South Florida Soul Rodeo makes Ocala debut June 26-27

The South Florida Soul Rodeo is bringing a sold-out, two-day rodeo and cultural celebration to Ocala on June 26-27 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. The event pairs championship competition with music, food and a field party, while spotlighting Black cowboy heritage and Southern equestrian culture.

Why it matters: - The South Florida Soul Rodeo is positioning Ocala as a new hub for a rodeo event centered on Black cowboy history, multicultural equestrian traditions and Southern entertainment. - The debut adds another large-scale horse-and-rodeo attraction to the Horse Capital of the World and aims to reach both longtime rodeo fans and first-time attendees. - Presented in part by Know Your HIV Status, the event also gives a community platform to a health-focused partner.

What happened: - The South Florida Soul Rodeo will make its Ocala debut June 26-27, 2026, at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion and Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, Florida. - Organizers said the two-day event is sold out. - Friday, June 26, opens with the South Florida Soul Rodeo Field Party. - Saturday, June 27, features the South Florida Soul Rodeo Championship Competition. - Mike Clark Jr. is scheduled to perform live during the event.

The details: - The Field Party will include line dancing, free BBQ, music, trail ride-style camaraderie and Southern hospitality. - The rodeo competition will feature Junior Barrel Racing, Ladies Barrel Racing, Chute Dogging, Ranch Bronc Riding and Bull Riding. - The event combines rodeo competition with music, food, fashion, family entertainment and community engagement. - Organizers say the program is designed to appeal to both seasoned rodeo audiences and newcomers. - Mike Clark Jr. is known for blending country roots and Southern soul in his live performances. - The event website is SouthFloridaSoulRodeo.com. - Media credential requests are being accepted through the media form. - An image album is available at event photos.

Between the lines: - Founder Travis Gammage framed the event as both a celebration of heritage and an introduction to rodeo culture for a broader audience. - The Ocala move signals an effort to expand beyond South Florida and tap into a community already tied to horses, ranching and Western sports. - The rodeo’s focus on Black cowboy legacy reflects a wider push to broaden the cultural story typically associated with Western events.

What’s next: - Attendees will gather in Ocala on June 26-27 for the first local edition of the Soul Rodeo. - Organizers are using the lead-up to promote tickets, event updates and media access. - The event’s reception in Ocala will likely shape future growth for the South Florida Soul Rodeo brand.

The bottom line: - The South Florida Soul Rodeo is trying to turn Ocala’s horse culture into a stage for championship rodeo, live entertainment and a broader celebration of Black and Southern equestrian heritage.