42nd Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Returns to Memphis

Soul Country Rodeo Weekend features rodeo, music competition, and family fun

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a rodeo scene with overlapping planes of vibrant colors representing the energy and movement of the event.The 42nd Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Memphis celebrates the rich legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls while showcasing the evolving influence of Black country music.Memphis Today

The 42nd Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), the nation's premier African American touring rodeo association, is returning to Memphis, Tennessee for a two-day cultural celebration called Soul Country Rodeo Weekend. The event will feature professional rodeo competition, youth engagement initiatives, and the Soul Country Music Star Memphis Regional Competition as part of BPIR's 2026 national tour.

Why it matters

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo was founded in 1984 to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls, and their contributions to the American West. Under the leadership of President and CEO Valeria Howard Cunningham, BPIR continues to expand its national footprint while serving as a powerful cultural institution. The inclusion of the Soul Country Music Star competition reflects BPIR's commitment to connecting sport and culture, highlighting the evolving influence of Black country music.

The details

The weekend begins on Friday, April 10, 2026, with Rodeo for Kidz Sake (RFKS), the BPIR Foundation's youth initiative to introduce young people and families to rodeo and the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls. That evening, the Soul Country Music Star Memphis Regional Competition will take place at the Agricenter International Theater, showcasing emerging Black country music artists. On Saturday, April 11, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo will take center stage at the Agricenter International Center Rodeo Arena with performances at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM, featuring various rodeo competitions.

  • The 42nd Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo will take place on April 10-11, 2026.
  • The Rodeo for Kidz Sake event will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Soul Country Music Star Memphis Regional Competition will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Agricenter International Theater.
  • The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo performances will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

The players

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR)

The nation's premier African American touring rodeo association, founded in 1984 to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls.

Valeria Howard Cunningham

The President and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, making her the only African American touring rodeo association in the world owned and operated by a Black woman.

BPIR Foundation

The charitable arm of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, dedicated to education, youth outreach, and preserving the legacy of Black Western heritage.

Soul Country Music Star

A premier country music competition and showcase dedicated to uplifting Black country music artists, founded by Executive Producer Margo Wade LaDrew.

Agricenter International

The venue that will host the Soul Country Music Star Memphis Regional Competition and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo performances.

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What they’re saying

“'BPIR has always represented more than rodeo. It represents culture, history, and community,'”

— Valeria Howard Cunningham, President and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

“'Soul Country Music Star creates meaningful opportunities for emerging artists while complementing the cultural platform BPIR has built for more than four decades.'”

— Margo Wade LaDrew, Executive Producer of Soul Country Music Star

What’s next

Tickets and show information for the 42nd Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and the Soul Country Music Star Memphis Regional Competition are available at billpickettrodeo.com and soulcountrymusic.com.

The takeaway

The 42nd Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Memphis celebrates the rich history and cultural contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls, while also showcasing the evolving influence of Black country music through the Soul Country Music Star competition. This event serves as a powerful platform to preserve and elevate these important aspects of Western heritage.