Dynamic Variation:
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
One of the most authentic ways to experience Texas is to attend the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Each year, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo draws more than 2 million fans to experience rodeo action, major musical acts, and an enormous carnival midway. Since 1932, this event, the biggest of its kind in the world, has made an impressive footprint on the livestock and entertainment industries and in the sport of rodeo. It also has played a notable role in enhancing the lives of thousands of young people in the state of Texas. Agriculture, entertainment, education and Western heritage continue to be the pillars of their mission.
In 2025, the event will be held from March 4 to March 23 at NRG Park. Before the official inauguration, there are various events to enjoy the rodeo season, including free Go Texan Day (Feb.28) at Hermann Square in Downtown, World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (Feb. 27-Mach 1) at NRG Park, colorful and unique Downtown Rodeo Parade (March 1), and Rodeo Run (March 1), among others.
OPENING DAY
Back to Top of ListOpening Day celebrates the uniqueness and community aspect of Houston! Guests of all ages can enjoy special giveaways and various activities planned throughout the day. Arrive early! Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2025 Belt-Buckle Giveaway starts at 10 a.m. Don’t miss the Opening Day Parade (noon), face painting, and custom-made balloon hats crafted by skilled balloon artists (2:20-3:30 p.m.). For live entertainment, take your kids to the performance by Choo Choo Soul at the Junction Stage (10:30 a.m.). The young crowds will also be delighted by a tribute to Taylor Swift by Reputation (1 p.m.). Rodeo-inspired friendship bracelets in pre-packaged kits for children to make will be given away. Finish the Opening Day at the Glow Party in the Champion Wine Garden (at dusk).
RODEO CONCERTS
Back to Top of ListEach night, once the Rodeo dust settles, a superstar takes The Star Stage to entertain the crowds. The entertainers begin performing after the last rodeo event is completed each evening and the stage is set. Actual start times for the concert can vary day to day due to the different number of rodeo competitors and other production elements. Tickets are required for entry. Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 9 p.m. NRG Stadium gates open at 6 p.m. Weekend rodeos start at 2:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 5 p.m. NRG Stadium gates open at 2 p.m. The Houston Rodeo concert lineup is always straight FIRE. The 2025 lineup announced on January 9 is here. Look at all the artists and get your tickets.
GETTING THERE
Back to Top of ListThere are a few easy ways to get to the Houston Rodeo. Take your pick. The METRORail is just $1.25 a ride and offers three rail lines to make it easy for guests to get to and from the Rodeo. This is ideal if you are traveling from Downtown Houston, the Museum District, or Texas Medical Center.
Residents and visitors of The Woodlands and surrounding areas can utilize The Woodlands Express, which will offer service to NRG Stadium on weekends during the rodeo. Cost is just $15 for a round-trip ticket.
Uber and Lyft ride sharing is also available with drop-off and pick-up locations in the Miller Lite Yellow Lot 38. There is a specific area where all the ride shares line up, so you should spot it pretty easily.
Looking for parking? NRG Park has five large lots on the property for your convenience, with trams running to and from the rodeo grounds until midnight every night. Just remember to take a picture of where you parked before you leave your car. Been there, done this, don't get lost.
HOW TO DRESS
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Houston Rodeo Chair Pat Mann Phillips: "These boots tell our story."
March is a beautiful time to be in Houston. With temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid 70s, you can expect a very comfortable Rodeo experience. In addition to your 10-gallon hat, denim-on-denim look and a big belt buckle, you'll want to carry a light jacket just in case. Rainfall is pretty minimal in March, so that isn't a huge concern. Given that NRG Park is massive, you'll definitely want to wear comfy shoes that are good for trekking through some dirt.
For a fashionable touch, don't miss this year's very special boots produced by Lane Boots for the 2025 Rodeo. The model 93 RODEOHOUSTON® Boot honors both the heart of the Rodeo, and the pillars of its heritage - Western heritage, agriculture, education, and entertainment. Each one is represented on the boot by a star. This one-of-a-kind piece of western fashion tells a story in each detail. Only 2,025 pairs of this exclusive design, available in both men’s and women’s sizes, have been produced, making each one a true collector’s item. See it for yourselves and get your hands on one right now at www.laneboots.com/pages/houston-rodeo.
