Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2026: A Guide to the World’s Largest Livestock Exhibition

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world’s largest livestock exhibition and rodeo, is set to kick off on March 2nd, 2026, and run through March 22nd, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The event promises 20 days of championship rodeo action, livestock competitions, concerts, a carnival, and much more.

Event Highlights

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo features a diverse range of attractions, including:

• Championship Rodeo: Witness thrilling rodeo competitions with some of the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls.
• Livestock Competitions: Explore exhibits showcasing various livestock breeds and competitions.
• Concerts: Enjoy performances by top musical artists. The 2026 lineup includes Riley Green (March 2nd), J Balvin (March 3rd), Rascal Flatts (March 4th), Russell Dickerson (March 5th), Lizzo (March 6th), Dwight Yoakam (March 7th), Forrest Frank (March 8th), Luke Bryan (March 9th), Megan Moroney (March 10th), Creed (March 11th), Chris Stapleton (March 12th), Shaboozey (March 13th), Kelly Clarkson (March 14th), Pepe Aguilar (March 15th), Cross Canadian Ragweed (March 16th), The Red Clay Strays (March 17th), Koe Wetzel (March 18th), Lainey Wilson (March 19th), Parker McCollum (March 20th), Tim McGraw (March 21st), and Cody Johnson (March 22nd) with special guests Jon Pardi & Randy Houser. [1]
• Carnival: Experience the excitement of a traditional carnival with rides, games, and fair food.
• World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest: Savor delicious barbecue from top pitmasters.
• Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition: Sample award-winning wines.
• AGVENTURE: Learn about agriculture through interactive exhibits. [3]
• Traditional Trail Rides: Witness the arrival of trail riders who journey from various parts of Texas to Houston.

History and Impact

Founded in 1931 as the Houston Fat Stock Show, the event has grown into a significant cultural and economic force in Texas. In 2025, the rodeo attracted a record-breaking 2,735,695 attendees. [1] Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has awarded over $630 million to Texas youth. [2]

Planning Your Visit

NRG Stadium will be open from 2 p.m. To midnight on March 2nd and from 8 a.m. To midnight from March 3rd to March 22nd. [3] Attendees can explore the Gold Buckle Foodie Trail, featuring award-winning fair food, and enjoy the drone show and fireworks extravaganza. [3]

Travel Texan Day

The City of Houston celebrates the rodeo with Go Texan Day, encouraging residents to wear western wear the Friday before the rodeo begins. [1]

Weather Forecast

The rodeo kicks off on Monday, March 2nd, with mostly sunny skies and a high in the low 80s. Temperatures will be in the upper 60s during Riley Green’s performance on Monday night. Scattered showers may return mid-week, with potential thunderstorms late in the week, though the most severe weather is expected to impact North Texas.