The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 20-day experience you won’t soon forget, whether you plan on attending for one day or many. Designed with education and the promotion of agriculture top of mind, this family-friendly event showcases Western heritage and entertains the public. Begun in 1932, the event has grown into the world’s largest and most prestigious livestock exhibition and boasts more than 30,000 entries each year.
Photo courtesy Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
A 20-day, tournament-style competition crowns champions in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, women’s barrel racing and more. While you’re waiting for the evening’s festivities to begin, be sure to check out some of the other livestock-focused options, including a barn with a plethora of miniature livestock breeds, a birthing center that lets attendees welcome baby animals into the world, a breed row barn, a petting zoo, and a milking parlor.
The equine-specific events include a cutting horse show, a Paint Horse show, a Quarter Horse show, ranch horse competition, ranch rodeo, and youth horse show. Whatever you do, don’t forget to come hungry—there’s a barbecue contest and food vendors galore, featuring the best Texas has to offer!
Don’t forget to check out who will be onstage each night once the rodeo chutes close. Past entertainers include greats like Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, and George Strait.
Plan your visit at rodeohouston.com.
