Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo {Here is Everything YOU Need to Know for 2017!}

We are thrilled to once again partner with Reliant to bring you this sponsored guide. We hope you find it helpful as you plan your trip to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo this year!

It’s rodeo time in Houston, and we are beyond excited about all that this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo holds!  From the expansive livestock show with more than 30,000 livestock and horse show entries, to the exciting rodeo championships, to the nightly entertainment where stars grace the stage and get us dancing in our seats… It is such a magical and festive time around our great city, and something we Houstonians look forward to each and every year. Before you go, just be sure to catch up on these tips and tricks below, and then put on your best western wear and enjoy all of the excitement the rodeo has to offer!

Everything You Need to Know about the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo. A photograph of a young girl leading a cow. Logo: Houston Moms Blog.
Photo Credit :: RODEOHOUSTON.com

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Basics

Dates :: March 7 – March 26

Location :: NRG Park {right inside Loop 610 between Kirby & Fannin}. Click here for driving directions and to print out a map.

Schedule of Events ::
 Events and activities change each day, so be sure to check out the Daily Event Schedule.  If you’re planning your visit around a performance, just be sure to note that weekday performances begin at 6:45 pm and weekend performances begin at 3:45 pm.

Parking & Transportation :: This can be a bit tricky to navigate, so be sure to check out the Parking & Transportation info when planning your trip.  Depending on where you’re coming from, there are lots of great options {METRORail, Park & Ride, etc.} to make it a bit easier though!

Tickets :: There are two different options when looking to purchase tickets to the rodeo.  1} You can purchase a Grounds Pass which allows you to check out everything at NRG Park, except for the rodeo and concert in NRG Stadium …. or 2} You can purchase a Rodeo/Concert which gives you access to everything at NRG Park AND entry into NRG Stadium for the rodeo and concert.  {Bonus :: Children age 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket!}  If you plan on hitting up the carnival as part of your visit, you have until Sunday, March 5th to purchase half-price carnival tickets too!

Security :: In an effort to keep the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo as safe as possible, be prepared for a quick wand and bag check.  While it may add a few minutes to getting in those gates, everyone’s safety is well worth it!

Special Accommodations :: The entire grounds are filled with HLSR staff and committee members there to help.  If you need any special accommodations or have any particular questions, simply ask!

A collage of 8 photographs from top to bottom, left to right as follows: three children looking at a cow in a pen, children on a large slide, a couple in front of a Ferris wheel, two children in front of a tractor, a father holding his daughter at the side of a cow pen, a child kissing an animal, a child outside of a sheep pen, a fair ride.

Top 10 Things YOU Won’t Want To Miss In 2017

1. World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Content {…And Ongoing Rodeo Food}

The smell of barbecue will infiltrate the city as part of the kick-off to rodeo on March 2 – 4 with the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest {aka “Cook-Off,” as we long-time locals have dubbed it}.  Be sure to purchase your ticket – which allows entrance into NRG Park for the cook-off, a complimentary sliced bar-b-que beef sandwich plate, live music, and admission to the carnival. Then, once the rodeo is in full swing, enjoy everything from funnel cakes to enormous turkey legs, and of course, those delicious corn dogs! If you’re a planner, you can even map out your dining options ahead of time.

2. The Rodeo Parade

Mark your calendar for the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday, March 4th at 10 am! This year the Grand Marshal is Major Applewhite, Head Football Coach for the University of Houston, and as always – they will have decorative floats, horses, and marching bands.  Check out the parade website for route info, viewing tips, and parking directions.  {Plus, they’ve got a list of road closures to take note of as well!}

3. Value Wednesdays

It pays to plan ahead! Each year, the rodeo offers $10 rodeo/concert tickets and other special values for what they’ve deemed Value Wednesday. If you’re flexible on dates and who you want to see, definitely check out who is playing on Wednesday.  This year, it’s Old Dominion {March 8th}, Thomas Rhett {March 15th}, and Chris Young {March 22nd}!

4. The Junction {Formerly Known As Kids Country}

What’s not to love about an area just for kids, open from 9 am – 9 pm daily?  The Junction includes the ever-popular Mutton Bustin’ where 5 and 6 year olds try to hold on to a sheep for 8 seconds, as well as a petting zoo, pig races, camel and pony rides, and a classic carnival with rides and games. Don’t forget to stop by the farm-to-market exhibit, Fun on the Farm, for an entertaining and educational experience for all.

5. Charging Stations

Is there anything worse than your phone running out of battery when you’re surrounded by adorable photo opps and/or you need to stay connected with friends and family?  Thankfully, Reliant and NRG have developed a solution to keep you powered up this rodeo season!  With NRG Go portable power stations positioned all throughout the grounds, low batteries will be a thing of the past.  Rent a Go Pack, charge on the go, and then return it when you’re done.  Or take advantage of their Street Charge stations with a variety of charging cables where you can plug in and charge your device for FREE!

6. The Birthing Center

Yep, you read that correctly. Animals are actually being born at the rodeo in The Birthing Center. Be sure to stop by and visit the baby animals, watch as they take their first steps, and see how their sweet mamas nurse and nurture them.  All exhibits are open from 9 am – 9pm. It’s the miracle of life!

7. The Livestock Show Barn

Kids {both big and little} love getting up close and personal with animals at The Livestock Show Barn. Here you can walk through the show stalls and see the exhibitors showing their animals off to the judges, giving them baths, feeding them, and more! Also in the barn area are fisheries, honey bees, horticulture, and a milking parlor too.

8. School Art

One of our absolute favorite exhibits is the School Art Program where kids from all around the area enter beautiful works of art to be judged and put on display. Pieces include colored drawings, mixed mediums, paintings, and more, but they all have one thing in common — they are absolutely beautiful.  We love how the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo supports our community, our schools, and our children so well!

9. RODEOHOUSTON

From team roping to steer wrestling to bull riding, the best of the best rodeo athletes come together each year for RODEOHOUSTON. Be sure to find your seat early as the stunning Grand Entry performance is something that you {and your kids} won’t want to miss, and then settle in and watch the events.  There’s something for everyone … even rodeo clowns for a little comic relief!

10. Concerts

Gracing the stage this year are some of our absolute faves, like Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, and even Willie Nelson!  Check out the complete list of entertainers and show schedules, and don’t forget to check out The Hideout if you’re sans kids too!  {The Hideout is for 21 and up only, and it’s a great chance to hear some amazing local musicians for just the cost of NRG Park admission. Yes, please!}

This guide is far from all inclusive and just hits on some of the need-to-know info and a few of our favorites activities and attractions that the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo holds.  Be sure to check out the HLSR Visitor’s Guide for even more good info. YEE-HAW, Houston!

1 COMMENT

  1. Does anyone know what the hours are for the grounds.If I wanted to go in the evening to check out the grounds but not attend the rodeo, is that possible?

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