The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is bringing the heat to kick off the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Credit: Photo by Doogie Roux

Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings:

Go Texan Day Patio Party at The Pit Room

Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.
1201 Richmond, 10301 Katy Freeway

Both the Montrose and Memorial locations of The Pit Room are throwing it down for Go Texan, with free entry patio bashes open to all ages. Get down with live music, a petting zoo, cotton candy, traditional Texas-style barbeque, crawfish boils and more. Guests are encouraged to wear their best western wear to show Texas pride and rodeo welcome spirit.

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park

Friday–Saturday

The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is back at NRG Park from Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 1. Over 250 bbq teams will compete in the cook-off, and while most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy the fun at public venues including The Garden Stage, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, the Carnival and the Chuckwagon. Admission is $$26 ($10 kids age 3 to 12 and free for age 2 and under) and includes a complimentary bbq plate from the Chuckwagon.

Mardi Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1814 Washington

B&B Butchers is hosting its lively annual Mardi Gras Brunch, rocking live Zydeco music, face painting, and specialty cocktails by Bacardi brands, plus Big Easy-inspired dishes like Crawfish Beignets, Gumbo, and Cajun Mac & Cheese. The full brunch menu will also be available.

Fresh Finds: Rodeo Edition at Autry Park

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3737 Cogdell

Dust off your boots for a Texas-sized artisan market at Autry Park, featuring boot shining from 12 to 3:30 p.m., Longhorn photos and a branding station from 1 to 3 p.m., complimentary cocktails from 1 to 5 p.m. (while supplies last), and 25 market vendors including Jani’s Waffles, The Dough Haus, Yumsmith Chocolate, Prophecy Foods, Satellite of Pizza and more.

G&G’s Rodeo Smoke Show at TRUTH BBQ

Saturday, 6 p.m.
110 South Heights

Garden & Gun returns to Houston’s famed TRUTH BBQ to kick off the 2025 Houston Rodeo with the lively Rodeo Smoke Show celebration. The special evening will feature live music, craft cocktails and a makers’ market with artisan wares by top names in Western goods, all along Lone Star state-inspired stations by chef Leonard Botello and team featuring a crawfish boil, smoked meats, a combination of classic and unconventional sides and decadent desserts. Tickets are $115. 

Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.