Giddy up, Houston. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo returns this March with three glorious weeks of concerts, carnival foods, and entertainment for the whole family. Whether or not this is your first Houston rodeo, better be sure to be in the know on all the unmissable eats, live music, rides, and more. Here’s our guide to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2025.
Special Pre-Rodeo Events in Houston
Go Texan Day
The unofficial kickoff of the rodeo events in Houston takes place on Friday, February 28. Here, Houstonians are invited to don their western wares for a full-day celebration kicking off at 11 am in Downtown, Houston for the Rodeo Roundup at City Hall.
World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
From February 27 – March 1, the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest returns with over 250 teams battling it out over brisket, ribs, and mouthwatering barbecue. Tickets are available for spectators to catch the event from The Garden Stage, Chuckwagon, and Bar-B-Que Saloon. The Junction Carnival will also be open during this time.
The contest will also see live concerts performed on The Garden Stage and DJs at the Bar-B-Que Saloon. Tickets are priced at $26 for adults, $10 for children 3 through 12. Admission includes access to the carnival, Saloon, and Chuckwagon as well as a complimentary barbecue plate.
Downtown Parade
On Saturday, March 1, the streets of Downtown, Houston will once again flood with a wild western variety of floats, trail riders, and performing artists in honor of the rodeo’s return. The Downtown Rodeo Parade starts at 10 am. For the ultimate viewing, organizers recommend from Bell to Lamar on Louisiana, and from Louisiana to Smith on Lamar.
Trail Rides
Saturday March 1 also marks the return of the storied Houston Trail Rides. Here, Houstonians can witness thousands of riders across 11 routes as they make their way to Memorial Park following the Rodeo Roundup.
What to do at the Houston Rodeo
Houston Rodeo Concerts
Earlier this year, organizers released the lineup of this year’s Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The 2025 Houston rodeo lineup includes returning favorites such as Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza as well as legendary artists such as Journey and Reba McEntire. For the full lineup, including dates. See our article here.
If you can shell out the big bucks for the Houston Rodeo’s headliners, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo concerts are not limited to the main stage. With the price of admission, Rodeo guests can enjoy live music from a variety of venues on the grounds including The Hideout, The Junction Stage, Champion Wine Garden stages, and The Garden Stage.
Athletics at RODEOHOUSTON
It wouldn’t be a Houston rodeo without, well, an actual rodeo. RODEOHOUSTON is a two-week series that stages riveting competitions in bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and women’s barrel racing.
Shopping at the Houston Rodeo
Every year the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo features over 300 vendors to take care of all your shopping needs. Whether you’re looking to elevate your boot game, western wear, get some sparkly jewelry, craft artwork, or are in need of a new cowboy hat that you’ll maybe wear twice a year, you’re sure to find what you need. For a full list of the Rodeo’s shopping vendors, check out their website here.
The Junction
It’s non-stop action at The Junction Carnival. From thrilling rides, exciting games, and imaginative fare eats, it’s always a good time at The Junction Carnival. Where rides are concerned, we encourage visitors to take a ride on the La Grande XL for the ultimate, 360-degree views of the festival. The towering, ferris wheel offers a luxurious take on the classic, with air-conditioned cabins equipped with leather seats.
This year, the Rodeo has introduced a number of new rides and attractions including the two-story Enchanted Castle, furnished with trick mirror maze. Families can also take a spin on the new Dragon Family Coaster or for more thrill hold tight on the spinning Overdrive ride. For more Bavarian vibes, go for a spin on the Heidi Rollercoaster tracking 42 feet in the air with thrilling hills and curves along the way.
Carnival visitors can also enjoy a variety of exciting games. Fan-favorite games at the Junction Carnival include Skee-Ball, Ring a Duck, Bank a Ball, Goblet Toss, and Break a Dish.
The Junction also hosts Born To Buck, Fun on the Farm, and daily pig races where visitors can watch speedy little piglets racing around a 150-foot track as well as the fan-favorite Mutton Bustin’.
For a guide to the best food at the Houston Rodeo carnival, continue below.
Agriculture events
At the heart of the rodeo events are agriculture and livestock. Throughout the month of March, the Houston Rodeo features numerous learning opportunities, exhibitions, and more for interested parties.
Visitors can find a variety of agricultural exhibits and livestock at AGVENTURE in Hall A of the NRG Center which include live and interactive animal exhibits from 9 am to 9 pm. Newly debuting this year is its soil and bee exhibits.
Eating and Drinking at the Houston Rodeo
The Junction Carnival Food
For the best of the best in carnival food at the Houston Rodeo, consider getting the goods at one of the six Gold Buckle Foodie award-winners. Comprised of six categories, the 2024 Gold Buckle Foodie Awards are broken down are as such:
- Best Fried Food – The Ulimate Minneapple Pie by The Original Minneapple Pie
- Most Creative Food – The Barbalicious Float by Candy Factory
- Best New Flavor – Chili Mac Attack Potato by Saltgrass
- Classic Fair Food – Big Fat Bacon on a Stick by Big Fat Bacon
- Best Food-On-A-Stick – Brunch Pops by Corn Dog With No Name
- Best Dessert – Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake on a Stick by Big Fat Bacon
Other featured eateries at The Junction include: the 2024 State Fair of Texas winner, Candy Bacon on a Stick from Rousso’s Concessions. Rousso’s is also debuting a number of new foods this year, including numerous Gold Buckle Foodie Awards finalists Bacon Jam Cheesy Pickle Fries and Bacon Jammy Jam Wagyu Sliders.
Other new Houston Rodeo food to try this year include the Hot Honey Big Daddy Corn Dog from Biggy’s, Drowing Taquitos from renowned San Antonio eatery Mamacita’s, and Hot Chick cheese-curd-topped tacos from Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos.
Miller Lite Ice House
As the official beer of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Miller Lite Ice House is a public beer garden located between the Astrodome and NRG Stadium. Here, the venue regularly hosts live music and DJs, as well as giveaways, yard games, photo-ops, and more.
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Oasis
Located near the Junction on the east side of the Astrodome, the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Oasis is a public lounge area for Rodeo guests that offers seltzer, beer, music, and more. Here, guests can enjoy live DJs from 3 pm to 6 pm daily.
Champion Wine Garden
If you’re looking to wine down at the Houston Rodeo, stop by the Champion Wine Garden in Carruth Plaza. Open for table and tent reservations, the venue serves over 75 award-winning vinos as well as offers nightly live entertainment from renowned musicians.
The Hideout
The Houston Rodeo’s resident honky tonk is a 21+ and up venue on the west side of NRG Arena. Housed in a white ten, the venue is open from 6 pm midnight nightly when it hosts a rocking lineup of notable musicians.
The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse
From the prolific Berg Hospitality Group, The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse returns for its fourth year this rodeo season. Here, diners can choose to order classic fair fare from their carnival-style walk-up window, or sit down for an elevated casual dining experience.
The venue also features a large main bar as well as a covered outdoor patio. Fine dining is also available at the venue’s Steakhouse. Come nightfall, visitors can enjoy “The Ranch After Dark” at The Ranch Salon where DJs, lounge tables, and a la carte drinks await.
How to get Tickets to Rodeo Houston?
Tickets to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo are available through the event’s website. Here, interested parties can find a wide variety of different ticketing packages geared toward their needs, whether for special events, concerts, and carnival food and drink deals. If you’re interested in enjoy many of the Houston Rodeo’s festivities for free, check out our article here on Special Days, deals, and more.
See also: 30 marvelous things to do this March in Houston