Here's the Full 2025 Houston Rodeo Entertainer Lineup
Rodeo season has (un)officially begun, Houston, and we’re excited to bring you some great stories from the city’s biggest celebration of the cowpoke arts since Cowboy Carter dropped last year. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo returns on March 4 and runs until March 23, and after teasing and playing guessing games with us for months, the organization has finally announced this year’s entertainment lineup.
Concerts will be held at NRG Stadium every evening throughout the event. Season tickets are already on sale, and tickets for single nights will be available starting on January 16, released in two waves. March 4 to 13 show tickets will go live at 10am, and March 14 to 23 at 2pm. Read on for all the info you need to plan out your 2025 rodeo visit.
2025 Houston Rodeo Entertainer Lineup
Tuesday, March 4: Reba McEntire (country)
Wednesday, March 5: Riley Green (country)
Thursday, March 6: AJR (pop)
Friday, March 7: Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza (R&B/hip-hop)
Saturday, March 8: Bailey Zimmerman (country)
Sunday, March 9: Carin León (Regional Mexican)
Monday, March 10: Brad Paisley (country)
Tuesday, March 11: Zach Top (country)
Wednesday, March 12: Lauren Daigle (Christian)
Thursday, March 13: Jon Pardi (country)
Friday, March 14: Journey (rock)
Saturday, March 15: Warren Zeiders (country)
Sunday, March 16: Grupo Frontera (Regional Mexican)
Monday, March 17: Charley Crockett (country)
Tuesday, March 18: Post Malone (wild card)
Wednesday, March 19: Old Dominion (country)
Thursday, March 20: Cody Jinks (country)
Friday, March 21: Parker McCollum (country)
Saturday, March 22: Brooks & Dunn (country)
Sunday, March 23: Luke Bryan (country)
We have only eight weeks and some change before we can dust off our cowboy boots and gallop to the Astrodome grounds. The excitement will kick off with a series of pre-rodeo events that start on February 23 and span three action-packed days. Here’s what else Houstonians can look forward to at this year’s rodeo.
Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition
The rodeo pre-events kick off on February 23 with the Roundup and Best Bites event, where attendees can sample more than 450 wines and 100 dishes from local restaurants. Tables are sold out, but standing-room-only general admission is still on sale for $165.
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
If you’re a barbecue fan, don’t miss the program’s first event. The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest—known colloquially to rodeo long-timers as simply “cook-off”—is taking place from February 27 to March 1. More than 250 barbecue teams will be competing to see who makes the best dishes in a fiery battle of flavors. Participants will be judged across categories such as brisket, ribs, chicken, Go Texan, Dutch oven dessert, and “open contest.” Tickets go on sale January 16 and cost $26 for adults 13-plus, $10 for children 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under.
Go Texan Day
Houstonians are invited to attend a free gathering at Houston City Hall on February 28. The traditional kickoff to the rodeo, Go Texan Day is the yearly event in which locals participate in the beloved custom of donning their best Western outfits—think cowboy hats, boots, and more.
The festivities will begin with the mayor’s proclamation for Go Texan Day, followed by complimentary chopped barbecue sandwiches provided by the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Committee at the accompanying free Round Up event. Attendees can enjoy live music, take photos on a Texas Longhorn steer, and learn more about the rodeo from volunteers representing various committees.
This day will also welcome back riders from the storied trail rides, who will be concluding their long journey on horses and in wagons, arriving in downtown Houston and camping one final night at Memorial Park before participating in the parade.
Rodeo Run
Opening the last of the pre-rodeo festivities, the annual Rodeo Run is scheduled for March 1. Held in downtown Houston, the event will kick off with a wheelchair race, followed by the 5K and 10K Corral A, and the regular 5K and 10K. The proceeds benefit the rodeo; those who cannot make this event in person but would like to participate can sign up for the Sleep-In option to watch from their homes and receive an official event T-shirt.
Downtown Rodeo Parade
To cap off the pre-rodeo celebrations, the Downtown Rodeo Parade will be held after the Rodeo Run on March 1. Thousands of Houstonians will flock to downtown to cheer on floats, trail riders, dancers, bands, and more. The Grand Marshall this year are US Army commanding general James E. Rainey, US Navy rear admiral James P. Waters, and US Marine Corps brigadier general James A. Ryans II.
The parade route begins at City Hall and ends at Texaco Heritage Plaza. Those wanting to watch the parade are encouraged to arrive early since streets will be closed off and foot traffic in the area will significantly increase by the time the parade begins.
