Since 1932, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has done more than just celebrate the history and tradition of Texas cowboy culture. The event also raises money for and awareness of best practices in agriculture for today — and shapes the ranchers and farmers of tomorrow.
attendees Over 23 days
2.
5M
+
carnival rides ridden
2.
+
8M
prizes won at the games
725
+
K
LIVESTOCK & HORSE show ENTRIES
2.
+
35k
EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT
2.
+
27m
VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF
725
+
35k
Dollars and Sense of Community
All this activity pumps about $227 million into the region’s economy each year. But this is more than just an annual event. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a permanent organization that is a boon to the region 365 days a year. In addition to the 35,000 volunteers who dedicate their time and passion, the organization also employs 3,538 people directly at the Rodeo and creating 5,694 total jobs across Greater Houston.. It’s also an original and longest-tenured tenant of NRG Park, with a vested interest in the revitalization and future success of the area.
But from its earliest days, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been as much about impact to the community as to the economy. Through WWII when the show was dedicated to the war effort through the 1950s, which saw the event present its first scholarship, the event has always sought to give back to Houston and the surrounding Harris County. Since 1932, it has committed more than $600 million to Texas youth and education.
Roots in the Region, Eyes to its Future
But beneath these impressive numbers runs an unquantifiable passion for agriculture, agriculture education, and the future of the people and communities that industry supports.
The global population is projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050 — and all those people will need food and nourishment. To meet that ballooning demand, our farms will have to boost production of by a minimum of 60 percent. And at the same time, America’s farmers are getting older, with the average age going from 50 to 58 in just three decades.
That’s why all the fun and entertainment of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is focused the serious message of not just supporting today’s farmers, but also on inspiring and educating the growers and ranchers of tomorrow.
the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Like most cowboy legends, this event has a long and hallowed backstory. In the 1930s, Houston business leaders and cattlemen began envisioning ways to celebrate the region’s thriving cattle industry. In 1931, seven such men met for lunch at the Texas State Hotel and came up with the idea of the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition.
But since the inaugural event held at the Sam Houston Hall in 1932, what has come to be known as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has evolved with the times while maintaining its proud tradition. The first event drew 2,000 people and actually lost money, but by the end of the decade, organizers were in the black, having added a downtown parade, carnival, horse show, and of course, the famous rodeo — a spectacle befitting one of the largest cattle markets in the U.S.
The livestock show and rodeo has grown along with its hometown through the decades, welcoming Gene Autry as its first start entertainer in the 1940s, moving into the world-famous Astrodome and Astrohall in the 1960s, adding a rotating stage for the likes of George Strait in the 1980s, until moving into its current home NRG Stadium in 2003. Today, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo welcomes more than 2.4 million guests and more than 30,000 total livestock and horse show entries — one of Texas’s crown-jewel events.
GROUND TICKETS
Enjoy the countless activities and events happening during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Park with a grounds ticket or season grounds pass.
Grounds tickets include admission to NRG Park, but do NOT allow entrance into NRG Stadium for the rodeo and concert performance.
Single-day access to all public activities during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Park, NRG Center & NRG Arena | March 4-23, 2025
Daily admission to World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest | Feb. 27 – March 1, 2025
Daily access to all public activities during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Park, NRG Center & NRG Arena | March 4-23, 2025
Free Family Wednesday Admission for seniors, 60 and over, and children, 12 and under until noon on the first and third Wednesday. (This does not include rodeo/concert admission)
Tickets will be available in December.
GROUNDS TICKET | Adults (13+): $20, Children (3-12): $10
GROUNDS SEASON PASS | $55
FAMILY WEDNESDAY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best way to get to the Rodeo?
What's included in a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grounds tickets?
What are "special days" and what is included?
When do the concerts start?
What is the best way to get to the Rodeo?
There are several surface parking lots with limited space available open to the public. Free trams and buses run to and from parking lots and the grounds.
For real time parking availability visit Click Here
The Rodeo also encourages guests to consider taking the METRORail, Park & Ride or Rideshare options.
RODEOHOUSTON
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Children age 2 and under do not require a ticket.
Onsite ticket sales end at 9 p.m. daily during the event, and online sales end at 8:30 p.m. daily during the event.
