What to Wear
1 Rodeo Fashion
Yellowstone Chic and Disco Cowgirl have each been the recent darlings of rodeo fashion. While tried and true jeans and boots never go out of style, dresses and skirts are a stylish alternative to shorts during Houston's warmer weather. No matter the style, dress for hours spent standing, walking, and trying delicious but messy rodeo food.
2 Best of Boots
It is time to usher in rodeo season with fashionable kicks. Miron Crosby recently opened its first Houston outpost in River Oaks and is ready for its inaugural HLSR season. The brand has elevated traditional Western wear into high fashion with innovative designs, vibrant colors, and the unique use of foiled and metallic leathers.
3 Put a Feather in it
Whether you hand-pick accessories at a "hat bar" or go the traditional route with several well-known brands, a western-influenced topper is necessary for a leveled-up outfit. Check out The Hat Chick, Magnolia Mercantile Hats, Freya, and The Hat Store. Also keep an eye out for luxury pop-ups like Kemo Sabe while the rodeo is in town.
What to Eat
1 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Food
While there will be bull riding, concerts, and a massive carnival to enjoy, let’s be honest – what we care about is the food. Rodeo-goers can head to the Midway to find classics like corn dogs, turkey legs, and funnel cakes or tempt their taste buds with many deep-fried treats. Don’t forget to try this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Award winners.
2 Favorites Old & New
Houston favorites will be on hand, including Alamo Tamales, Goode Company Barbeque, and Pappas Bar-B-Q. Guests can also pop a cork at the Rodeo’s Champion Wine Garden, which features many wines from around the world, or have a seat at Berg Hospitality’s restaurant, The Ranch Saloon & Steakhouse.
3 Wildly Weird Rodeo Food
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo feature several unexpected dishes for daring foodies, including entrees like deep-fried BLT, chocolate bacon, rattlesnake corn dogs, and rattlesnake nachos. There are also many sweet offerings, including deep-fried bread pudding or deep-fried tres leches. Although we don’t know what will be featured this year, last season’s combinations were entertaining with dishes like Fruity Pebbles shrimp fried rice, and Cap’n Crunch chicken sandwich.
What to See
1 The Junction
The Junction is the place for families at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is the headquarters for pig races, carnival attractions for little ones, and a petting zoo. The Junction is also a great place to catch Mutton Bustin’, where tiny tykes try their best to hang on while riding sheep for eight seconds.
2 RODEOHOUSTON®
Cowboys and cowgirls ride, race, and rope each night through several rounds of bracket-style rodeo competitions with a $50,000 payout. Rodeo enthusiasts can catch events, including bareback racing, barrel racing, roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, and more.
3 AGVENTURE
Head to NRG Center for a hands-on and up-close look at agriculture. Stop by the birthing center to witness live births and newborn livestock. Check out miniature animals, including horses and donkeys, and learn about beekeeping and dairy farming. Don’t forget to take a pony ride and visit the rabbits and chickens.
What to Do
1 Carnival
The Rodeo’s massive Ferris wheel will grace the Houston skyline for several weeks this spring, but that isn’t the only thing to do at the carnival. There are dozens of rides, including roller coasters, slides, and swings. Guests can also try their hand at carnival games to win those big prizes. Buy a FastPass to skip the lines and keep an eye out for the presale Carnival Packs sold for half price before Rodeo starts.
2 Live Music
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is famous for its lineup of outstanding musicians from all genres. Music enthusiasts can get their fill of country, rock, R&B, pop, and Tejano acts, all performing on RODEOHOUSTON’sStar Stage. The Rodeo regularly draws the likes of George Strait, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Cardi B., Lauren Daigle, Luke Bryan, and Los Tigres del Norte.
3 Shop ‘Til You Drop
With over 300 vendors, NRG Center and NRG Arena are brimming with the best rodeo goods. Shoppers can find everything from the latest western-influenced fashion to boots, hats, jewelry, and more. Tasty packaged treats, home decor, furniture, and pet accessories will also be up for grabs.
