Carnival at Houston’s Rodeo | Credit: RODEOHOUSTON Facebook
Your Guide to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
One of the most authentic ways to experience Texas has to be attending the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Each year, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo draws more than 2 million fans to experience rodeo action, major musical acts, and an enormous carnival midway. In 2023, the event will be held February 28 to March 19, at NRG Park.
RODEO CONCERTS
The Houston Rodeo concert lineup is always straight FIRE. Here is the 2023 lineup:
Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Parker McCollum
Wednesday, March 1 – Brooks & Dunn
Thursday, March 2 – Lauren Daigle
Friday, March 3 – Bun B’s Southern Takeover
Saturday, March 4 – Walker Hayes
Sunday, March 5 – Zac Brown Band
Monday, March 6 – First Responders Day, presented by BP America Jason Aldean
Tuesday, March 7 – New Kids on The Block
Wednesday, March 8 – Community Day, presented by TC Energy Jon Pardi
Thursday, March 9 – Ashley McBryde
Friday, March 10 – The Chainsmokers
Saturday, March 11 – Turnpike Troubadours
Sunday, March 12 – Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart La Fiera de Ojinaga
Monday, March 13 – Cody Jinks
Tuesday, March 14 – Machine Gun Kelly
Wednesday, March 15 – Kenny Chesney
Thursday, March 16 – Chris Stapleton
Friday, March 17 – Cody Johnson
Saturday, March 18 – Brad Paisley
Sunday, March 19 – Luke Bryan
Here are some of our top pro-tips to maximize your rodeo experience.
GETTING THERE
There are a few easy ways to get to the Houston Rodeo. Take your pick:
The METRORail is just $2.50 a ride and offers three rails lines to make it easy for guests to get to and from the Rodeo. This is ideal if you are traveling from Downtown Houston, the Museum District, or Texas Medical Center.
Residents and visitors of The Woodlands and surrounding areas can utilize The Woodlands Express, which will offer service to NRG Stadium on weekends during the rodeo. Cost is just $13 for a round-trip ticket.
Uber and Lyft ride sharing is also available with drop-off and pick-up locations in the Miller Lite Yellow Lot 38. There is a specific area where all the ride shares line up, so you should spot it pretty easily.
Looking for parking? NRG Park has five large lots on the property for your convenience, with trams running to and from the rodeo grounds until midnight every night. Just remember to take a picture of where you parked before you leave your car. Been there, done this, don’t get lost. lol
HOW TO DRESS
March is a beautiful time to be in Houston. With temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid 70s, you can expect a very comfortable Rodeo experience. In addition to your 10-gallon hat and denim-on-denim look, you’ll want to carry a light jacket just in case. Rainfall is pretty minimal in March, so that isn’t a huge concern.
Given that NRG Park is massive, you’ll definitely want to wear comfy shoes that are good for trekking through some dirt. Ah yes, almost forgot – wear a big belt buckle. It’s a thing this time of the year.
Credit: visit_houston Instagram
WHAT TO EAT / WHERE TO DRINK
The Houston Rodeo is full of inventive, indulgent and Instagram-worthy bites. From the classic Texas-sized turkey legs and funnel cakes, to the deep-fried Oreo cookies and flamin’ hot cheetos roasted corn on the cob – you are going to be in concession heaven. For bonus points, try the Fruity Pebbles Shrimp on a Stick and post it on IG. #ExploreHOU
Wine enthusiasts will want to head to Champion Wine Garden, located at Carruth Plaza at NRG Park. With live music, 70 wines to choose from, and reservations for parties of all sizes (yes, even just for you and a +1), this is probably where you will find us.
You may also like Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo: A Look Back At Its Fascinating History
CARNIVAL
You know how they say everything is bigger in Texas? It’s also way better. While you peruse the carnival grounds, take a pit stop and jump one of the 80+ rides that are integral to your Rodeo experience.
Take in the views of Houston from the La Grande XL Ferris wheel, featuring 36 air-conditioned cabins with enough room for four people. Prefer something closer to the ground? Check out a variety of rides which will be at this year’s Houston Rodeo below.
CALF SCRAMBLE
The Calf Scramble is a hilariously entertaining event where Texas 4-H and FFA members compete to catch a calf. The calves are released and run in every direction while the students chase them about trying their hardest to catch one. The program has raised more than $14 million in certificates and awards for more than 21,000 students.
HORSE SHOWS
Horse shows include cutting horse show, donkey and mule show, mounted shooting, paint horse show, quarter horse show, ranch rodeo, ranch sorting, youth horse show. The shows include lots of competition with top-notch horses.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE + AFTER THE RODEO
Contrary to popular belief, the Rodeo is not like a ‘year-round’ Houston vibe.
HOTELS NEARBY
Looking for a hotel room close to NRG Park?
Book Blossom Hotel Houston’s special Rodeo Package for an incredible rodeo experience! Conveniently located only a few miles from NRG Park, Blossom’s package includes a Lyft credit, so guests do not need to worry about parking at the stadium and can enjoy the show at ease.
Available to book during the duration of the rodeo, the package includes the following:
- Special room rate
- Complimentary self-parking for duration of stay (for 1 vehicle)
- 2 complimentary cocktails at the rendezVu lobby lounge
- A $20 Lyft credit to travel between the hotel and NRG. The credit will be provided upon check-in for guests to use when reserving their ride via the Lyft app.
BOOKING LINK: Blossom Hotel Houston (blossomhouston.com)
Hang your hat at a luxurious guest room at the Royal Sonesta Houston. The rodeo offer includes:
- Welcome amenity with a Bucket of Beer and Texas Beef Jerky
- Breakfast Buffet in ARA for two
- Complimentary overnight self-parking for one vehicle
- Prime location near The Galleria and just minutes from Rodeo events at NRG Stadium
- The opportunity to enjoy cocktails at Axis Lounge
- And much more!
Book your Houston Rodeo Round Up Package today!
Here are some of the closest accommodations to the festivities:
Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton – Medical Center
Crowne Plaza Hotel Houston near Reliant – Medical
Holiday Inn Houston S – NRG Area – Medical Center
Extended Stay America – Houston – Med Center – NRG Park – Kirby
SpringHill Suites Houston Medical Center/NRG Park
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Medical Center/NRG Park
Originally found in VisitHouston
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