YEE-HAW! It’s that awesome time of year again! HOUSTON RODEO TIME!!!
As the official energy provider of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Reliant is here to power the fun, from can’t‑miss photo ops and games to complimentary phone charging across NRG Park. Saddle up and make the most of your visit!
Reliant Ranch (Rodeo Plaza, Near the Big Boot)
First up, kick off your day at the Reliant Ranch, an interactive spot for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. This year’s lineup includes games like Boot Toss, Bull Ring Toss, and giant Connect Four, providing easy, quick fun between shows and snacks. Don’t forget to say howdy to Hugo, Reliant’s friendly armadillo ambassador.
Big Boot, Big Smiles
Strike a pose with the iconic Reliant Big Boot, a 25‑foot Rodeo landmark celebrating its 10th year as a must‑snap photo moment. Then, head inside NRG Center at Hall C for Reliant’s life‑size buckin’ bull photo op. Saddle up, strike your best bull rider pose, and get a photo sent straight to your phone, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Drones Light Up the Night with Reliant
Every Saturday and Sunday of Rodeo, look up at the night sky at 8 p.m. to see the stunning Drone Show, Powered by Reliant. 400 drones will illuminate the sky above NRG Arena, creating images honoring western heritage and Houston traditions. This year’s show will incorporate fireworks and pyrodrones for the first time for an even brighter and more dazzling display!
Perks for Reliant Customers
New this year, Reliant customers can stop by the Reliant Ranch at Rodeo Plaza (near the Big Boot) every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. for complimentary personalization by The Hat Chick. Reliant will provide customers with a leather keychain that is free to personalize, or bring your own leather item—hat, boots, wallet, and more—to add a custom touch. Just one of the many perks of being a Reliant customer!
Rodeo Acts of Kindness
Keep an eye out for Rodeo Acts of Kindness, an annual commitment where Reliant volunteers spread good vibes with small, meaningful gestures—snapping family photos, opening doors, helping keep the grounds tidy and more. Volunteers will be on site opening day, Monday, March 2. It’s Reliant’s way of sharing a little extra Rodeo joy!
Let’s Go Rodeo!
This year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is from Monday, March 2-Sunday, March 22, 2025, at NRG Park {right inside Loop 610 between Kirby & Fannin}. Click here for driving directions and to print out a map.
Events and activities change each day, so be sure to check out the Daily Event Schedule. If you’re planning your visit around a performance, note that weekday rodeos begin at 6:45 p.m. with the entertainer taking the stage at approximately 9:00 p.m. and weekend rodeos begin at 2:45 p.m. with the entertainer coming on at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Just like everything in Texas, the Rodeo is BIG and there is a LOT to do. Houston Moms, along with our friends at Reliant, have you covered with everything you need to know to have a boot-scootin’ good time.
Tickets and Transportation
Tickets: There are three different options when looking to purchase tickets to the rodeo or carnival. {Bonus: Children ages 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket!}
1} You can purchase a Grounds Pass, which allows you to check out everything at NRG Park, except for the rodeo and concert in NRG Stadium. Grounds passes for adults are $25 and kids ages 3-12 are $10.
2} You can purchase a Rodeo/Concert ticket which gives you access to everything at NRG Park AND entry into NRG Stadium for the rodeo and concert.
3} You can purchase a Grounds Season pass for $66, which is worth it if you plan to visit multiple times during this rodeo season. This option does not include the rodeo and concert.
Parking & Transportation: To avoid any headaches, check out the Parking & Transportation info when planning your trip. Depending on where you’re coming from, there are lots of great options {METRORail, Park & Ride, etc.} to make it a bit easier! The METRORail is a great go-to because kids love riding on the train, and strollers ARE allowed!
What’s New In 2026?
Follow along with RODEOHOUSTON on Facebook, X and Instagram to learn more about the rodeo.
Grub: The rodeo menu includes some new, fun, creative eats you MUST try in 2026, including:
- Alamo Tamales – Barbacoa Bowl and Chipotle Chicken Bowl
- Asian Streetness – Crunchy Sushi Balls
- Casa de Yummy – Cherries, Berries On A Cloud
- Darlin’s Fried Chicken – Chicken Fried Lobster and Chicken Tender Salad
- Fields of Corn – Cowboy Corn
- Finer Diner, Hawaiian – Pork Sliders
- Blue Ribbon – Bread Pudding and Cowboy Sushi
- Go Tejano Diner – Torta
- Holmes Smokehouse – Barbeque Smoked Sausage Sandwich
- Mamacita’s – Guac-a-rrons
- MiaBella’s Wood Fired Pizza – Cowboy Pizza
- Palmer’s Hot Chicken, Catfish and Shrimp – Hot Chicken Pancake Poppers
- Pioneer Wagon – Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog and Loaded Cowboy Fries
- Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos – Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos
- Rousso’s Fat Bacon – Bacon Jam Brisket Biscuit and Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries
- Sills Funnel Cakes & Food – Breakfast Cake
- Taco Love – The Loaded Grilled Avocado
- Texas Pride Grill – Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzel
- Texas Sized Pizza / Burger and Chili Shack – Skillet Potato Melt… Plus!
