Houston Rodeo Season Is Here: What to Know Before You Go
February in Houston means one thing: rodeo season is officially here. From world-class concerts and championship rodeo events to barbecue cook-offs and Western fashion everywhere you look, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than an event; it’s a full-blown citywide tradition.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong Houstonian, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of rodeo season, plus a few insider tips people often forget.
Rodeo Dates & What’s Happening
The Houston Rodeo kicks off late February and runs through late-March at NRG Park, featuring:
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PRCA-sanctioned rodeo competitions
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Nightly concerts from major artists across country, pop, hip-hop, and Latin genres
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Carnival rides and games
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Livestock shows and exhibitions
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Shopping, food vendors, and family-friendly attractions
Concert Lineup:
The Rodeo is known for hosting a mix of big-name headliners and rising stars. Here is this year's lineup:
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March 2 – Riley Green
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March 3 – J Balvin
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March 4 – Rascal Flatts
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March 5 – Russell Dickerson
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March 6 – Lizzo (Black Heritage Day)
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March 7 – Dwight Yoakam
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March 8 – Forrest Frank
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March 9 – Luke Bryan
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March 10 – Megan Moroney
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March 11 – Creed
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March 12 – Chris Stapleton
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March 13 – Shaboozey
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March 14 – Kelly Clarkson
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March 15 – Pepe Aguilar (Go Tejano Day)
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March 16 – Cross Canadian Ragweed
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March 17 – The Red Clay Strays
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March 18 – Koe Wetzel
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March 19 – Lainey Wilson
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March 20 – Parker McCollum
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March 21 – Tim McGraw
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March 22 – Cody Johnson (special full-length, concert-only finale with guests Jon Pardi & Randy Houser)
Pro tip: weekday shows often have more availability and better ticket prices than weekends.
Always check the official Houston Rodeo website for the most up-to-date lineup and event schedule.
More Than the Rodeo: Events Around the City
Rodeo season spills far beyond NRG Park. Keep an eye out for:
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Rodeo cook-offs & BBQ competitions across the city
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Western-themed pop-ups and happy hours
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Live music and dance halls hosting rodeo-week events
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School and community livestock shows
Many local bars, restaurants, and venues lean into the Western theme during this time, making it one of the most festive months in Houston.
Where to Shop: Rodeo-Ready Style in Houston
Whether you’re going full Western or just adding a subtle rodeo flair, these local favorites have you covered:
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Manready Mercantile – A Heights local mercantile store that sells quality apparel perfect for your rodeo attire.
- Rebecca Lankford Designs - Custom Jewelry Designer in Houston Heights with a collection of rodeo style pieces for the season!
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Pinto Ranch – High-end Western wear if you’re looking to invest in timeless pieces.
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Tecovas (Rice Village or Heights) – Stylish, modern boots that work beyond rodeo season.
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Kuhl-Linscomb – Western-inspired accessories and elevated casual wear.
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Space Montrose & local boutiques – Great for fringe jackets, statement belts, and rodeo-adjacent looks.
Comfort tip: Break in your boots before rodeo day as NRG Park involves a lot more walking than you think!
Tickets, Parking & Transportation Tips
Tickets
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Rodeo admission and concert tickets are often bundled together.
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Weekday tickets are typically easier to snag and more affordable.
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Popular artists sell out quickly so plan ahead if there’s a must-see show.
- Ticket scan be found at https://tix.axs.com/
Parking
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Official NRG parking is available but fills up fast.
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Prices vary by lot and event day.
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Arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
METRORail
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One of the easiest ways to get to the rodeo.
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The Red Line drops off directly at NRG Park.
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Saves time, money, and stress—especially on weekends.
Things People Don’t Always Think About
✔ Bag policy: Clear or small bags are required, always check size restrictions before you go!
✔ Weather swings: February/March evenings can get chilly, especially after concerts so be sure to keep that in mind.
✔ Cash vs. card: Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller booths may not
✔ Kid planning: Strollers are allowed, but navigating crowds takes patience—plan breaks
Why Houstonians Love Rodeo Season
The Houston Rodeo is more than entertainment; it supports scholarships, education programs, and Texas agriculture, all while bringing the community together. It’s one of the best examples of Houston’s culture on full display: diverse, energetic, and proudly Texan.
Whether you’re there for the music, the food, the fashion, or the funnel cakes, rodeo season is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the city.
See you at the rodeo!
