The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been an enduring success since it started as the "Fat Stock Show" way back in 1932. It has grown into an enormous collection of shows, auctions, exhibits and activities that has something for everyone. Whether you're a cattle rancher, horse rider, child, parent, wine enthusiast, live-music fan, foodie, thrill seeker, gardener or dog lover, there's something geared specifically to your interests. Here's just a small sampling of what's going on this year.
Recurring Throughout the Rodeo
Champion Wine Garden Champion Wine Garden, an annual attendee favorite, is a great place to hang out and try wines. Admission is included with an NRG Park admission or Rodeo ticket, but you must purchase tickets to exchange for adult beverages. The Champion Wine Garden is open from Monday-Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
Houston's Up & Comers Over in Kids Country, live bands just breaking into Houston's music scene are performing on The Statoil Stars Over Texas Stage. Check it out and you may find a new favorite. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. Here's the performance schedule: • Wednesday, March 4, Clayton Gardner • Saturday, March 7, Tori McClure • Wednesday, March 11, StarFlightRocks • Thursday, March 12, Abby Gough • Friday, March 13, Blake Anderson Band • Saturday, March 14, Amanda Loving
NOV Carnival February 26-28, March 3-22 The huge carnival, sponsored by NOV, is full of rides, games of chance and food on sticks. It runs during the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and for the duration of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. During Spring Break Stampede days, the hours are extended. The schedule is as follows: Feb. 26: 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 27: 3 to 11 p.m. Feb. 28: noon to 11 p.m. March 3-6: 4 p.m. to midnight March 7-8: 10 a.m. to midnight March 9-22 (Spring Break Stampede): 1 p.m. to midnight, Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays and Sundays.
Value Wednesdays March 4, 11, 18 On Wednesdays, a $10 ticket gets you admission to both NRG Park and the upper-level seating for RodeoHouston. Enjoy superstar entertainers and championship rodeo action at a great value. For $5, gain admission to NRG Park only. (No rodeo or concert admission included. Seniors 60 and over and kids 12 and under get into NRG Park free on Value Wednesdays.) Other Value Wednesday deals include: • $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at any official Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo merchandise booth; • Value Wednesday pricing at various food and merchandise vendors. • From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all rides, games and special food items in Kids Country Carnival are $2.
World Championship Bar-B-Que Competition February 26-28 Sure, let's face it. It's best if you manage to land tickets to the private parties in the tents, but even if you don't, it can make for a fun family night to buy carnival tickets, -listen to free live music at the Miller Lite Garden and get a free dinner at the Chuckwagon Tent. Grownups can drop by the Rockin' Bar-B-Que Saloon, relax on the patio or dance their boots off. (Be sure to buy tickets to redeem for drinks.) It's free to the public once you're on the competition grounds -- no tent pass needed.
NRG Arena Events
Cattle Auctions March 3-10 The series of cattle auctions aimed at professionals in the industry are being held in the NRG Arena Sales Pavilion, including the 48th Annual All Breed Commercial Sale, the South Texas Beefmaster Magic XV Cattle Sale and the International Brangus Associated Cattle Sale. It's a chance for ranchers to fill out herds and make some cash, and an educational experience for city slickers. Start times vary; check the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo schedule for more information.
Youth Meat Pen Rabbit Show March 6 Most people have no idea what a "meat pen" is and what that has to do with cute, fluffy bunnies. Well, some breeds of rabbits are meant to be pets, but other breeds are prized for their food characteristics. The challenge of the meat pen show, however, is not to write recipes but to raise a pen of three rabbits that not only demonstrate good traits such as muscling but are as similar in size and shape as possible. The show provides an opportunity for young people to learn about topics such as genetics and nutrition. At stake is $7,500 for the Grand Champion Meat Pen and $5,000 for the runner-up. The show starts at 10 a.m.
