Brighton Field Day Festival 2025

Okeechobee, Florida – Discover the heart of Seminole culture. The Brighton Field Day Festival, February 13th-16th, invites you to experience a weekend of connection, tradition, and pure joy. More than just a festival, this is a homecoming. As the “Granddad” of Seminole Tribe of Florida festivals, and a cherished tradition for generations, Brighton Field Day offers a rare glimpse into the soul of the Seminole people. From its humble beginnings, it’s grown into a celebration where you can share in the rich tapestry of Seminole culture, delight in the flavors of authentic Seminole cuisine, and forge bonds that transcend time. Come experience the warmth of community!

Brighton Field Day Festival
Fred Smith Rodeo Arena on the Brighton Seminole Reservation 
17410 Sports Complex Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974

The Heart of Seminole Traditions

Feel the adrenaline surge! Witness the raw power and unmatched skill of the Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competitions (FAWC) as the best wranglers in the world go head-to-head with wild alligators. I certainly do get an adrenaline rush watching the Freestyle Alligator Wrestling Competitions. It’s truly amazing to witness. But that’s not all! Immerse yourself in the vibrant Seminole culture with captivating crafts, mouthwatering food, a high-energy concert from Brantley Gilbert and Will Moseley. Feel the heart-pounding PRCA rodeo shows, including the Xtreme Bulls. Ages of all kinds will find something to ignite their spirit. Don’t miss the excitement – grab your tickets today!

History of Brighton Field Day Rodeo

Feel the echoes of a proud legacy at the Brighton Field Day Festival, held annually at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena. This arena, named after the iconic Fred Smith, a man whose influence shaped the very heart of the Seminole cattle industry and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Born on the Brighton Reservation in 1939, Smith followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charlie Micco, a pioneer of the Seminole cattle industry. Cattleman, politician, businessman – Smith’s contributions were immense. Join us at the festival and honor his memory, a legacy celebrated in 2012 for his profound impact on the Seminole Tribe, the community, and generations to come.

Rodeo Schedule

Thursday: 7:00 pm
Friday: 11:00 am & 7:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday: 3:00 pm

Activities

• American Indian Arts & Crafts
• Native Dancers & Music
• American Indian Food
• Alligator Wrestling
• PRCA Rodeo
• Concert and more

Brantley Gilbert & Will Moseley Concert

Experience a night of incredible music! Country music sensation Brantley Gilbert is headlining the Brighton Field Day Festival. Country music artist, Will Moseley is the opener and kicking off a night of good ole country music underneath the Florida stars. Catch the concert on Saturday, February 15th. Your Brighton Field Day ticket for Saturday includes the concert performance! Will Moseley kicks off at 6:00 pm and then Brantley Gilbert takes the stage at 7:00 pm. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of fun and culture.

Last Updated on 02/14/2025 by Megan deFabry

About the Author:

Megan deFabry

Biography:

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music.

For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys.

I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI.

Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.

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