Let’s Go, Rodeo: A Houston Moms Guide to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

While we are thankful for our partnership with Reliant, our thoughts and pure excitement for the rodeo are proudly our own.

YEE-HAW! It’s that awesome time of year again! RODEO TIME!!!

Get ready for delicious and adventurous food, animals, rides and some of the best concerts around! Put on your boots, spurs and cowboy hats and enjoy the 92nd annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!

The year’s must-see concert line-up is bound to be the best one yet! Does it get much better than Blake Shelton, Jonas Brothers, Carley Pearce, Luke Bryan and Bun B? I think not!

With more than 30,000 livestock, Mutton Bustin’, carnival rides for kids of all ages and the nightly entertainment, this is exactly what Houston needs!

Before you dust off your boots and enjoy the rodeo, be sure to catch up on these tips and tricks below to enjoy it all to its fullest!

Pro Tip: Take your littles on a weekday right when they open at 9 a.m. to enjoy the AgVenture barn without crowds.


This isn’t Reliant’s first rodeo, and we’re here for a rootin’ tootin’ time! Stop by the Reliant Ranch in NRG Plaza for a fun, interactive experience for rodeo-goers of all ages. Two step on over to enjoy festive games like Get Your Ducks in a Row-deo, Boot Toss, Ring Toss, and a Souvenir Penny Press. And don’t forget to say howdy to our pal Hugo, Reliant’s friendly brand ambassador!

Saddle up in Space City at Reliant’s new photo op for Rodeo fans to enjoy, located in the lobby of NRG Center at Hall C. A tip of the cap to Houston’s ‘Space City’ roots, grab a partner and take a trip to the moon in this interactive photo op that makes you feel like real life Space City Cowboys.

Hold your horses, we can’t forget the iconic Reliant Big Boot! Standing at 25 feet tall, this staple of the Rodeo provides visitors with another great Instagram-worthy moment. Grab the whole crew and giddy on up before you head to the concert, carnival, or let’s face it… the Champion Wine Garden!


Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Details

Dates: Tuesday, February 27 – Sunday, March 17

Location: NRG Park {right inside Loop 610 between Kirby & Fannin}. Click here for driving directions and to print out a map.

Schedule of Events: 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.

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!

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 $20 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 $55, which is worth it if you plan to visit multiple times during this rodeo season. This option does not include the rodeo and concert.

Security: To keep the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo as safe as possible, be prepared for a quick wand and bag check. While it may add a few minutes to getting in those gates, everyone’s safety is well worth it!

Special Accommodations: The entire grounds are filled with rodeo staff and committee members who are there to help.  If you need special accommodations or have particular questions, simply ask someone with a badge!

Need to bring a stroller for your little ones? Not a problem! Strollers and wagons are allowed, and NRG Stadium offers “parking areas” on all four corners of the stadium to park your wheels while you enjoy the fun.


What’s New in 2024?

Follow along with RODEOHOUSTON on FacebookX and Instagram to learn more about the rodeo.

Grub: The rodeo menu includes some fun, creative eats you MUST try in 2024, including:

-Fried Brisket Mac and Cheese
-Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesesteak on a Stick
-Caramel Apple Cinnamon Biscuit

Joker 360 at the Carnival: A giant 16-seat pendulum swings clockwise and counterclockwise, up, and over and back again, offering an exhilarating G-force experience complete with tunes loved by all generations. Riders will experience thrilling high speeds and free-falling sensations simultaneously.

Drone Show: The drone light show is coming back bigger and better than ever. Watch as 400 drones paint the night sky with formations that capture the essence of our Western Heritage along with a fireworks extravaganza! The dazzling display features two presentations: one will illuminate the sky on the first weekend and a different version will dazzle on the second weekend. Both shows will take center stage on the last weekend of the Rodeo.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show that will light up the sky over NRG Arena every Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8 p.m.


Top 10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at the Rodeo

Hugo in front of Reliant Big Boot1. 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 Blake Shelton opening and Eric Church closing this year’s rodeo, the lineup is not one to miss! There are still plenty of concert tickets available.

RodeoHouston has the VIP Champions Club, a private entertainment space in NRG Stadium to enjoy the rodeo and concert! Tickets are $175 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 statios 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. Check carnival hours here.

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 92nd annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!

9. Community Day

On Wednesday, March 6, 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. Charging Stations

Don’t you worry your pretty little mind, Reliant has you covered with our charging stations throughout NRG Park, so you can stay powered up and connected! With a valid email and credit card ($1 hold), rodeo-goers can borrow a power pack with free first-day rentals and return them at any charging station once they are done.


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