Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

More than 250 teams, led by barbecue aficionados, compete in the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Feb. 24-26. Enjoy live music, BBQ and rides and games at the carnival. (Photo courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo) 

Happy Go Texan day! There’s plenty of ways to celebrate in Houston. Here’s what’s happening this weekend, including the official start to Rodeo season:

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
More than 250 teams led by barbecue aficionados are competing in the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park, which kicked off Thursday evening. The cookoff continues Friday at noon and Saturday at 9 a.m. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues. The Garden Stage features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin' Bar-B-Que Saloon features live music, a DJ, and an outside patio. Inside the saloon is the Chuckwagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans. Visit the website for a full line-up of the artists performing. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and under.

Rodeo Roundup
Traditionally held on the Tuesday before Rodeo, Rodeo Roundup has been moved to Friday to celebrate Go Texan Day. All Houstonians are invited to attend this free event downtown at 11 a.m. at Houston City Hall in Hermann Square. Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Go Texan Day proclamation will kick off the event, followed by free chopped barbecue sandwiches provided by the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Committee. Enjoy live music, take your photo atop a Texas Longhorn steer and visit with Rodeo volunteers representing the more than 100 committees to learn more about this annual Houston tradition. Go all out and wear your Western attire, such as jeans, cowboy boots, and cowboy hats in celebration.

Mardi Gras! Galveston

Houston duchesses of the Knights of Momus at the Coronation Ball. (Photo: Rhea's Photographic Art)

The 111th annual celebration of the third largest Mardi Gras in the United States continues this weekend. Friday will honor first responders, with free admission to all first responders, veterans, and active service members. Festivities will start at 5 p.m. with several parades, including the Danny Webber Memorial Fire Truck Parade, and a live performance by Matt Stell at 10:30 p.m. Saturday’s activities will start at 11 a.m. and feature several parades, including the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade. Sunday is Family Gras! featuring three parades, starting at noon with Shriners Hospital for Children & Sunshine Kids Parade and continuing with the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for a one-day pass and $33 for a weekend pass. Sunday’s Family Gras! is free. Festivities will take place in Galveston’s historic downtown in the Mardi Gras Entertainment District, with activities running in the area bordered by 20th to 25th Streets and Harborside Drive to Mechanic Street. View the website for more details and find a recap of Weekend One highlights from Buzz writer Andria Frankfort here.

Rodeo Run
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2022 Rodeo Run will be held in downtown Houston on Saturday. It will include a wheelchair race, 10K and 5K, or virtual option. Registration is $35 per person. The races will start at the corner of Walker and Bagby between 9-9:35 a.m., and end on Allen Parkway, near Eleanor Tinsley Park. The races will be followed by a Post-Race Celebration at Eleanor Tinsley Park that will include food, entertainment and a Family Fun Zone.

Downtown Rodeo Parade
This Saturday at 10 a.m., decorative floats will intermingle with thousands of men and women on horseback to fill the streets with hoof beats and marching bands. This year, 2022 RodeoHouston opening performer Cody Johnson will be the Grand Marshal of the parade. The parade route begins at Bagby and Walker Streets, travels from Travis to Bell Street, and from Bell Street to Louisiana Street, before turning on Lamar Street, and ends at Lamar and Bagby. Expect nearby streets to be closed Saturday morning due to the parade and Rodeo Run, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Streets will open after the events finish around 2 p.m. Public parking garages in the downtown Houston area and the Theater District are available to parade viewers. Please prepare for each garage to have its own parking fees. 

Seussabration at the Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum is hosting a “Seussabration” at the Museum from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2. Celebrate Dr. Seuss and stretch your imagination with activities inspired by your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including a reading of The Cat in the Hat and DIY crafts like Horton-Hears-a-Who ears and a Dr. Seuss themed bookmark. 

Houston Rockets vs LA Clippers 
On Sunday at 6 p.m., The Houston Rockets (15-43) are facing off against the Los Angeles Clippers (30-31) at the Toyota Center. This weekend, they're offering a family pack special offer for $99 that includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 beverages (soda or water).

Houston Dynamo F.C.  vs. Real Salt Lake
The Houston Dynamo is facing off against Real Salt Lake at 6 p.m. Sunday at the PNC Stadium. Get your ticket + 2 beers + a Dynamo aluminum cup for $22. Enjoy your 2 free beers in Hold It Down Plaza pregame before heading into PNC Stadium to cheer on the Dynamo! Use access code DYNBG22 for access.

Editor's note: Share your best Go Texan Day pics with us – tag us on Instagram or email [email protected]. Please check individual event websites for any weather-related changes or Covid-related restrictions. Find more events here.