Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo returns to Atlanta area Aug. 1-2

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is coming back to the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia, on Aug. 1 and 2, bringing Black cowboy competition, live music, youth programming and a back-to-school supply drive. The weekend also includes the Soul Country Music Star Atlanta regional competition, with the winner advancing to national finals in Los Angeles.

Why it matters: - The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo remains the nation’s only touring African American rodeo association. - The Atlanta-area stop spotlights Black cowboy and cowgirl heritage while drawing families to rodeo competition, live music and community programs. - The weekend also feeds into a national music contest that can lead to a $10,000 prize and a performance on BPIR’s 2027 tour.

What happened: - The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo returns to the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2. - Saturday’s Soul Country Rodeo Experience opens at 3 p.m. - The Soul Country Music Star Atlanta Regional Competition and Concert begins at 4 p.m. - The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. - Sunday’s BPIR performance begins at 3:30 p.m.

The details: - The weekend features bull riding, ranch bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, ladies steer undecorating and youth events. - For more than 40 years, BPIR has preserved and celebrated the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the history of the American West. - Atlanta-based artists Bernard Stephens, known as OG NARD, Angela Renae Roundtree, Reggie L. Stacy and Jacqueline Merrill will compete in the regional music contest before Saturday night’s rodeo. - The regional winner advances to the Nov. 1 National Finals at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. - The national champion receives $10,000 and an opportunity to perform during BPIR’s 2027 tour. - Kirk Jay, the Season One winner of Soul Country Music Star and a Season 15 finalist on NBC’s The Voice, will host the competition. - BPIR Foundation will host a youth leadership workshop on Sunday for more than 100 young adults in partnership with Anti-Violence Ventures. - The workshop will focus on bullying prevention, emotional intelligence, leadership development and career opportunities in agriculture. - The Foundation and Tonteleo Day, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, will also host a Back-to-School Round-Up during the Aug. 1-2 events. - Guests are encouraged to donate new school supplies for local children. - Donations can also be dropped off at the Edward Jones office at 4270 Atlanta Highway, Suite 105, Loganville, Georgia 30052. - Tickets and additional information are available at Bill Pickett Rodeo and Soul Country Music.

Between the lines: - BPIR is pairing rodeo with music and youth outreach to broaden its audience beyond traditional western sports fans. - The Atlanta stop is also a community-building event, with the back-to-school drive and leadership workshop extending the impact outside the arena. - Sponsorship support from Ariat and Crown Royal, along with other brands and partner groups, helps sustain the tour and its programming.

What's next: - The Soul Country Music Star winner will move on to the national finals in Los Angeles. - BPIR will continue its national tour in 2027, with the music contest winner slated for a performance opportunity. - The BPIR Foundation’s youth and community initiatives are expected to continue as part of the organization’s broader mission.

The bottom line: - BPIR’s Atlanta-area return blends competition, culture and community outreach into one weekend built to celebrate Black Western heritage and develop the next generation of performers and riders.