The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is an epic experience for those looking for prime entertainment, amazing food, and to dust off their cowboy hats and chaps! If you’re planning on heading to the Rodeo, running from Feb. 27 to March 17 at NRG Park, check out our list of recommendations below for lassoing up a good time and embracing your inner cowpoke. 

GETTING THERE

Getting to NRG Park  isn’t always the funniest part of the Rodeo experience, but we’ve got all the details on how to make your trip easy and as seamless as possible.

Houston Rodeo Photo: Courtesy HLSR

A popular option is the METRORail, which costs $2.50 a ride. With three rail lines available, there are plenty of options to skip the parking lot and make getting to NRG a breeze. Find a parking spot near one of the METRO stops in Downtown, the Museum District, or Texas Medical Center to make your trip easy and quick.

Ride-sharing is always a good idea, especially considering how many adult beverage options there are at the Rodeo! Drop-off and pick-up locations for Uber, Lyft, Alto, etc., are in the Miller Lite Yellow Lot 38. Keep an eye out for your ride in the designated rideshare line and enjoy a safe ride home.

Prefer to drive yourself? No problem! NRG Park has five parking lots and round-the-clock carts that hold a significant number of rodeo-goers and run until midnight every night. Make a note of where you parked—you’ll be thankful you did after a long night!

CONCERTS

Jonas Brothers Jonas Brothers - Photo: Courtesy HLSR

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Entertainer Lineup is teeming with hot music acts this year! The lineup has a little something for everyone from The Jonas Brothers to Nelly, Major Lazer to Bun B’s All-American Takeover. Head to the Rodeo early to explore the carnival grounds, sample some unique and mouth-watering bites, and be sure to get to your seats early enough to catch the rodeo events, such as the crowd favorite mutton bustin’. See the full lineup and get tickets today HERE.

DRESS CODE

Tecovas Photo: Courtesy Tecovas Rice Village

There may not be an official dress code for the Rodeo, but Western wear is always encouraged! Head to one of Houston’s Tecovas stores (Rice Village is the only one inside the loop, but the City Centre location is a short drive away) to purchase a pair of their boots that capture the true spirit of western wear - Orville Peck is known to rock Tecovas.

Need a 10-gallon hat? Head over to one of Houston’s Cavender’s stores to try on hats that will have you feeling extra western at the Rodeo. While you’re there, check out their boots, jeans, belts, and more! It’s a one-stop shop for knocking out your rodeo shopping in one trip.

Want to take your Rodeo getup to a snazzier level? Head in to Pinto Ranch in Post Oak Plaza to peruse their wide selection of western wear, boots, and accessories. Looking to embrace a more hipster-cowboy-core aesthetic? Pavement Modern and Recycled Fashion and Leopard Lounge are perfect options for finding throwback and vintage Western outfits, old-school country tour merch shirts, and blinged-out accessories, perfect for the dime store cowgirls and cowboys out there.

ATTRACTIONS

Feria Ganadera y Rodeo de Houston Photo: Courtesy HLSR

Shopping, carnival rides, wine gardens - yee haw! There are over 300 shopping and dining options at the Houston Rodeo spread out throughout NRG Park. NRG Center has a sprawling assortment of unique western wear vendors intermixed with animal exhibits, petting zoos, and more.

Don’t feel like shopping, but also don’t want to go home empty handed? Win a prize at the Houston Rodeo Carnival! Play a variety of games in between rides that are curated for thrill seekers of all levels. Get an aerial view of the entire rodeo grounds when you and your partner ascend on the massive carnival Ferris wheel.

Houston Rodeo WIne Garden Photo: Courtesy HLSR

The Champion Wine Garden is a favorite among wine-o’s at the rodeo. Visit the tent to taste award-winning wines while listening to live music. It’s the perfect way to pregame your concert and rodeo competition viewing. Looking for more music? Stop by The Hideout on the west side of NRG arena. Head here to hear live performances from some of music’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

KEEP THE PARTY GOING

All dressed up and ready to cut a rug? Celebrate the Houston Rodeo all season long! You can’t go wrong at one of Houston’s oldest and most iconic honky tonks, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon. Dance the night away on their massive dancefloor, belt a tune in their karaoke space, or just pop a squat on their boot-shaped stools and kick back for a night of country music and awesome vibes. Check their calendar for line dance lessons!

Pearl Side Peace, the new bar right next door to beloved Pearl Bar, hosts “Queer Country” on Saturdays from 10 pm to 2 am. Head over to the bar on Washington Ave. for country music all night long!

Not looking to dance but still want that country vibe? Grab a drink and a pool stick at George Country Sports Bar and stay a while! The gay bar in the heart of Montrose is a good country bar with darts, pool, and great drinks. If you decide to extend your night out, a host of other gay bars are all within walking distance.

WHERE TO HANG YOUR HAT

Hotel ZaZa Museum District - Houston Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District - Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Visiting H-Town for the Rodeo? Well, you’re in luck! Houston is home to more Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) Approved gay-friendly hotels than any other city in Texas. Once you’ve had your rodeo fun, rest easy at one of Houston’s choice hotels, including Le Meridien Houston Downtown, Hotel Zaza Houston, JW Marriott Downtown, The Whitehall and more. Discover even more hotels and places to stay HERE.

To explore all Houston Rodeo experiences, view and download this helpful Rodeo Visitor's Guide. 

Happy Rodeo Season in Houston!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo  Photo: Courtesy HLSR