Rodeo Roundup & Go Texan Day
All are invited to attend this free event in Downtown Houston, beginning at 11 a.m. this morning, on the steps of City Hall. Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Go Texan Day proclamation will kick off the event, followed by lunch. Enjoy live music, take your photo atop a Texas Longhorn steer and visit with hundreds of Rodeo volunteers to learn more about Houston’s greatest tradition since 1932. Go Texan Day, the city-wide celebration of Western heritage, is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23.
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
This week, more than 250 barbecue teams will begin to arrive at NRG Park to compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Feb, 22 – 24. Over the course of three days, teams from across the state of Texas and the world will compete for champion titles in the following categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Go Texan and Dutch Oven Dessert. Most Bar-B-Que Contest team tents are invitation-only, but visitors are welcome to enjoy a complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans from the Chuck Wagon. Enjoy live music daily at The Garden Stage, sponsored by Miller Lite, and the Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon. View the entertainment schedule here: rodeohouston.com/Visit-the-Rodeo/Pre-Rodeo-Events/Bar-B-Que-Contest.
Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips
Get a running start to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and participate in Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips, Saturday, Feb. 24. The run will precede the Downtown Rodeo Parade and will kick off at 9:10 a.m. with the wheelchair race, followed by the 10K Timed, 5K Timed and 5K Untimed events. Sign up today: runsignup.com/Race/TX/Houston/HoustonRodeoRun.
Trail Rides
The sound of hoof beats in downtown officially signals the start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. On Friday, Feb. 23, horses and wagons from 11 trail rides will make their way through the city streets to merge and camp one final night at Memorial Park before participating in the Downtown Rodeo Parade, Saturday, Feb. 24. This continues a more-than-65-year-old tradition that keeps Western heritage alive in the nation’s fourth largest city.
Downtown Rodeo Parade
Leading the parade this year as Grand Marshal is Houston media icon, Dave Ward. The best places to view the parade are on Louisiana, from Bell to Lamar, and from Louisiana to Smith. Arrive early to secure a viewing spot along the route, which begins at Bagby and Walker streets, travels from Travis to Bell Street, and from Bell Street to Louisiana Street, before turning on Lamar Street, and ends at Lamar and Bagby. For more information about the Downtown Rodeo Parade, including street closures and parking, please visit: rodeohouston.com/Visit-the-Rodeo/Pre-Rodeo-Events/Parade.
There are still great tickets available for the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. View the concert lineup and ticket availability here: rodeohouston.com/Buy-Tickets/Rodeo-Concert-Tickets.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $450 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2018 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 18.