What to expect at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Heading to Houston in March? Preview the heart-pumping rodeo action, exclusive shopping, and electrifying concerts at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls! It may seem a bit early to start thinking about March’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but with the announcement of the 2026 concert lineup just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start making plans.

This year, the world’s largest livestock show returns to NRG Stadium from March 2-22 and promises three weeks of non-stop entertainment, day and night.

Each year, Rodeo Houston attracts more than 2 million visitors—it’s not uncommon for Houstonians to attend the event multiple times during rodeo season. But people travel from all over the world for what is often considered one of Houston’s biggest draws.

To give you some idea, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo pays out over $2 million in winnings each year to the cowboys and cowgirls who barrel race, rope steer, and last 8 seconds on a feisty bull, along with families who enter their prized cattle in the livestock show.

The city could not pull off its yearly event without its 36,000 volunteers who maintain their southern—and very sunny—dispositions as millions of visitors make their way around the huge event grounds.

And as you make your way around them yourself, here’s a guide to everything there is to see and do at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Play at the Midway

From the 130-foot-high Ferris wheel with air-conditioned compartments to the amusement park rides that might make you regret those fried Oreos, the carnival atmosphere of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo brings out the kid in everyone.

Those funnel cakes won’t eat themselves, so visit the food booths, play a game of ring toss, and wander the grounds. The kids will enjoy the Junction Carnival, a place just for the little ones to enjoy kiddie rides and games.

Drink award-winning wines in a cheerful garden

The Champion Wine Garden is an event all on its own. Take a seat outside by statues and peaceful water features and choose from more than 75 wines, all awarded in the months leading up to the rodeo.

Right there in the garden, you’ll enjoy concerts by Texas stars, a convivial atmosphere that will keep you there for hours, and maybe even some Texas tempranillos. Reserve a tent or table by sponsoring a rodeo event – you’ll be ensured a top spot in the garden while contributing to a great cause.

Shop the huge selection of western wear

If you fashion yourself an urban cowboy or cowgirl, you’ll love stepping up your style at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

NRG Center houses competing livestock right alongside hundreds of vendors—an experience you won’t find anywhere else. That means you can visit a Hereford cow, and five steps away, buy a hand-tooled leather belt, a turquoise necklace, and western wear that will make you look like a true Texan.

And don’t even get me started on the hats. This is the place to buy the cowboy or cowgirl hat of your dreams. While you’re at it, be sure to stop at one of the elevated boot-polishing stands to add a good spit ‘n shine to your Luccheses.

Admire the incredible student art

Just outside the shopping area in NRG Center, you’ll notice artwork lining the massive hallway. Don’t pass it up. It’s a demonstration of the equally massive talent of Houston’s art students on full display, many bearing much-deserved ribbons.

You’ll be wowed by what kids can do, and it’s an excellent reminder of what this rodeo is all about. One of Houston’s biggest fundraisers of the year, the Livestock Show and Rodeo has raised over $660 million for Texas youth education since its start in 1932.

Officials just announced the rodeo’s highest educational commitment in 94 years—a whopping $30,353,380—so when you buy your rodeo tickets and spend money in various ways at the event, you’re contributing to the future of Texas’ youth.

Stay for the concerts

From the time that Gene Autry rode his horse Champion into the arena in 1942, the Houston Rodeo has garnered an impressive list of performances. Its Star Trail of Fame includes nine superstars, including Autry, Charlie Pride, Elvis Presley, Reba McIntyre, and George Strait, the latter of whom performed the last show in the Houston Astrodome.

Each night after the rodeo competition, the lights dim and a concert stage is rolled out to the center of the arena. The musical lineup is impressive, with past performances by country stars Walker Hayes, Lauren Daigle, and Chris Stapleton, rapper Bun B, alternative and hip-hop singer Machine Gun Kelly, and norteño-with-sax band La Fiera de Ojinaga.

The 2026 Houston Rodeo lineup of 20 artists will be announced Jan. 8, and tickets will go on sale Jan. 15. Some sell out immediately, so if there’s someone you’re dying to see, you’ll want to jump online the minute the tickets go live.

In the meantime, you can make plans to attend the Cody Johnson concert-only performance March 22, which is the 21st night of the rodeo. Johnson is only the second performer, after George Strait, to have a full-length, concert-only event at the rodeo.

Randy Houser will open the concert that night, followed by Jon Pardi. While there won’t be any rodeo events that day, the rest of the grounds will be open as usual, so this is a great opportunity for those who care more about the concerts than the mutton bustin’.

Host a private party

If you want to make your friends and family feel like a million bucks, go all in at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with tickets to the Dirt Deck. Don’t let the name fool you—this is known as “the most exclusive, all-inclusive experience on dirt.”

You’ll get as close as possible to the performers on the Star Stage and feel like a VIP, your boots proudly dusty from the rodeo horses that competed just before the show.

In addition to all-inclusive access to all things rodeo, your group of up to 20 will have a private bar and dedicated waitstaff. Plus, you’ll all have access to Champions Club and its chef-driven, upscale food.

This one is for the truly committed rodeo fan, and the eyebrow-raising cost of $20,000 pinches a little less knowing it’s going to fund education programs and scholarships for Texas kids.

Enjoy what’s new in 2026 

Every year, new activities debut at Rodeo Houston, and 2026 is no exception. Look out for these new additions to the rodeo experience.

Fine dining, even at a rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo just announced a new fine dining experience by Fertitta Entertainment called 1932 Cattleman’s Club. This isn’t your place for sausage-on-a-stick—the fine dining atmosphere here takes rodeo fare to a whole new level.

A day at the rodeo requires time to rest and take a load off, and the 1932 Cattleman’s Club is a full-service, sit-down restaurant where you can eat like a champ. Think oyster and raw bar, Hamachi crudo, wagyu carpaccio, and caviar service.

It’s exactly what you would never expect to find at a rodeo, and that’s precisely what makes it so cool. So order up a seafood tower or a flaming tomahawk, sip a ranch water or a Cattleman’s old-fashioned, and enjoy impeccable service. It’s the type of thing that reminds you of Houston’s foodie reputation and makes Texans everywhere proud.

Custom boots for 2026

Last year, the Houston Rodeo partnered for the first time with Texas-rooted Lane Boots. This year, that partnership continues, but with a new 2026 edition.

It’s your opportunity to own a pair of limited-edition handmade boots by Lane Boots, each stamped for authenticity and a work of art in its own right. Made exclusively for this event, the 2,026 pairs of gorgeous boots are an homage to “the spirit, grit, and rich tradition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” according to Lane Boots.

If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in Houston, there’s nothing quite like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. As they say in Texas, go big or go home.