HOUSTON — It's almost time to kick up your heels and party with your boots on at RodeoHouston! Opening Day is Tuesday, Feb. 28.
There are several big events this week leading up to the Rodeo, including the BBQ Cookoff Thursday through Saturday, Go Texan Day on Friday and the Rodeo Parade on Saturday.
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Thursday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 24, noon to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
More than 250 barbecue teams from around Texas and all over the world will compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park.
Over the course of three days, teams battle for the best brisket, ribs, chicken, Go Texan, and Dutch Oven Desserts.
While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues.
- The Garden: Texas country artists
- Rockin' Bar-B-Que Saloon: Variety of live performers and DJs
- Chuckwagon: Brisket plate with chips and beans included in admission price
The carnival is also open with rides, games and food.
Ticket prices
- Adults, 13 and up: $20
- Children, 3 to 12: $10
- Kids under 2 are free
Rodeo Roundup & Go Texan Day
Friday, Feb. 24
Go Texan Day is a citywide celebration of our Western heritage and the unofficial kickoff of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. From schools to businesses, Houstonians are encouraged to embrace their inner cowboys and cowgirls by wearing Western attire.
At 11 a.m. Friday, everyone is invited to Hermann Square at City Hall for a Rodeo Roundup that includes Mayor Sylvester Turner's Go Texan proclamation.
The event includes free barbecue sandwiches, live music and a chance to take a photo on top of a longhorn steer.
Photos: Go Texan Day
Trail Rides arrive in Houston
Friday, Feb. 24
Friday is also the day horses and wagons from 10 trail rides from around Texas will make their way through city streets to Memorial Park where they'll have an awards ceremony and camp out.
They'll saddle up Saturday morning to head downtown for the Rodeo Parade.
This 70-year-old tradition keeps Western heritage alive in the nation’s fourth largest city.
Rodeo Run
Saturday, Feb. 25 at 9:10 a.m.
The annual Rodeo Run takes place before the parade in downtown Houston.
There's a wheelchair race followed by the 5K and 10K elite, 10K timed and 5K timed events.
The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run will run the entire parade route and can be seen on Allen Parkway from I-45 to Shepherd/Kirby.
Downtown Rodeo Parade
Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.
The Downtown Rodeo Parade is one of HLSR's most cherished traditions dating back to 1938.
Floats, bands and hundreds of men and women on horseback march through the concrete canyons of downtown Houston Saturday morning.
Legendary barrelman and rodeo clown Leon Coffee is this year's grand marshal.
The event is free.
Parade viewing tips
- Downtown streets close starting early on the morning of the parade.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot.
- The best places to view the parade are on Louisiana, from Bell to Lamar, Lamar, and from Louisiana to Smith.
- Bagby and Walker streets, from Sabine Street to Bagby, will be off-limits for viewing.
- Parking: Alley Theater Garage, Lyric Center, 1100 Smith Garage, Theater District Parking, Street Parking, Texas and Smith, Smith and Preston, Smith and Dallas, Smith and Clay, Walker and Main
- Download parade map (PDF) | street closures
