Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday and happy Go Texan Day! Today is the official kickoff to Rodeo season. Many Houstonians will be proudly wearing their best boots and Western wear and waving to the thousands of trail riders making their way into town today. This weekend includes the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, the downtown Rodeo Parade, and more. See below for some weekend highlights. And if you have buzzy photos of your cute cowboys and cowgirls on Go Texan Day or throughout Rodeo season, please share them with us. 

Rodeo Roundup 
In celebration of Go Texan Day, Houstonians are invited to attend this free event today at Houston City Hall downtown, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A Go Texan Day proclamation will officially 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. 

More than 250 teams compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues with live music. Plus, the carnival is open for rides and fun games. (Photo courtesy of Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo)

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest 
More than 250 teams compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings. Although most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, and the Chuckwagon. The Garden Stage, sponsored by Miller Lite, features live music. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music and has an outside patio for visitors. Inside the saloon is the Chuckwagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans. Plus, the carnival is open. Admission: Adults (13 +): $25; child (3-12): $10; age 2 and under: free. Hours: Today, 12-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns 
Cheer on the Rockets as they take on the Suns, tonight, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15. 

More than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations come to life in stunning displays at Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden. (Photo: Tianyu Arts & Culture)

Closing Weekend: Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden 
It’s the last chance to explore the Radiant Nature exhibit at Houston Botanic Garden. More than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations have come to life in stunning displays that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate Lunar New Year. Hours are 6-10 p.m. each night, Friday-Sunday. Timed entry is offered at 30-minute intervals from 6-8:30 p.m. each night the show is open. Last entry is 9 p.m. Admission: $28/person; children ages 3 and under are free. 

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Parade 
The annual Downtown Rodeo Parade takes place Saturday, 10 a.m., downtown. Buc-ee’s founder and CEO, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, will serve as grand marshal. A tradition since 1938, the parade celebrates Western heritage and marks the beginning of Rodeo season. Buc-ee’s beaver mascot will join Rodeo mascot, Howdy, to walk 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. 

Black History Culture Fest 
Celebrate Black History Month downtown at Avenida Houston with exciting performances and delicious food. Black History Culture Fest will take place Saturday, 2-6 p.m., and Sunday, 2-6 p.m., and admission is free. 

Home Opener: Houston Dynamo FC vs. Sporting Kansas City
After a big rebound season, cheer on the Dynamo as they kick off the new season at the home opener vs. Sporting Kansas City, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $18. 

ReelAbilities Houston Presents ReelArt Crawl 
The ReelArt Crawl, part of the Reelabilities Houston Film & Arts Festival, takes place on Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Sabine Street Studios. Explore the ReelArt exhibit featuring artworks created by artists from Celebration Company and view the works of residing artists from Sabine Street Studios while enjoying donuts and coffee. Free to attend. 

Bellaire Open Air Rodeo Market 
Shop outdoors during the Bellaire Open Air Rodeo Market on Sunday, 12-4 p.m., at Evelyn’s Park. Young artists will enjoy creating their own Rodeo art projects. Parking is available at our Newcastle and Mulberry lots. Overflow parking at Bellaire United Methodist Church at Newcastle and Bellaire Blvd.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's 2024 Winter Festival. 

The MFAH's 2024 Winter Festival: Lunar New Year 
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosts a free, family-friendly winter festival on Sunday, 1-5 p.m., to celebrate Lunar New Year. The celebration will feature music performances, calligraphy demonstrations, art-making activities, and a variety of food. General admission to the Museum’s permanent-collection galleries will be free all day.

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 
Cheer on the Rockets as they take on Oklahoma Center Thunder, Sun., 6 p.m. Tickets start at $13.

More Events
See our online event calendar for more upcoming events. And see the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show website for the lineup and visitor information.