From bulls to Beau Joie Brut Champagne, steers and stars, animals and art, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is out of the chutes this spring with more food, fun, shopping and rides than ever before in their history. From the time that Gene Autry took the stage as the very first featured entertainer in 1942 through country sensation Eric Church closing down this season on March 17th, Rodeo Houston has distinguished itself as the epicenter of top performers in all genres. Pull on your boots because it’s time to Rodeo and you don’t want to miss a moment!
After a successful 2023 when Rodeo Houston, a two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music’s Rodeo of the Year, was also named Fair/Expo of the Year, the challenge was set to go bigger and better. Building on the popularity of last year’s inaugural drone show, this year has double the number of drones, and the show is presented with a fireworks display each Friday and Saturday night. With over 300 vendors, the Expo showcases more Texas-based designers and trend-setting brands. Modifications and enhancements have been made to many areas to increase accessibility to ensure everyone can enjoy activities and programs regardless of abilities.
One important change to note, on weekends this year, the rodeo now has an earlier start time of 2:45pm with the concert following at approximately 5:00pm. This allows more time to continue enjoying activities afterward, like live music and the massive dance floor in The Hideout or winding down in the Wine Garden with a glass of the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show Smith-Madrone Riesling.
Finding all the things to do is much easier this year, according to Danielle Grossman, Director of Strategic Communications. “We’ve updated our app to make our visitor experience even better. It now includes a visitors’ guide with an interactive 3D map that shows you where you are, where you want to go, and how far it is. You can find food, bathrooms, and probably things you didn’t even know were there! This has truly been a labor of love from our digital team.”
The app is a great way to view and purchase tickets for the rodeo and concerts, general admission, and the carnival. This year, every Wednesday is a Family Day with ride tickets buy-one-get-one-free, to give families more affordable options. Log in to the app and have all your tickets ready before you arrive!
This year also marks the opening of the Rodeo Houston Hall of Fame, recognizing the impact and contribution of individuals and animals, past and present, on the success and longevity of the Rodeo. The inaugural class includes Bob Tallman, the distinctive voice of the Rodeo for more than 40 years; barrel racer Charmayne James, the most-winning competitor in Rodeo history; and Mike Cervi, a highly respected and distinguished stock contractor to the Rodeo for over 50 years. A temporary Hall of Fame display is located inside NRG Stadium until the permanent location is ready on the second floor of NRG Center.
While the mutton bustin’, the deep-fried bread pudding, endless shopping, and the opportunity to watch a baby chick hatch from its shell are all on the very long list of reasons to spend the whole day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the highlight is always the cowboys doing cowboy things. The Rodeo Houston Super Series draws superstar rodeo athletes to compete for part of a total payout of over $2 million, a custom-made saddle and belt buckle. The stakes and the excitement are always high.
When the dust finally settles and the shows are over, however, the work does not end. Committees continue to work towards the mission of hosting the annual, family-friendly experience, to support Texas youth and provide year-round educational support within the community. Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began as the Fatstock Show in 1932, more than $600 million has been committed to youth and education through scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships.
Nothing captures the spirit of Houston like The Rodeo. And for these few weeks every spring, we all have a little cowboy in us. Let’s Rodeo, Houston!
"We’ve updated our app to make our visitor experience even better... This has truly been a labor of love from our digital team.”
Since the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo began as the Fatstock Show in 1932, more than $600 million has been committed to youth and education through scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships.