TrekUnity
When
March
Attendance
~2,500,000 (across the run)
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Both
Spanning about three weeks each spring, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world's largest event of its kind — championship rodeo, a giant livestock show and carnival, a barbecue cook-off, and nightly headliner concerts inside NRG Stadium that draw millions of visitors.
It's a Texas-sized celebration where a world-class rodeo shares the bill with major music acts, all under one roof, making it a uniquely big-scale event and a fun anchor for a Houston trip.
Want to go? Turn Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
About three weeks in late February–March
Admission
Grounds admission · rodeo + concert tickets separate
Parking
Large NRG Park paid lots plus a Metro rail line straight to the venue.
Nearest airport
Houston Hobby (HOU) ~20 min; George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) ~35 min
Typical weather
Mild Houston spring — 60s–70s °F; occasional rain, humid.
Official website
Location
Houston, TX
Where to stay
Hotel ZaZa Museum District
Stylish hotel near the Medical Center and rail.
Marriott Marquis Houston
Downtown hotel with the Texas-shaped lazy river.
NRG-area hotels
Closest to the venue.
Where to eat & drink
Rodeo barbecue + carnival food
The on-grounds cook-off and midway eats.
The Breakfast Klub
Beloved Houston spot for wings and waffles.
Pappas Bar-B-Q
Classic Texas barbecue chain.
Nearby attractions
Space Center Houston
NASA's visitor center ~25 min south.
Houston Museum District
Nineteen museums clustered near Hermann Park.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Scenic downtown green space and trails.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Museum District
- •Fly into HOU
- •Afternoon: Museum District + Hermann Park
- •Dinner: Texas barbecue
2Rodeo + concert
- •Afternoon: livestock show + carnival
- •Evening: championship rodeo + headliner concert at NRG
3Space Center + depart
- •Morning: Space Center Houston
- •Head to the airport
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Take the Metro rail to NRG Park to avoid the parking crush.
- Buy rodeo-plus-concert tickets early for the big headliner nights.
- Add Space Center Houston for a classic Houston combo.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
It runs for about three weeks in late February and March each year at NRG Park.
Are concerts included?
Rodeo performances end with a major headliner concert; those are ticketed together, separate from general grounds admission.
How do you get there?
Take Houston's Metro rail line straight to NRG Park to skip the parking.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.