HITCHCOCK — The Galveston County Fair and Rodeo is back, bringing nine days of live entertainment, rodeo action, family attractions, and youth achievement to the Gulf Coast.
The annual event, held at Jack Brooks Park in Hitchcock, runs from April 17 through April 25 and features live concerts, carnival rides, livestock competitions, petting zoos, food vendors, and shopping throughout the fairgrounds.
Mimsy Foreman, Superintendent of Public Relations and Sponsorships for the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo, said the event’s wide variety of attractions is what makes it unique.
“We have over 15 acts in nine days,” Foreman said. “We have red dirt country music, traditional Texas country music, fantastic Tejano bands. We just have attractions for everyone.”
This year’s entertainment lineup includes performances by William Beckmann, Wynn Williams, Casey Donahew, Grupo Control, Gary Hobbs, Bleu Edmondson, Kevin Fowler, and Cody Canada & The Departed.
But beyond the concerts and rodeo events, organizers say the fair’s mission remains deeply rooted in supporting the youth of Galveston County.
“The community comes out for the kids of Galveston County,” Foreman said. “They sponsor us, they come to our auctions, and they come celebrate the youth of Galveston County.”
According to organizers, the 2025 fair raised more than $1 million for youth programs through auctions and awarded more than $162,000 in scholarships.
That support was on full display for Brianna Dollar, who earned Grand Champion honors with her bull, Axel.
“It is a huge honor,” Dollar said. “I’m so very thankful, and it’s been a very crazy day. It’s been fun, though.”
Dollar said raising a champion takes time, patience, and dedication.
“I’ve worked with him almost every day since he’s been born,” she said. “A lot of hours in the barn and a lot of just hoping that he’ll turn out good.”
For Dollar, the win is especially meaningful as years of hard work begin to pay off.
“It feels really good,” she said. “It feels like my prior years have started to pay off and that my home breeding program has really been kicking off lately.”
For tickets, event schedules, and more information, viewers can visit the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo’s official website.
