What To Do Around Rodeo

Celebrate the Year of the Horse and kick off rodeo season at the Rooftop Rodeo, a month-long festival on Skylawn at POST (Feb. 20 - March 29, 2026). Enjoy rooftop food and drinks alongside thousands of lights, Rodeo-themed décor, and nightly activations, all with Houston’s skyline as the backdrop. Check out all the fun activities here. Tickets are required for rooftop access after 5 p.m. from February 20 to March 29. Check in at X Atrium L1. Prices start at $6 for weekdays and $9 on weekends. Get ready for Wild West eateries, and lots of Western vibes! Get your tickets here.

If it’s country music you’re lookin’ for, there’s plenty of great acts at the Rodeo this year like Riley Green, Dwight Yoakum, Luke Bryan, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, and many more (view lineup). Plus, the entertainment goes beyond the stadium, with performances at the Wine Garden, The Hideout, and the Junction Stage. Prefer to two-step away from the crowds? Check out one of these Houston country music destinations.

Armadillo Palace  - Part honky-tonk and part Texas history museum, Goode's Armadillo Palace sets the mood right off the bat thanks to the towering armadillo sporting longhorns and breathing smoke out front. With a great dance hall, two bars, and three stages, this is the place to get the best of Texas.

Whiskey River - Head a little north, south, or west of Houston to any one of Whiskey River’s locations and get plenty of the Texas spirit. You’ll love the music, dancing, and mechanical bull! Plus, they offer complimentary beginner dance lessons at all locations.

The essence of Texas culture always shines a bit brighter during Rodeo. From trail rides to the livestock show, these events remind folks just what it means to be in the Lone Star State. If you can’t get enough of that cowboy culture, head on over to one of these attractions for more.

The George Ranch Historical Park - Located just 45 minutes southwest of Downtown Houston, The George Ranch is a working ranch comprising just over 20,000 acres. A historical treasure chest of Texas history, The George Ranch is a great place to immerse yourself in the life of a cowboy. Plus, Rodeo season is the perfect time to visit with the kiddos, as they offer a week’s worth of activities and old-fashioned western fun from March 10 to 14.

San Jacinto Monument - The San Jacinto Museum, within the base of the San Jacinto Monument, holds one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts, and history. Take a short drive to just outside the city of La Porte, TX, and step back in time to see where Texas won its independence.

Cypress Trails Equestrian Center - What better way to engage in cowboy culture than to ride a horse? At Cypress Trails, just 20 minutes north of Downtown Houston, visitors can ride for an hour or even a full day along the picturesque Cypress Creek. All skill levels are welcome, as experienced staff will match you with the right horse for you, from Spanish Mustangs to Appaloosas.

Ask any Texan, and they’ll tell you it’s always a good time to wear western boots. But it’s always more fun during Rodeo season, though, right? Whether you’re getting Rodeo ready or just want to add a timeless piece to your wardrobe, these Houston favorites will have you lookin’ good!

Pinto Ranch - At Pinto Ranch, you will find authentic furnishings and Indian rugs, handcrafted tack, chaps, and saddles, as well as beautifully designed boots, belts, buckles, and apparel.

Rock’em Western Wear - As an official sponsor of the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Rock’em Western Wear is your one-stop shop for Rodeo and beyond. From trendy to classic styles, and boots galore, there’s truly something for everyone. Get your hat fitted and branded at the hat bar, or choose to perfect a Texas-sized buckle. Visit either location, with one just 10 miles from NRG Stadium.

Cavender’s Boot City - With multiple locations across Houston, Cavender’s is a tried-and-true favorite for western wear shopping. From a huge selection of men's and women's boots to cowboy hats and bejeweled belt buckles, this is the place to find it all.

Tecovas - A 10-year-old Austin-based company, offers beautifully handcrafted western boots and accessories with fair pricing. Tecovas is conveniently located in Rice Village and offers belts, wallets, socks, and more.

Lucchese - The 130-year-old El Paso-based company famed for handcrafted Western boots, opened in Houston's Highland Village in late 2014. The American luxury bootmaker's well-appointed store features the Lucchese Collection of handmade western boots as well as its fashion footwear collection and Equestrian-inspired handbags, clutches, totes, wallets and more.

Haven't had enough yet? For more Texas-centric shopping, from cowboy-approved fashion and accessories to rustic furniture and Lone Star-sourced edibles, we've created the ultimate shopping guide just for you. 

Although chili is the official dish of Texas, there’s no question that barbecue is king. Whether you like your chili with beans or without, and your brisket and ribs dripping in sauce or dry, here are a few places to satisfy your Texas-sized cravings.

The Pit Room - Michael Sambrooks has been serving up smoked meats since 2016 with a cafeteria-style concept. Since then, the Pit Room has created culinary waves with its smoked meats, sides, and desserts.

Truth BBQ - It is a meat-eater’s haven in the Heights, starring Texas favorites: meat and comforting sides. Visitors have been known to make the trek from other Texas cities to the small town of Brenham to visit Truth BBQ’s original location before they opened their Houston eatery. They’re known to draw a crowd, so there may be a line, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Pinkerton’s BBQ - You can’t do better for true Hill Country barbecue in Houston than this sweet southern spot on Airline Drive. Pinkerton's Barbecue takes a time-worn approach; their meats, smoked low and slow over aged post oak and sun-dried mesquite, are sure to make any Texan or visitor tip their hat.

Gatlin’s Barbecue & Catering - There's something quite inviting about this small barbecue joint. Maybe it's the family atmosphere, with many members of the Gatlin family contributing in the kitchen. From ribs to brisket, Cajun-style sausage to pulled pork, this place has what it takes to satisfy your 'que cravings. The sides are equally tasty, with everything from homestyle dirty rice to potato salad and baked beans. And you'll want to save a little room for the Southern-style bread pudding.

If you want to hang your hat close by, Houston has lots of hotels and accommodations in proximity to rodeo festivities. Be sure to take advantage of the great Hotel Deals.

Want to avoid parking at the Rodeo? Take the METRORail from anywhere along Main Street directly to the Rodeo gates.