The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo isn’t just an event—it’s THE event that defines Houston. With 90 years of boot-stomping history, this three-week celebration draws a whopping 175,000 visitors daily. Whether you’re a first-timer or (as they say) “this ain’t your first rodeo,” saddle up for our guide to making the most of this Texan tradition.
Houston Rodeo 2025 Essential Dates
Pre-Rodeo Events:
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest: February 27-March 1, 2025
Go Texan Day (when Houston goes full cowboy) & Trail Rides: February 28, 2025
Rodeo Run & Downtown Parade: March 1, 2025
Rodeo Uncorked! Champion Wine Auction: March 2, 2025
Main Event:
Houston Rodeo: March 4-23, 2025
Weekday Schedule: Rodeo kicks off 6:45 PM, Concert rocks at 9 PM (Gates swing open 6 PM)
Weekend Schedule: Rodeo action starts 3:45 PM, Concert at 6 PM (Gates open 3 PM)
Top 10 Must-Experience Houston Rodeo Attractions
1. Thrilling Rodeo Super Series Events
This is where the magic happens, folks! Start with the heart-racing covered wagon competition before diving into edge-of-your-seat barrel racing, team roping, and bronco riding. Bull Riding steals the spotlight, but nothing beats the pure joy of watching tiny tots cling to woolly missiles during Mutton Bustin’—five-year-old cowboys and cowgirls holding on for dear life as sheep bolt across the arena.
2. Star-Studded Concerts at NRG Stadium
Star-studded concerts sell out NRG Stadium.
Let’s be real—the Houston Rodeo’s concert series is why many Houstonians mark their calendars a year in advance. From twangy country legends to hip-hop superstars and Tejano sensations, these shows pack NRG Stadium to the rafters and help draw a staggering 2.5 million visitors annually.
What Your Ticket Gets You:
Full fairgrounds access (hello, food and shopping!)
All the rodeo action you can handle
A solid hour of A-list musical entertainment
When Do Rodeo Concerts Start?
Weeknights: Approximately 9 p.m. (after rodeo events)
Weekends: Earlier show at approximately 6 p.m.
Pro planning: Allow time for rodeo events before the concert!
Got kids? Got daytime? The carnival’s your answer. For thrill-seekers, the Houston Rodeo boasts a total of 4 ferris wheels across the grounds. The absolute showstopper? The Big Wheel—a mammoth 130-foot-tall ferris wheel with 36 air-conditioned cabins that’ll give you Instagram-worthy views of the Houston skyline and let you spot your car in the distant parking lot.
Buy the Half-Price Carnival Ticket Pack before the Rodeo begins, for a better deal
4. World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Come hungry, leave happy—this pre-rodeo BBQ bonanza is where Texas’ pit masters throw down. Sure, some corporate tents are invite-only affairs, but there’s plenty of mouthwatering public access to keep your taste buds doing the two-step.
5. Authentic Livestock Exhibitions & Auctions
Goat attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
This is where the big money changes hands, y’all. Ranchers from across the Lone Star State bring their prize animals, often commanding six-figure sales. Best part? Much of that cash flows straight to local charities.
Don’t Miss:
The walking tour of livestock exhibits in NRG Center
Different animals showcased daily (cow day, goat day—you get the picture)
The birthing center—where baby pigs and sheep make their grand entrance
Kid-friendly petting zoo
Watch chicks hatch before your eyes
6. Food That’ll Make Your Boots Scoot
Forget diet plans—Rodeo food is worth every calorie. Beyond the expected BBQ brilliance, check out:
The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse: For when you want to sit down and use actual silverware
Massive Food Court: Where “everything-on-a-stick” becomes an art form
Tex-Mex Heaven: Tacos that’ll make you weep with joy
Avoid the rodeo parking headache, take the METRORail instead.
Skip the $40 parking nightmare, bumper-to-bumper traffic that moves slower than a turtle in molasses, and that quarter-mile trek from distant lots to the entrance. Trust us—Houston’s METRORail is your rodeo BFF, dropping you right at the action with a stop right at the Rodeo grounds.
Insider Move: Book with Lodgeur in Midtown for easy METRORail access. You’ll be kickin’ back with a cold one while others are still hunting for their Ubers.
8. Western Shopping Paradise
Discover the Rodeo’s treasures: crafts, art, and unique shopping delights.
Wallet ready? NRG Center transforms into a Western shopping wonderland with hundreds of vendors selling authentic treasures:
9. Cultural Traditions: Go Texan Day & Downtown Events
Trail riders, Western attire, and BBQ excitement mark the kickoff to the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
Houston goes full cowboy for Go Texan Day as hundreds of trail riders arrive on horseback after journeys from across Texas and beyond. The city embraces its Western heritage with:
Downtown parade that stops traffic
Rodeo Run for the fitness-minded
Permission to wear your Western gear to the office
The official green light that Rodeo season has begun
10. Vibrant Nightlife Beyond the Rodeo
After the Rodeo concert, go past the Rodeo Carnival to the Hideaway for live music and dancing until 2am.
When the last bull has bucked, head to the Hideaway for live music and boot-scootin’ until 2 AM. When they finally kick you out, Houston’s Midtown awaits with bars, clubs, and authentic Texas dining experiences that keep the party rolling.
What to Wear to Houston Rodeo
When in Rome! Nearly everyone sports Western gear at the Rodeo—it’s Houston’s favorite excuse to play cowboy for a few weeks. The unofficial dress code:
Men: Western shirts (snap buttons, please), jeans, cowboy hats, and boots
Women: Similar Western wear or dresses with boots and statement hats
Budget-Friendly: Score seasonal cowboy hats at Fiesta Mart grocery stores
Mutton Bustin’: A Houston Rodeo Highlight
Tiny cowgirls and cowboys take on the sheep rodeo challenge at the Houston Rodeo, laughter guaranteed!
Picture this: pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls clinging to sprinting sheep with all their might. It’s equal parts adorable and hilarious—guaranteed to be the crowd favorite.
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