This year’s Houston Rodeo will see 20 days of entertainment, music, and the very best of Texan culture! It’s the largest event since 2022, with around 2 million guests expected to attend.

Away from the obvious entertainment of rodeo contests and concerts, there will be an overwhelming amount of attractions and food stalls to enjoy. But if you want to get around and enjoy the experience like a local, you’ll want some pro tips. In this guide to Houston Rodeo 2026, you’ll get that!

So let’s dig into those bales of hay, mounds of churros, and who knows what else!

Guide to Houston Rodeo: What to Know Before You Go

When Is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo In 2026?

This year’s Houston Rodeo runs from Monday, March 2, to Sunday, March 22. Rodeo competitions will be the main event throughout, with concerts every night, except for March 22, which is a concert-only day!

You can also enjoy the World Championship Barb-B-Que Contest in the NRG parking lots between February 26 and 28, which is always a pleasant assault on the senses for any foodie. 

Where Is The Houston Rodeo 2026?

The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show will take place primarily at NRG Park in southwest Houston. Located along Kirby Drive between Fannin Street and the South Loop West Freeway (I-610), it’s just 6 to 7 miles south of downtown Houston. 

NRG Stadium is where the rodeo and concerts take place. Still, you’ll find shopping, dining, entertainment, livestock exhibits, a wine garden, and heaps of promotional events taking place throughout the entire NRG Center complex. 

What to Expect from Houston Rodeo Tickets?

Tickets start at $35, but can go right up to $10,000 if you’re living the luxury life of a private suite:

Alongside contests and concerts, you’ll get to enjoy carnival rides, livestock judging, shopping, and plenty of great food. 

Do You Need a Ticket to Enter NRG Grounds During the Houston Rodeo?

Yes. Admission to the NRG grounds and the carnival requires an NRG Park Admission ticket or a rodeo or concert ticket. 

What Is the Best Food at the Houston Rodeo?

Rodeo Houston says there will be over 300 food vendors at the Houston Rodeo! You can expect street food and Texan staples, and lots of meat.

Over the years, it has become a tradition to enjoy deep-fried staples such as funnel cakes, turkey legs, and churros. This year will see debuts from Dubai Chocolate Oreos, Loco Borracho Elote, Chicken Fried Lobster, and Wagyu on a Stick.

But, we believe you’re missing out if you’re not going to experience a true, authentic Texan barbeque like that from Goode Co. Catering. Located near the NRG Stadium, our Armadillo Palace is a classic honky-tonk venue to host any get-together. Or, you can bring the smoked mesquite to you, with Goode Co. Catering’s drop-off or staffed catering options. 

Must-See NRG Park Rodeo Events and Texas Traditions

You could argue that the Houston Rodeo is all must-see, given there’s day after day of competitions, great concerts, and endless food. But, here’s our recommended picks:

Rodeo Competitions 

Every night, Rodeo Houston competitions run, featuring 40+ events, including bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, and team roping. 

You don’t need to be into rodeo to enjoy the spectacle, so even those from out of town, or newbie kids, will have a great time. At the end of the 20 days, there’s a championship final where you’ll see the best rodeo performance in the world. 

Concerts 

Every 9 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m on weekends, there are stadium-sized concerts to close out the night. This year, the lineup features:

Go Tejano Day

On March 15, it’s Go Tejano Day, when the Mexican influence on Texas and the vaquero cowboy culture of Mexico take center stage. Regional Mexican music will be on show!

We recommend heading downtown or ordering from Goode Co. Catering to get a taste of true, authentic Houston Texas-Mex, like fajitas, tacos, Jambalaya Texana, Jalapeño pinto beans, and Mexican rice!

Local Tips for Navigating Rodeo Houston

A man lowering his stetson while wearing a Goode Co. logo sweatshirt, with a bottle of whisky and a glass in the background.

This year’s Rodeo Houston guide isn’t complete without some local pro tips:

When To Arrive to Avoid Peak Crowds?

The consensus is to hit the NRG Center before 2 pm. But if you go even earlier, you’ll increase your chances of a less chaotic experience. Going on weekdays can be slightly less chaotic, as there are likely to be around 92,000 visitors, compared to over 135,000 on weekends. 

Parking and Transport Tips for NRG Park During the Rodeo

What to Wear at the Houston Rodeo?

If you’re a local, you don’t need our advice. If you’re visiting from out of town, know that March weather is likely to range between ~80°F during the day and ~60°F at night. We recommend dressing for comfort and Texan style. Get out your favorite boots, hat, and belt.

Where to Eat in Houston During Rodeo Season

Texas Barbecue Beyond the NRG 

Looking beyond the plethora of delicious food you’ll find at NRG’s fairground can be a wise idea. It’s going to be overflowing with people, which can detract from the experience for some. 

We recommend heading out to a true Texan eatery, like that with Goode Co. Barbecue. At The Armadillo, located just a few miles from NRG Stadium, you can enjoy a sit-down experience with charming hospitality in a true classic Texan setting. Our mesquite-smoked barbecue techniques have been in action since 19,77, and we promise you’ll taste it! 

Hosting a Private Houston Rodeo Party or Corporate Event

If you’re looking for a catering team to drop off food or provide staffed catering for a private event, then you’ll be pleased to find many local companies that specialize in different cuisine catering. 

You can’t go wrong with our team at Goode Co. Catering, who can provide that famous Texan hospitality, alongside barbecue classics including brisket, sausages, ribs, fajitas, and all the sides you could dream of. And you can even get your very own bar for the day, with our little portable silver bullet ‘Yonderlust’. It’s staffed, with alcohol packages including beers, wines, cocktails, homemade iced teas, and even coffees. 

FAQs: Houston Rodeo Guide

What is the best food at the Houston Rodeo?

At this year’s Houston Rodeo, there are going to be around 300 vendors to choose from. After we researched last year’s reviews, people raved about fried Reese’s, chocolate-dipped cheesecakes, and giant cinnamon rolls as the best carnival food.  

When is the Houston Rodeo this year?

The Houston Rodeo 2026  is from March 2 to March 22. The concert finale is on March 22.

How much are Houston Rodeo tickets?

Tickets for 2026 started at $35 for upper-level seats, rising to $180 for action seats and up to $10,000 for suites. Ground-only passes (no stadium entry) are $25 for adults and $10 for kids per day.

How do you get to the Houston Rodeo?

You can get to NRG Park from downtown by taking I-45 South or I-610 South to the Kirby Drive Exit. Public transit, rideshare, and park-and-ride options are available alongside parking. 

Plan Your Houston Rodeo Visit Like a Local

Here are the takeaways from our Rodeo Houston guide to remember for this year’s edition: