sunglasses for outdoor events
- Cash/card for food, merch, and drinks
Final Word
The 2026 PBR World Finals is shaping up to be one of the biggest Western sports events of the year. With championship dreams on the line, a stacked entertainment lineup, and nearly two weeks of action, this is your chance to witness history in the making.
Get your tickets, make your plans, and head to Fort Worth, because this is more than bull riding… It’s the ultimate Western experience.
Thank You Sponsors
A special thank you to all the sponsors who make events like this one come to life. Join Cowboy Lifestyle Network in Fort Worth!
Wrangler
The Western Wear icon since 1947, Wrangler is an authentic American brand with a rich legacy rooted in the Western Lifestyle. The brand is the title sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and supporter of hundreds of western events across North America. From the greatest rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the world, like Stetson Wright, JB Mauney, and Hailey Kinsel, to headlining country music artists, George Strait, Aaron Watson, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, Wrangler is the brand of choice for the biggest stars in the West. Long Live Cowboys! Long Live Cowgirls!
Visit Cheyenne
Cheyenne is more than just its Wild West reputation; it’s a city brimming with charm, culture, and adventure. A thriving culinary scene keeps friends and families well-fed as they explore shop-lined streets, while art and history bring the city to life through museums and stunning botanical gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike can enjoy countless recreational opportunities, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wyoming’s landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to refined experiences or the rugged beauty of the great outdoors, Cheyenne offers something for everyone. Start planning your next visit today!
Last Updated on 04/30/2026 by Fernando Rosas Suarez
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