What's New at the Houston Rodeo This Year

MARCH 2, 2026

• 2:00 p.m. - The first 10,000 guests will receive a 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo belt buckle.
• 6:45 p.m. - Super Series 1, Go-Round 1 and Country star Riley Green takes the stage on the Opening Day.

MARCH 11, 2026

• Free admission for all guests until noon
• Buy one, get one rides and games in the Junction Carnival area until 4 p.m.
• Discounted Food and Beverages in the Junction Carnival and several commercial exhibitors
• Sunpillars performs in The Hideout at 10 p.m., presented by TC Energy

MARCH  4 & 18, 2026

Free admission for seniors, 60 and over, and children, 12 and under, until noon on the first and third Wednesday. (This does not include rodeo/concert admission.)

The Carnival Midway will open at 1 p.m. for Armed Forces Appreciation Day and normal Spring Break hours on March 19.

Discounted rides, games and food/beverage will be available on all three Wednesdays in the Junction Carnival.

• BOGO rides and games in the Junction Carnival until 4 p.m.
• Discounted Food and Beverages in the Junction Carnival and several commercial exhibitors.

Cantina, presented by Casamigos Tequila
Cheers to the Rodeo! In its largest partnership with the Rodeo, Casamigos Tequila is bringing a reimagined atmosphere to the 5,000 square-foot space, including exclusive ready-to-drink beverages made with its Blanco and Reposado expressions. Two specialty cocktails are also being crafted, including the Watermelon Chili Margarita and the Casa Paloma.

The Hideout 2026 Lineup - Dance the night away at the Rodeo’s very own honky tonk, The Hideout. Equipped with a spacious dance floor, bars and some of the best up-and-coming musicians. The Hideout is open to the public for those 21 years of age and older, for just the cost of admission to NRG Park. Located in a white tent on the west side of NRG Arena, view The Hideout location on the grounds map. The Hideout is open daily from 6 p.m. to midnight. Live music begins at 10 p.m. on weeknights (Monday–Friday) and 8 p.m. on weekends (Saturday–Sunday). Acts include Kevin Fowler, Kate Watson, Adam & The Armadillos, and more!

Junction Stage, presented by Woodside Energy - The Junction Stage is expanding and being reimagined as a two-story, double-decker tent. The structural updates will add additional seating and introduce a cool zone on the second-floor.

Charro on the Road, sponsored by La Michoacana Meat Market - The one-and-only Tomas Garcilazo is set to bring his award-winning rodeo act to the Houston Rodeo grounds this year. The third-generation charro will perform La Charreria in the Junction across from Fun on the Farm and Born to Buck, presented by Oxy. Rodeo-goers can expect performances all 21 days of the Rodeo. Times will be available on the RODEOHOUSTON Mobile App, powered by AXS.

Cody Johnson Concert-Only Performance - This year is going to close out with a bang! Multi-platform country music star Cody Johnson will return to the Rodeo for a special concert-only performance on Sunday, March 22, 2026. This year will mark Johnson’s sixth appearance at RODEOHOUSTON and the fourth concert-only performance in Rodeo history. Johnson is bringing along major star power to accompany him on the 21st night of the Rodeo as well. Jon Pardi and Randy Houser will open the evening, with Pardi making his fourth RODEOHOUSTON appearance and Houser stepping onto the star stage for the first time. Doors to NRG Stadium will open at 5 p.m. Randy Houser will open the concert, Jon Pardi will follow, and Cody Johnson will close the evening. Johnson will take the world-famous Rodeo stage at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Aviator - Get ready to go round and round in a revolving seat for a true joy ride to be remembered!

Sound Storm - Sensory overload hates to see this ride coming! The Sound Storm spins and twists with the latest sounds and lighting special effects.

Air Raid - Reach for the Texas stars! This high-flying ride features seats that revolve in a 350-degree circular motion. Hold on tight!

Shop and eat your way through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™! With more than 300 vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Let your impulses go with the countless retail vendors or be courageous to taste the variety of delicious foods available. For your official Rodeo and entertainer merchandise, visit the booths in NRG Center and NRG Stadium. 

Celebrating America’s 250 - The Rodeo is an official program partner of America 250, and will serve as a founding partner for America Gives. The partnership, in part, will help to log and track volunteer hours alongside others across the country. Guests of this year’s event will have the opportunity to purchase branded Rodeo and America 250 merch across the Rodeo grounds, such as koozies, hats and t-shirts. Annual merch items, including jackets and souvenir cups, will also feature a nod to America 250.

New Shopping - Get ready to shop ‘til you drop! New this year to the Rodeo shopping scene are American Grains, Archundi & Co., Certified Hustler Apparel, Chapman Fashion, Howdy House Kids, Keja Jewelry, Mostly Chocolate, Novi Creations, Rock ‘Em Boots, Rockin’ AB, Rosemary and Sage, Ryan’s Woodworking, Tin Roof Home, and Tru 180.

