Ottawa’s first-of-its-kind rodeo and country music festival brings tailgate energy, professional rodeo, and a stadium concert to Ottawa Stadium on August 28, 2026
OTTAWA, ON — Broncs and ’Tonks is set to make history in Ottawa on Friday, August 28, 2026, as the official kickoff date for Dean Brody and The Reklaws’ newly announced Hometown Heroes National Tour, inspired by their recent hit single, “Hometown Heroes.” Joining forces this fall for the co-headlining tour, the two chart-topping Canadian country acts will bring a must-see live experience to stages across the country, packed with career-defining hits, standout storytelling, and the high-energy moments fans have come to expect from both artists. Broncs and ’Tonks will launch the national tour in Ottawa with a first-of-its-kind event that brings together a tailgate, professional rodeo, and stadium concert on one field for one unforgettable night.
Taking place at Ottawa Stadium, Broncs and ’Tonks is a one-day, festival-style experience that brings together a daytime tailgate, professional rodeo, and an evening stadium concert featuring two of Canada’s biggest country music acts: Dean Brody and The Reklaws.
The Ottawa event is the first date on the Hometown Heroes tour schedule, placing Canada’s capital at the centre of a major national country music moment.
“Broncs and ’Tonks was built to be more than a concert and more than a rodeo,” said Jack Gulas, Broncs and ’Tonks. “It’s a full-day experience that brings together the energy of a tailgate, the adrenaline of professional rodeo, and the power of Canadian country music on one field, in one venue, for one unforgettable night. We’re proud that Ottawa will be the place where the Hometown Heroes tour begins.”
The event will feature a professional rodeo produced by Black Creek Rodeo, including bareback riding, saddle bronc, and bull riding, before Ottawa Stadium transforms into a concert venue under the lights for performances by The Reklaws and Dean Brody.
Broncs and ’Tonks is also pleased to announce Lone Star Texas Grill as the official sponsor of the rodeo portion of the event. Lone Star will also host the official Broncs and ’Tonks after-party, with details to be released at a later date.
The presenting sponsors for Broncs and ’Tonks are Black Creek Rodeo, Pistols Brewery, and SFR Distillery.
Ottawa Tourism is supporting the event as a funding partner through its destination development efforts.
“Our team at Ottawa Tourism is excited to welcome Broncs and ’Tonks to Ottawa. It’s set to draw country music and rodeo fans to Canada’s capital, creating a new and time-bound reason to visit and supporting Ottawa’s visitor economy by adding to Ottawa’s destination appeal. Visitors coming to Ottawa for this new major event will naturally explore Ottawa’s attractions, restaurants and neighbourhoods, creating economic impact. We look forward to this exciting addition to summer programming in Ottawa!”, Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism.
Designed to attract both local audiences and regional visitors, Broncs and ’Tonks is positioning Ottawa as a must-visit destination for country music fans, rodeo enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a high-energy summer experience.
The event also encourages visitors to make a weekend of it in Canada’s capital. The Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East has joined as an official hotel partner, offering Broncs and ’Tonks guests a discounted rate of $169/night using booking code BAT-S.
Tickets for Broncs and ’Tonks are available now at www.broncsandtonks.com.
About Broncs and ’Tonks
Broncs and ’Tonks is a first-of-its-kind rodeo and country music festival taking place at Ottawa Stadium on Friday, August 28, 2026. The one-day destination event combines a tailgate experience, professional rodeo, and a stadium concert featuring Canadian country music stars Dean Brody and The Reklaws. Built to become an annual signature event for Ottawa, Broncs and ’Tonks brings together western sport, live music, hospitality, and tourism in one high-energy summer experience.
About Dean Brody
Since his debut single, “Brothers,” hit the US Top 40 in 2008, Dean Brody has become one of the most beloved Canadian country artists of his generation. A passionate storyteller and unmatched lyricist, Brody has earned 34 Top-10 singles, including 9 #1s, 19 CCMA Awards, 2 JUNO Awards, more than 528 million global streams, and numerous gold and platinum-certified singles. He is also the founder of The Dean Brody Foundation and was honoured with the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award from the CCMA in 2023.
About The Reklaws
The Reklaws are the award-winning sibling duo of Jenna and Stuart Walker. Known for their high-energy live shows and chart-topping country hits, The Reklaws have earned 8 JUNO nominations, 10 CCMA Awards, 4 #1s at Canadian Radio, multiple platinum and gold-certified singles, and more than 438 million global streams. Their viral hit “What the Truck” became the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go platinum in the streaming era.
