What time do gates open?

Gates open at 5 p.m.; the event typically starts at 6 p.m.

Are children allowed?

Yes—family activities and a Kiddie Corral with mutton busting are part of the program.

Is there parking on-site?

Yes; parking is usually on grass lots at the fairgrounds—arrive early if rain is forecast.

Are food and drinks available?

Yes; local food vendors and concessions serve regional barbecue, snacks, and beverages.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Temporary seating may vary—contact the event organizer for specifics on accessibility accommodations.

How long does the rodeo last?

Expect 3–4 hours including intermission and family activities.

Rodeo Night at Moneta's All American Festival: Bucking Bulls, Barrel Racing & Family Fun

On a warm summer evening in Moneta, Virginia, the All American Festival turns a simple fairground into a pulse-quickening arena of hooves, dust, and cheering crowds. Located near Smith Mountain Lake on the Piedmont foothills of the Blue Ridge, this is not a passive spectacle—it's a working rodeo where bucking bulls, breakaway roping, team roping, and lightning-fast barrel racing take center stage. Families hover at the fence; kids race to the 'Kiddie Corral' for mutton busting, and food vendors line the midway with regional staples and carnival treats.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the first whistle blows at 6 p.m., so arrive early to stake out ringside seats or climb the bleachers for a panoramic view. The main features are physical and theatrical in equal measure: bull riding that tests human resolve against raw power; barrel racing where split-second turns separate champions from the rest; team roping and breakaway roping that showcase timing, horsemanship, and razor-sharp coordination. Between rounds there's an intermission with short presentations and family activities that give the event its community pulse.

What makes the All American Festival especially compelling is how the rodeo format sits at the edge of two worlds—the fast, practiced mechanics of modern competitive riding and the agricultural fair traditions of rural Virginia. The surrounding landscape—hardwood forests, low ridgelines, and nearby Smith Mountain Lake—frames the arena and offers quiet pockets to escape the crowd for a sunset walk or shoreline view afterward.

Practical details matter here: expect dirt footing, temporary seating, and a lively atmosphere. Bring ear protection for young children; the bulls are loud. Dress for dusty conditions—closed-toe shoes and a lightweight jacket as evening temperatures drop. Cash may be handy for smaller vendors, although some booths accept cards. Parking is typically on grass lots, so plan accordingly if rain is in the forecast.

For photographers and spectators alike, the energy is a draw: action photos from the stands, candid family moments around the Kiddie Corral, and golden-hour shots with the arena silhouetted against the foothills. If you want more local flavor, combine a visit with time on Smith Mountain Lake or a drive into nearby Blue Ridge viewpoints.

Expect a mix of locals and visitors; vendors offer regional barbecue, funnel cakes, and handmade crafts that reflect Bedford County artisans. Restroom facilities and first-aid tents are on site, but mobile reception can be spotty—download directions and set meeting point with your group. Whether you come for the adrenaline or the community vibe, the All American Festival delivers an accessible, unforgettable snapshot of Virginia outdoor-event culture.

Rodeo Night at Moneta's All American Festival: Bucking Bulls, Barrel Racing & Family Fun

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