The countdown has already begun for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2026, which runs March 2 through March 22 at NRG Park. The HLSR preview this past week was held January 8 at NRG Center to celebrate the lineup of musicians and artists who will take the stage this year, opening with country musician Riley Green and closing with fellow country artist, Cody Johnson.
In between, there will be a variety of music styles from talented performers like Lizzo and Shaboozey to country music titans Dwight Yoakam and Tim McGraw. On March 15, Pepe Aguilar will be the star performer for Go Tejano Day at the Rodeo, and let’s just say, that booking has opened up a whole can of worms.
For the full lineup of performances, check out Jeff Balke’s story here in the Houston Press.
The preview party itself showcased some of the merchandise and food that will be available at this year’s event. Of course, cowboy hats and boots are always big sellers during the Rodeo and Cavender’s and Lane Boots were on hand to provide gear for those who are lacking the appropriate gear for this year’s rodeo. However, many attendees were already decked out in glittery jackets and perfectly-shaped cowboy hats. While some folks looked ready to throw a lasso or two, several young ladies looked as if they had raided their moms’ lingerie drawers. Clad in satin negligees, they added a little Western touch with the addition of cowgirl hats.
Those fashion plates were given the opportunity to have a fashion sketch done, one of several interactive experiences that evening, which included monogrammed bandanas and engraved Miller Lite pint glasses.
After the musical lineup was announced, the Josh Abbott Band took the stage and delivered solid country sounds, doing their hometown of Lubbock proud; a city known for another musical powerhouse, the late, great, Buddy Holly.
While much of the food at the event was a preview of fare that would be served in the suites, like chicken lollipops and brisket banh mi, we really enjoyed the award-winning brisket and brew-stuffed pretzel from Hans Mueller and the sushi balls from Asian Streetness, two Rodeo vendors that will be at this year’s carnival. The bounty of delicious and calorie-bustin’ midway foods make the Rodeo a gourmet destination in addition to the music and bucking bulls. Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos were another tasty and unique carnival bite that will be available this year.
Rodeo officials also announced that Scott Ruskan would be this year’s grand marshal for the Rodeo’s downtown parade on February 28. Ruskan is the U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer credited for saving 165 people during the tragic July 4 floods that devastated the Kerrville area last summer.
Other highlights of the Rodeo season to come include Rodeo Uncorked, February 22, and the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, which will be held February 26 through February 28. The Champion Wine Garden will return with over 75 award-winning wines, including this year’s Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition’s Grand Champion Best of Show, Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 from Tomahawk Vineyard, Stags Leap District.
Rodeo tickets for the musical acts go on sale January 15, so it’s time to dust off the boots, squeeze into the denims and start saving dollars for the giant corn dogs and cotton candy bacon.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2026
March 2 through March 26
NRG Park
This article appears in January 1 through December 31 and 2026.