The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than just the city’s biggest event. It’s a cultural phenomenon.
Every year, even the most transplanty of transplants (y’all know the ones) join in on the fun, decked out in their best cowboy hat and boots, ready to live up to the stereotype with more than 2 million other fellow rodeogoers. HLSR, which started in 1932 as the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, today contains so many different events and components, it’s hard to keep track.
First and foremost, it’s the largest rodeo competition in the world. Athletes come here from across North America for several Super Series tournaments in pro sports like bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and steer wrestling. By far the coolest, in our honest opinion, are the two women’s sports of barrel racing and breakaway roping—we even profiled some returning cowgirl champs. And did you know that, between the competition and the many livestock shows and auctions, HLSR trucks in 25,000 animals to NRG Park? That’s a lot of animals and, erm, a lot of poop. We delved into this smelly underside to find out what the rodeo does with it all.
But it’s not just pro rodeo athletes. Around 4,000 children compete in everyone’s favorite event every year, which is mutton bustin’ of course, between the drop-in tent on the grounds during the day and the more official competition inside NRG Stadium every night. We asked Westyn Wallace, 2023 Grand Mutton Bustin’ Champion, for his best tips. And let’s not forget the eight humans and several handlers who make Howdy—the rodeo’s blue mustachioed, bowlegged mascot—come to life and bring joy to so many.
That’s not all. Every single night for three weeks, a stage is shimmied onto the dirt arena after the rodeo and makes way for a full-blown concert. Legends like Elvis Presley (1970, 1974), The Jackson 5 (1974), Dolly Parton (1978), Willie Nelson (nine times between 1985 and 2020), Selena (1993, 1995), Beyoncé (2004, 2007), and Taylor Swift (2009) have all performed here. We asked the rodeo’s entertainment department how they pick their performers, and suggested female artists to add to their very male-centric lineup.
Of course, many rodeogoers just come here for the carnival rides and, last but not least, the fair food. Check out the results of our extensive tastings and plan your dining hit-list.
Delve below into all the stories we told during Houstonia‘s Rodeo Week.
Here’s the Full 2025 Houston Rodeo Entertainer Lineup
Get ready to dust off your cowboy boots.
Rodeo Food Is Mid. But Here’s What Lives Up to the Hype.
We taste-tested new and most-awarded bites to see what’s actually worth your money.
How the Houston Rodeo Deals with All That Animal Poop
Cleaning up after 25,000 animals every year takes a lot of manpower—and guts.
A Grand Mutton Bustin’ Champion Shares His Best Tips
Follow Westyn Wallace’s expert strategies for holding onto a sheep as long as possible.
The Secret Life of Howdy, the Houston Rodeo Mascot
It takes eight humans in a suit and several handlers to make Howdydom happen.
This Is How the Houston Rodeo Chooses Its Performers Every Year
From Blake Shelton to Nickelback, curating the lineup is a multiyear process that involves a lot of factors.
How to Avoid the Crowds at the Houston Rodeo
Here are the best and worst times to visit the biggest event of the year.
A Beginner’s Guide to Houston Rodeo Fashion
From cowboy boots to rhinestones, follow our crash course to conquer the rodeo dirtways with style.
What It Takes to Be a Houston Rodeo Breakaway Roping Star
In a man’s world, this pro sport lets female athletes (and their trusty steeds) shine.
The Houston Rodeo Desperately Needs More Female Headliners
For the past several years, the rodeo’s music lineup has only featured a handful of female acts. We have some suggestions.
Everything You Need to Know About the Houston Rodeo Trail Rides
More than 2,000 riders on horseback participate in this annual tradition, which began in 1952.
We Ranked Typical Cowboy Culture Things We Love or Hate
From lifted trucks to horse girls and Marfa.
|
|
|
