Weekend Roundup: Feb. 27-March 1, 2026

Happy Friday and happy Go Texan Day! Get on your boots and get in the Rodeo spirit. Look out for the trail riders parading into town today. Read about the Desperados, who have taken on the Salt Grass Trail for generations, in this February feature. Here’s what’s happening this weekend: 

More than 250 teams compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. (Photo courtesy of HLSR)

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest 
Fri., Feb. 27, 12-11 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
NRG Park
One-day ticket: $30/adult; child (ages 3-12): $10
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest presented by Cotton Holdings kicked off on Thursday. More than 250 teams will compete. Although most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden Stage, presented by Miller Lite, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, and the Chuckwagon. The Carnival, presented by First Community, is open for rides and games. The Garden Stage features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music, and has an outside patio. Inside the saloon is the Chuckwagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary BBQ plate.

2026 BRUCE BOLT College Classic Benefiting The Astros Foundation 
Fri., Feb. 27-Sun., March 1
Daikin Park
Single-day tickets and three-day tournament packages on sale; see website
The 26th Annual BRUCE BOLT College Classic returns to Daikin Park, Feb. 27-March 1. Texas, Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Ole Miss, Baylor, and Ohio State will take the field for the nine-game tournament. The Buckeyes and Roadrunners kick the tournament off followed by the Bears and Rebels. The national runner-up Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and SEC champion Texas Longhorns close out day one of the three-day tournament at 7:05 p.m. Friday night.

Betsy's Movie Night: The Sandlot
Fri., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Betsy's at Evelyn's Park 
Free
Kick off spring and baseball season with a viewing of the classic The Sandlot on the big screen at Betsy's. 

Bellaire Little League's 2025 Opening Day began with teams running through the Bellaire High School Cardinal, greeted by cheers from the BHS baseball team and cheerleaders. (Photo: Dee Zunker Photography)

Bellaire Little League Opening Day 
Sat., Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.
Weston Field
Free to attend
Kick off the spring season with a day full of community fun. from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Opening Ceremony and Team Introductions will take place, plus the Moms’ Softball Game, games, rides, and treats for the family. Then, come back at 5:30 p.m. for an evening full of fun, including the 12U Home Run Derby and the Weston Field Glow Party.

Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips, benefits the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. (Photo courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

Rodeo Run
Sat., Feb. 28, 9 a.m.
Downtown Houston; race starts at the corner of Walker and Bagby and ends on Allen Parkway near Eleanor Tinsley Park
Free to spectate 
Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips, benefits the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The run kicks off with the wheelchair race (9 a.m.), followed by the 5K and 10K Corral A, 10K and 5K events. Participants and supporters are invited to Eleanor Tinsley Park for a post-race celebration, including food, entertainment, and a Family Fun Zone.

Kick off the 2026 Rodeo with the Downtown Rodeo Parade following the Rodeo Run. Decorative floats, marching bands, and thousands on horseback will fill the streets. (Photo courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

Downtown Rodeo Parade 
Sat., Feb. 28, 10 a.m.
Downtown (beginning at Bagby and Walker Streets)
Kick off the 2026 Rodeo with the Downtown Rodeo Parade following the Rodeo Run. Decorative floats, marching bands, and thousands on horseback will fill the streets. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan will serve as the grand marshal. Ruskan, 26, is a rescue swimmer whose lifesaving actions during the Fourth of July floods in the Texas Hill Country earned national recognition.

West U Arts in the Park 
Sat., Feb. 28, 12-3 p.m.
Colonial Park, West End
Free
Browse local artists showcasing handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more. Enjoy live music while you shop and stroll.

Houston Dynamo FC vs. LAFC
Sat., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Shell Energy Stadium
Cheer on the Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium as they take on LAFC.

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at MFAH's family-friendly Winter Festival. (Photo courtesy of MFAH)

MFAH's Winter Festival “Year of the Horse” 
Sun., March 1, 1-5 p.m.
MFAH, Main Campus
Admission is free to both the festival activities and the MFAH Permanent Collections. All-access tickets for special exhibitions are only $10 today, and free for ages 12 and younger.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the family-friendly Winter Festival. Enjoy art-making activities with family and friends, watch musical and dance performances, and indulge in foods representing a variety of Asian cuisines, available for purchase from local vendors.

More Events
See more upcoming events on our calendar. Look ahead to March in our monthly event roundup.