WHAT TO EAT / WHERE TO DRINK
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The Houston Rodeo is full of inventive, indulgent and Instagram-worthy bites. From the classic Texas-sized turkey legs and funnel cakes, to the deep-fried Oreo cookies and flamin' hot cheetos roasted corn on the cob - you are going to be in concession heaven.
Wine enthusiasts will want to head to the Champion Wine Garden, located at Carruth Plaza at NRG Park. The Champion Wine Garden features wines from the Rodeo’s International Wine Competition. Visitors are able to purchase drinks by the glass or by the bottle. With live music, more than 75 wines to choose from, and reservations for parties of all sizes, this is a not-to-miss oasis at the Rodeo. Check out our Rodeo for Wine Lovers post for more news.
CARNIVAL
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You know how they say everything is bigger in Texas? It's also way better. While you peruse the carnival grounds, take a pit stop and jump one of the 80+ rides that are integral to your Rodeo experience.
Take in the views of Houston from the La Grande XL Ferris wheel, featuring 36 air-conditioned cabins with enough room for four people. Prefer something closer to the ground? Check out a variety of rides which will be at this year's Houston Rodeo here.
MUTTON BUSTIN'
Back to Top of ListIn addition to the action each night in NRG Stadium, children's favorite Mutton Bustin’ can also be found in The Junction, with 5- and 6-year-old participants trying to hold on tight to a sheep for eight seconds. Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 6 years old and not weigh more than 55 pounds. The cost is $20 per ride. Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Starts every hour, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Junction, previously called Kids Country, is a kid-focused area that tests visitors’ sense of adventure with rides, games, and fun exhibits. Parents enjoy this area as much as the kids, with classic carnival games and rides. And don’t forget to stop by the farm-to-market exhibit, Fun on the Farm, for an entertaining and educational experience for all. Exhibits are free unless otherwise noted.
HORSE SHOWS
Back to Top of ListHorse shows include cutting horse show, donkey and mule show, mounted shooting, paint horse show, quarter horse show, ranch rodeo, ranch sorting, youth horse show. The shows include lots of competition with top-notch horses.
DRONE SHOWS
Back to Top of ListCelebrate tradition and technology in a drone light show that promises unforgettable moments under the stars! Watch as 400 drones paint the night Houston sky over NRG Arena at 8 p.m. with formations that capture the essence of the Western Heritage. The dazzling display features two presentations: one will illuminate the sky on the first weekend and a different version will dazzle on the second weekend. Both shows will take center stage on the last weekend of the Rodeo.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE + AFTER THE RODEO
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Contrary to popular belief, the Rodeo is not like a 'year-round' Houston vibe. Check out the top things to do in Houston for the cherry on top of your Houston experience.
HOTELS NEARBY
Back to Top of ListLooking for a hotel room close to NRG Park? Here are some of the closest accommodations to the festivities:
Blossom Hotel Houston
Royal Sonesta Houston
Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton - Medical Center
Crowne Plaza Hotel Houston near NRG - Medical Center - Galleria Area
Holiday Inn Houston S - NRG Area - Medical Center
Extended Stay America - Houston - Med Center - NRG Park - Kirby
SpringHill Suites Houston Medical Center/NRG Park
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Medical Center/NRG Park
More Rodeo Info
Have questions? Visit the official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo site, where they can help you make the most of your experience.
In recognition of global interest, the Rodeo annually designates a series of International Days to express hospitality to the Rodeo’s foreign guests. During these days, volunteers staff the International Room to help welcome and inform visitors. Professional interpreters are available, and particular assistance is given to foreign buyers at the livestock auctions. In 2025, International Days will be celebrated from Mar 4 to March 11 in several events, including International Livestock Congress (March 4-5), Texas Agri-Summit (March 6), Grub Gang Day (March 7), Gala (March 7), and Ladies Luncheon (March 8). Register here.
Photos: Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
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