Spring break conjures images of bikinis and beers, not boots and bulls. But the Professional Bull Riders might change that this weekend with Cowboy Spring Break.
While the athletes will be celebrating their fifth consecutive Last Cowboy Standing competition—the top 50 riding for $250,000 and precious points in the Built Ford Tough Series—this is the first time an entire festival is coming with them. We’re talking big-name musicians, parties that go from pool to lounge to bar, and entertaining challenges for brave people (and their brave dogs).
All three days are packed with concerts and other fun, but here’s a highlight reel to get you started:
MUSIC
Montgomery Gentry Eddie and Troy soak their music in Southern rock and realness. On cmt.com, Troy says, “We lived the songs that we sing.” The duo drops Folks Like Us in June—here’s hoping for a sample. May 22, 10:30 p.m., Main Stage.
Lauren Alaina After touring in support of country-music royalty, the American Idol alum is reportedly finishing her long-awaited sophomore album. Her voice never seems to hit wrong notes, and she’ll bring breezy fun to the lineup. May 23, 4:30 p.m., Monster Energy Stage.
Ryan Bingham This LA singer-songwriter’s heartfelt work can be dark, but latest album Fear and Saturday Night is full of color. From the words to that signature rasp, the live experience is haunting. May 23, 8:30 p.m., Main Stage.
The Band Perry Siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid have many hit singles and award-show hardware. Like their sound, their stage style is exuberant and infectious. Anyone who covers “Fat Bottomed Girls” on Letterman ... May 24, 9 p.m., Main Stage.
GRAB BAG
Meet the bull riders at the Cowboy Spring Break Kickoff Pool Party on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Luxor’s North Pool (free for CSB ticket-holders, $10 otherwise). And wander the Monster Energy Cowboy Festival, with food, shopping and Western fun, including demos of wakeboarding and fishing-rod casting, and competitions for dogs catching air off docks and humans catching air off mechanical bulls.
PBR Cowboy Spring Break May 22-24, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., $50 single day, $99-$449 three-day packages. MGM Resorts Village, cowboyspringbreak.com.
