Going out with a bang: on the final night of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Cody Johnson’s concert performance drew over 80,000 fans – setting a new concert attendance record at the Houston rodeo.
And just like that, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has come to a close. for the 2026 season. This year featured an impressive lineup of concert performances ranging from the likes of Kelly Clarkson to Creed, Lizzo, Shaboozey, and more. The best, apparently, was saved for last.
Fresh off of major wins at the CMA and ACM Awards, Texas-native Cody Johnson drew 80,203 attendants to catch his performance on the last night of the Houston rodeo, that which included special performances by Randy Houser and Jon Pardi. According to RodeoHouston, it broke the all-time concert attendance record. Previously, George Strait had held the concert attendance record, set in 2019 at 80,108.
This wasn’t Johnson’s first rodeo, so to speak. In 2018, Cody Johnson became the first unsigned artist to sell out the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
Throughout the 2026 season, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo saw an attendance of 2,621,765 people. Other highlights this year include record-breaking auctions, including a $1.5 Grand Champion Steer, $750,000 Reserve Grand Champion Steer, $1 million Grand Champion Market lamb, and a $525,000 student art piece.
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to represent the very best of Texas traditions, bringing our community together through exceptional entertainment, world-class competition and meaningful educational experiences,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in a statement.
If your Western heart is feeling empty with the departure of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, don’t be too sad: the Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo returns this April with 10 days of rodeo festivities, carnival revelry, concerts, and more.