Official RODEOHOUSTON Merchandise - For your official Rodeo and entertainer merchandise, visit the booth in NRG Center. Commemorate your Rodeo experience with new official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo merchandise. Show off your pride with scarves, woven blankets, stationery, and Christmas ornaments. Shop these items at new locations throughout the Rodeo grounds and in the online store.

Lane Boots Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Collection - Time to boot, scoot, and boogie with the Lane Boots Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Collection! Crafted in collaboration between Rodeo Chairman of the Board, Pat Mann Phillips, and the artisans at Lane Boots, this exclusive collection celebrates the legacy, grit, and grace that define Western heritage. Designed to honor the Rodeo’s enduring mission—supporting agriculture, youth education, and the spirit of the West—each boot is handcrafted with details inspired by the traditions that laid the organization’s lasting legacy. From the RODEOHOUSTON® bronc silhouette etched in suede to the detailed stitching that honors our founding year, every element reflects the deep roots that built the world’s largest rodeo and the generations who keep it alive. This 2026 collection includes a bootie, a knee high, and a square toe version for women, and a square toe option for men. Read more about the limited-edition boots HERE.

Shopping and dining hours: NRG Arena | NRG Center | NRG Park - daily, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is a haven for foodies and those with adventurous tastebuds alike! This year is no exception. Located from Rodeo Plaza to inside the NRG Center Lobby and beyond, Rodeo goers will have no issue finding food throughout their visit. From Dubai Chocolate funnel cake fries to a brand new fine dining restaurant, the Rodeo is set to feature some mouthwatering bites that will have you coming back for more. The carnival on the rodeo grounds is packed with thrilling rides, games, and bites. New to the carnival food offerings this year include Mike’s Hot Honey Corn and Loco Borracho Elote by Corn Shack, Dubai Chocolate Oreos by Fried A Fair, Cheese on a Stick with Buldak Ramen by Mustards Café, Pork-a-Palooza Pizza by Enzos Pizzeria and more. The sweet and savory options are endless and make for the perfect post-ferris wheel sustenance. 

Debuting this year is 1932 Cattleman’s Club, a fine dining restaurant by Fertitta Entertainment (which will take the place of The Ranch by Berg Hospitality). The new 1932 Cattleman’s Club (pictured) will blend culinary artistry with Western sophistication. The menu celebrates the bold flavors of contemporary American cuisine. The venue, located at NRG Park on Stadium Drive, outside of NRG Stadium’s East entrance, will feature both lunch and dinner service, complemented by the children’s menu designed to bring new flavors to Rodeo’s youngest guests. Late-night offerings will also cater to fans seeking elevated, easy-access dining after the rodeo and concert.

Fertitta Entertainment is also unveiling Chut 32, a quick-service restaurant featuring a menu of lobster rolls, smoked brisket nachos, and more. Rounding out new food vendors is Mama Tina’s Gumbo. 

New foods located throughout the fair grounds pack major flavorful punches from an array of vendors. NRG Arena will feature Crunchy Sushi Balls by Asian Streetness and Guac-a-rrons by Mamacita’s with Alamo Tamales setting up in NRG Lobby with their Barbacoa and Chipotle Chicken Bowls. Head over to The Junction to try Cherries and Berries On A Cloud by Casa de Yummy, Cowboy Corn by Fields of Corn and Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos by Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos. Located at Circle Drive, rodeo guests are invited to stop by Pioneer Wagon for their Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog and Loaded Cowboy Fries and Waffle Chix for Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick. 

Rodeo Plaza boasts new bites including Chicken Fried Lobster and Chicken Tender Salad by Darlin’s Fried Chicken, Pork Sliders by The Finer Diner, Bread Pudding and Cowboy Sushi by Blue Ribbon, a Torta by Go Tejano Diner, Barbecue Smoked Sausage Sandwich by Holmes Smokehouse, Hot Chicken Pancake Poppers by Palmer’s Hot Chicken, Catfish and Shrimp, Bacon Jam Brisket Biscuit and Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries by Rousso’s Fat Bacon, Breakfast Cake by Sills Funnel Cakes & Food, Loaded Grilled Avocado by Taco Love, Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzel by Texas Pride Grill, Skillet Potato Melt by Texas Sized Pizza / Burger and Chili Shack, and  Bacon Jam Beignets, Brisket Boudin Balls, and Shrimp and Andouille Sausage on a Stick by The Cajun Cowboy. Rounding out the new foods at the Rodeo this year, NRG Center Lobby will feature the Loaded Platter Combo by The Teahouse. 

Shopping and dining hours: NRG Arena | NRG Center | NRG Park - daily, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

EXPLORE OUR PAGE DEDICATED TO THE HOUSTON RODEO with more details about this event, and don't forget to check out our blog post about ALL RODEO CONCERTS in 2026.