Apr 9, 2026 - Things to Do
A $1M rodeo takes over the Caesars Superdome
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The Hondo Rodeo Fest will be in New Orleans in April. Photo: Courtesy of Hondo Rodeo Fest
New Orleans is hosting what organizers say is the biggest rodeo in Louisiana history this weekend.
Why it matters: The Angola Prison Rodeo, the state's most famous one, will be part of the festivities.
The big picture: The Hondo Rodeo Fest is at the Caesars Superdome Friday through Sunday.
- The three-day event has an invite-only rodeo with a $1 million purse, nightly concert series and a Western-themed street fest.
- Headliners include Jason Aldean, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cody Johnson and Creed.
- The free street fest starts at noon each day in Champions Square.
Zoom in: The Angola Prison Rodeo component starts at 5pm nightly.
- Eight trusties will ride a bull and compete in other elements, says James Trawick, founder and CEO of the Hondo Rodeo.
- Half of their prize money will go to a statewide victims fund, Trawick tells Axios, with the rest supporting families of incarcerated people. The exact amount wasn't disclosed.
- For the main rodeo, 76 of the world's top champions will compete for the $1 million purse.
Zoom out: The rodeo is meant to be family-friendly, Trawick says.
- He expects attendees will be a mix of seasoned rodeo-goers and newbies.
- "If you've never been to a rodeo, this is the rodeo to come and experience," he says. "It's the Super Bowl of rodeos."
If you go: Tickets start at $35 for the Angola exhibition, rodeo and concerts.