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BUY TICKETS
BUY TICKETS
Who is the longest standing tenant at NRG Park?
It’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! (Since 1966!)
How many people attended the inaugural Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1932?
Two-thousand people.
Today, how many visitors come to NRG for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year?
More than 2.4 million.
How many volunteers dedicate themselves to helping put on the show each year?
More than 35,000 people serving on 110 different committees.
How much money has Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo been able to commit to Texas agriculture youth and education since 1932?
More than $600 million.
Who was the first star entertainer, a musician, to play the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
Gene Autry, in 1942.
Onsite ticket sales end at 9 p.m. daily during the event, and online sales end at 8:30 p.m. daily during the event.
What's included in a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grounds tickets?
Access to the carnival, presented by First Community, shopping in NRG Center and NRG Arena, all livestock and horse shows are included, as well as attractions such as AGVENTURE, presented by Oxy and Fun on the Farm. Purchasing a concert or rodeo ticket will get you all of the above in addition to a seat in NRG Stadium.
What are "special days" and what is included?
To celebrate the diversity of the Houston community, and the Lone Star State, Special Days are offered during the Rodeo. Each will include unique presentations as well as changes to the daily schedule.
Visit our "Special Days" section on RODEOHOUSTON.com for details on what each day offers.
Visit on Family Wednesdays each Wednesday of the Rodeo to enjoy buy-one-get-one rides in the Junction, discounted food selections (until 4 p.m.) and free admission for seniors 60+ and children 12 and under until noon. Children three and under get in free daily.
When do the concerts start?
Entertainers perform after the last Rodeo event is complete each evening. Actual start times for the concert may vary day to day.
Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m.
The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 9 p.m.
NRG Stadium gates open at 6 p.m.
Weekend rodeos start at 2:45 p.m.
The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 5 p.m.
NRG Stadium gates open at 2 p.m.
What can kids do at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
What are Shopping & Dining options are available at Rodeo?
What can kids do at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
Visit AGVENTURE, presented by Oxy, located in Hall A of NRG Center, to learn all about agriculture. See eggs incubating and baby chicks hatching! Welcome baby animals into the world at the Birthing Center! And so much more! Exhibits are included with NRG Park admission, unless otherwise noted. All exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Junction is all about kids! With classic carnival games and rides, and fun exhibits like Fun on the Farm, Pig Races and Extreme Dogs. Exhibits are free unless otherwise noted.
What are Shopping & Dining options are available at Rodeo?
With more than 300 vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Download the RODEOHOUSTON Mobile App to search for the best funnel cake or your favorite corn dog! The interactive map is your guide to the ultimate Rodeo experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best way to get to the Rodeo?
What's included in a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grounds tickets?
What are "special days" and what is included?
When do the concerts start?
What is the best way to get to the Rodeo?
There are several surface parking lots with limited space available open to the public. Free trams and buses run to and from parking lots and the grounds.
For real time parking availability visit Click Here
The Rodeo also encourages guests to consider taking the METRORail, Park & Ride or Rideshare options.
What's included in a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo grounds tickets?
Access to the carnival, presented by First Community, shopping in NRG Center and NRG Arena, all livestock and horse shows are included, as well as attractions such as AGVENTURE, presented by Oxy and Fun on the Farm. Purchasing a concert or rodeo ticket will get you all of the above in addition to a seat in NRG Stadium.
What are "special days" and what is included.
To celebrate the diversity of the Houston community, and the Lone Star State, Special Days are offered during the Rodeo. Each will include unique presentations as well as changes to the daily schedule.
Visit our "Special Days" section on RODEOHOUSTON.com for details on what each day offers.
Visit on Family Wednesdays each Wednesday of the Rodeo to enjoy buy-one-get-one rides in the Junction, discounted food selections (until 4 p.m.) and free admission for seniors 60+ and children 12 and under until noon. Children three and under get in free daily.
When do the concerts start?
Entertainers perform after the last Rodeo event is complete each evening. Actual start times for the concert may vary day to day.
Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m.
The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 9 p.m.
NRG Stadium gates open at 6 p.m.
Weekend rodeos start at 2:45 p.m.
The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 5 p.m.
NRG Stadium gates open at 2 p.m.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an Economic Boom
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