For many Houstonians, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than an annual outing. It is all about community, volunteerism, agriculture, and youth education.
It is where children learn about farming, maybe for the first time, watch their first live concert, and create memories that last beyond a trip to NRG. It is where Houston parents reconnect with their own childhood and pass traditions to the next generation.
For long-time residents, it is second nature. The boots and hats come out of closets. Everyone enjoys discussing the concert lineup, carnival food, and parking ideas.
For first-time visitors, however, the experience can feel overwhelming. Where should you park? What are the must-see attractions? How do you fit livestock shows, rides, shopping, and concerts into a single day?
With these questions in mind, we gathered some insights from Buzz residents to create a beginner’s guide to rodeo.
Madison Perrien, Sofia Chinchilla, Eleanor Hasselkus, and Ainsley Hasselkus at a Rodeo concert.
Rodeo 2026
The 2026 Rodeo will run March 2-22 at NRG Park, beginning with the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Feb. 26-28 (see the full nightly concert lineup at RodeoHouston.com).
Rodeo is organized by tens of thousands of volunteers. Scholarship programs and youth competitions are the core mission of the annual event.
friends (pictured, from left) Michael Perrien, Matthew Perrien, Lisa Michelle Perrien, Donna Graves, Thao Nguyen-Ha, Veronica Beltran, and Guillermo Marquez at Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition 2025.
What to Wear and Bring
Dressing comfortably can make a big difference during a visit to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Lightweight layers are recommended and closed-toe shoes are best for navigating crowds.
If you plan to wear cowboy boots, be sure to break them in ahead of time to avoid blisters (ouch). Visitors should also review entry policies before arriving at RodeoHouston.com. Outside food and snacks are typically not allowed, and only sealed water bottles or empty reusable bottles are permitted.
Sophie, Camilla, and Lexie Sheng at the Livestock Show.
A Day at Rodeo
Stop 1: AGVENTURE
Families often begin at AGVENTURE and the Livestock Show, where prize-winning cattle, sheep, and goats can be seen.
For the Auwarter family, visiting the Rodeo has become a spring break ritual. Rachel Auwarter brings her children each year, planning an entire day to explore the grounds. Their first stop is the AGVENTURE inside NRG Center.
Her son Miles, a second grader at Condit Elementary, has his own favorites. “I love seeing the heifers, baby chicks, bunnies, and the birthing center,” Miles said.
Rachel said enjoying food in the main arena and ending the day with a concert in NRG Stadium have also become part of their tradition.
For first-time visitors, AGVENTURE is often the easiest place to begin a day at Rodeo. It is in Hall A of NRG Center, and open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. It features free agricultural displays where children can meet miniature horses and donkeys in the We’re Small Y’all Barn, explore honeybee and fisheries exhibits, and learn about poultry, rabbits, and horticulture, and more.
The petting zoo allows visitors to feed goats, pigs, and lambs for a small fee. Nearby, the birthing center offers scheduled demonstrations and educational programs, giving families a close-up look at animal care.
Shopping areas such as the Rodeo Marketplace inside NRG and The Hideout have Western apparel, jewelry, souvenirs, and even tractors for sale.
For parents, NRG center is also one of the most air-conditioned and stroller-friendly areas of the grounds.
Stop 2: The Junction
After AGVENTURE, many families head right outside to The Junction, located on the east side of NRG Park. Strollers are permitted on all grounds of the Rodeo, including inside NRG Stadium.
The area combines hands-on activities with live entertainment and carnival attractions. Most exhibits are included with grounds admission. Food vendors offer everything from Texas barbecue, corn dogs, funnel cakes, brisket tacos, international fare, and more.
At Fun on the Farm, children can try out “milking” a cow, gathering eggs, and planting crops. Afterwards, they can receive a token to use at the General Store and visit Goat Mountain and see a small herd of live goats.
Mutton Bustin’, outside of the arena, one of the most popular youth events, gives children aged 5 and 6 who meet weight requirements the chance to ride real sheep. Registration is done on-site and fills up quickly so arrive early.
Together, AGVENTURE and The Junction can easily fill an entire morning or afternoon.
Stop 3: Inside NRG Stadium
Rodeo competitions inside NRG Stadium nightly feature bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, and more. After the events, fans can enjoy one of the favorite parts: the concert. The lights go out, and the crowd goes wild. The Rodeo is a great first concert experience.
Memorial High School students earned top honors in the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program. Senior Kassia Tan received Best of Show for Doting Mama and juniors Arkana Anwar and Annabelle Cai both earned Gold Medals for The Quiet Cup and Peek A Boo. Pictured: Arkana Anwar, MHS art teacher Elisa Barry, Kassia Tan, and Annabelle Cai. Read more here.
School Rodeo Memories
For many students in Houston, the Rodeo becomes a highlight of the school year. Many schools celebrate Go Texan Day at school, encouraging students to dress up like cowboys and cowgirls in the rodeo spirit. The day helps students understand the cultural roots of the Rodeo and the role agriculture plays in the state’s history.
Rummel Creek Elementary students dress up every year. In 2025, Madison Perrien, Sofia Chinchilla, Eleanor Hasselkus, and Ainsley Hasselkus dressed in boots and hats for Go Texan Day at school, which typically falls on the last Friday of February. The downtown Rodeo parade with the trail riders coming through town officially kicks off rodeo season. Last year, the group of friends attended Rodeo during spring break and enjoyed singing along at the concert after the rodeo events.
Student artwork is on display in the Hayloft Gallery, part of a school art program dating back to 1964. The student art contest gives young artists the chance to showcase their creativity while celebrating Western heritage.
It is open to students from Pre-K through 12th grade, and encourages young artists to honor Texas roots, with thousands of entries submitted each year and recognition considered a major achievement. This year, several Memorial High School students earned top honors: senior Kassia Tan received Best of Show for Doting Mama and juniors Arkana Anwar and Annabelle Cai both earned Gold Medals for The Quiet Cup and Peek A Boo. Last year, Pin Oak Middle School student Skylar Barragy won a Gold Medal award for her piece entitled Timmy.
GOLD AWARD In 2025, Pin Oak Middle School student Skylar Barragy won a Gold Medal award for her piece entitled Timmy in the Rodeo School Art contest.
What’s New in 2026
There are updates to this year’s Rodeo season. A few notable changes:
• Organizers have expanded the entertainment lineup, adding more first-time performers alongside returning fan favorites.
• The schedule has been extended to 21 days, up by one additional day, giving families more days to make their plans.
• The Rodeo has also increased its investment in scholarships and youth programs and has surpassed $30 million in annual support.
Getting There: Driving, Rideshare, or Public Transportation
For newcomers, transportation is often a concern. There are a lot of options.
Official parking lots surround NRG Park. Prices vary by location and day, and weekend evenings tend to fill quickly. Arriving early is strongly recommended.
Public transportation is another option. The METRO offers Park and Ride service from multiple locations. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate from designated zones. For more information, see rodeohouston.com/plan-your-visit/parking-transportation/.
As rodeo season ramps up, the city once again prepares for three weeks of boots, buckles, and memories, and for the newcomers, the beginning of a lasting tradition. Yeehaw, Houston.
Editor’s note: For more information on each event and attraction, including schedules and details, visit RodeoHouston.com. Or download the RODEOHOUSTON Mobile App.