- The Cajun Cowboy – Bacon Jam Beignets & Brisket Boudin Balls and Shrimp and Andouille Sausage on a Stick
- The Teahouse – Loaded Platter Combo
- Waffle Chix – Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick
Cowboy Cam, sponsored by Carnival: The stadium’s Cowboy Cam is all new, featuring an AI-generated animation on the big screen. Throughout the Rodeo, attendees can scan a QR code to generate a personalized AI photo and have it sent directly to them to keep.
Cantina, presented by Casamigos Tequila: In its largest partnership with the Rodeo, Casamigos Tequila is bringing a reimagined atmosphere to the 5,000 square-foot space, including exclusive ready-to-drink beverages made with its Blanco and Reposado expressions. Two specialty cocktails are also being crafted, including the Watermelon Chili Margarita and the Casa Paloma.
RODEOHOUSTON® Hall of Fame: Champion bull rider Ty Murray and legendary bucking bull Bodacious will be inducted into the RODEOHOUSTON Hall of Fame as its third class. Bodacious is the first rodeo animal to be inducted.
Get Your Grub On and Shop ’til You Drop
Unless you have experienced the food and vendors at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, you have thus far missed out on truly unique culinary and shopping experiences.
If you want to experience some truly Texas cuisine before the actual Rodeo begins, make plans to attend the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, affectionately known by Houstonians as the Cookoff. Want more deets on this great event happening February 26-28? Check out Houston Moms’ An Insider’s Guide to the Houston Rodeo Cook-Off.
During the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, come hungry and ready to shop! There are more than 300 retail and food vendors for you to enjoy!
Top 10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at the Rodeo
1. Awesome Entertainment
This year’s lineup features some of your favorite country and pop stars, and you’re sure to find a concert that piques your interest.
With Riley Green opening and Cody Johnson closing this year’s rodeo, the lineup is not one to miss! There are still plenty of concert tickets available.
Rodeo Houston has the Chairman’s Club Party Deck, a private entertainment space in NRG Stadium to enjoy the rodeo and concert! Tickets are $205 per person and include upscale food and an open bar. Don’t forget to check out The Hideout if you’re sans kids too! The Hideout is for 21 and up only, and it’s a great chance to hear some amazing local musicians for just the cost of NRG Park admission. Yes, please!
2. The Miracle of Birth
Yep, birth! Animals are actually being born at the rodeo in The Birthing Center. Be sure to stop by and visit the baby animals, watch as they take their first steps, and see how their sweet mamas nurse and nurture them. All exhibits are open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Don’t miss the miracle! {And be sure to check out the milking parlor as well!}
3. The Wine Garden
If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up while at the rodeo, don’t forget about the Champion Wine Garden, located in Carruth Plaza between NRG Stadium and the Astrodome. This little oasis with more than 70 wines to choose from is the perfect place to kick up your boots and relax. For your convenience, Reliant will also have three charging stations for your phones!
4. Shop-‘Til-You-Drop
Shop at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! With more than 300 vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Give in to your impulses with the countless retail vendors. The best in Western wear and décor, and some of the most interesting finds are down every shopping row.
5. The Junction
What’s not to love about an area just for kids? The Junction includes the ever-popular Mutton Bustin’ where 5- and 6-year olds try to hold on to a sheep for 8 seconds {it’s a thing!}, as well as a petting zoo, pig races, camel and pony rides, and a classic carnival with rides and games suited for kids {there are even a few for toddlers}. Don’t forget to stop by the farm-to-market exhibit, Fun on the Farm, for an entertaining and educational experience for all. The Junction’s exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. but the carnival hours vary day-by-day, opening either at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.
6. Livestock Show
Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has encouraged and promoted the breeding, raising, and marketing of the livestock industry in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Thousands of exhibitors come from all parts of the world and across the state of Texas to exhibit their livestock, and only the best of the best leave the green-shavings arena with the elite title of Houston Champion.
7. The Actual Rodeo!
From team roping and steer wrestling to bull riding, the best of the best rodeo athletes come together each year for RODEOHOUSTON. Be sure to find your seat early as the stunning Grand Entry performance is something that you {and your kids} won’t want to miss, and then settle in and watch the events. There’s something for everyone … even rodeo clowns for a little comic relief!
8. The Perfect Rodeo Photos
There are tons of Instagram-worthy backdrops for photos with your families! Seek them out, pose, and click! Such a perfect way to commemorate the 93rd annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
9. Community Day
On Wednesday, March 11, get free NRG Park Admission for all guests until noon. This does not include rodeo/concert admission.The celebration includes buy one get one rides and games in the Junction and community activations.
10. Free Phone Charging
The Rodeo’s non‑stop fun is great for memories, but not always for phone batteries. To keep Rodeo visitors connected, Reliant offers FREE one‑day rentals of portable power packs at more than two dozen Reliant Charging Stations across NRG Park, including NRG Stadium, NRG Center, and NRG Arena. With a valid email and credit card ($10 hold), simply scan the QR code on the kiosk to vend a power pack with the connector you need (iPhone or Android). Return your power pack to any Charging Station so the kiosk can recharge it for the next Rodeo‑goer.
Yee Haw! We can’t wait to see you and your family out at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year, which promises to be the best one yet!
