The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) is a quintessential H-Town experience and tradition! Complete with world-class entertainment, mouthwatering and unique food options, the Rodeo is the perfect excuse to dust off your cowboy boots! If you’re planning on heading to the Rodeo, running from March 2 to March 22, 2026, 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 can be a bit intimidating during Rodeo season, but there are options to make your trip as easy and seamless as possible.

Houston Rodeo Photo: Courtesy HLSR

A popular option is the METRORail, which costs $1.25 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. METRO also provides ADA-accessible options for those who need these services to get to the Rodeo.

Ride-sharing is a great option for groups, especially if you’re planning to imbibe with the adult beverage options available at the Rodeo! Drop-off and pick-up locations for Uber, Lyft, Alto, etc., are located at the East-End of Yellow Lot 35, closest to Lantern Point and McNee. Rider pick-up is located at Yellow Lot 35, near the intersection of Lantern Point and McNee. 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 three parking lots and round-the-clock carts that hold a significant number of rodeo-goers and run until midnight every night. Choose from the Yellow Lot at Gate 16, the 610 Lot, or the OST Lot. All parking lots are cashless and cost $25. Make a note of where you parked—you’ll be thankful you did after a long night!

For all transportation options and information, visit this page.  

CONCERTS

True to form, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Entertainer Lineup is packed with acts that truly slay! The lineup has a little something for everyone, from Houston’s own Lizzo to Creed, Shaboozy to Kelly Clarkson. 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 to purchase a pair of their boots that capture the true spirit of western wear. Rice Village is the only store inside the loop, but the City Centre location and newest store in the Baybrook Mall in Friendswood are a short drive away.

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.

Ready to up the rodeo ante? 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. Finally, shop local and show out in some truly unique rodeo duds with Sam & Davy. Located in the Galleria across from the Apple Store and in POST Houston by Eden Plant Co., this store offers shirts, crop tops, skirts, and bags that are all rodeo themed!

ATTRACTIONS

Feria Ganadera y Rodeo de Houston Photo: Courtesy HLSR

Bites, sips, shopping, and more all await at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! With over 300 shopping and dining options at the Houston Rodeo spread out throughout NRG Park, there is no shortage of things to do and enjoy this year. 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. This year, there are three new rides that will have your senses on high alert and heart rate up in the best way!

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 Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, Fridays from 2 pm to midnight, Saturday from 11 am to midnight, and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. 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 there to hear live performances from some of music’s most exciting up-and-coming artists. The Hideout is open daily from 6 pm to midnight with live music kicking off at 10 pm on weeknights and 8 pm on weekends. 

The LGBTQ+ community truly shines on March 21 from 5 pm to 11 pm with Out at the Rodeo! An opportunity for the LGBTQ community to gather, connect, and enjoy the rodeo festivities together in the Houston Rodeo Champion Wine Garden, this annual event features drag shows, giveaways, carnival games, live music, and more. Be sure to be there early to kick off the organization’s 5th anniversary year!

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!

Not looking to dance but still want that country vibe? Grab a drink and a pool stick at George Country Sports Bar to play some pool, throw some darts, and throw back some beer and shots! 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. Looking for a boutique stay in the heart of Montrose? Then book your stay at the One Michelin Key-awarded Hotel Saint Augustin. Discover even more hotels and places to stay HERE.

To explore all Houston Rodeo experiences and plan your trip from beginning to end, check out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s helpful “Plan Your Visit” page. 

Happy Rodeo Season in Houston!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo  Photo: Courtesy HLSR