Thursday–Saturday
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park
Friday-Saturday
Rodeo season fires up with the return of the three-day World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, as more than 250 teams compete for bragging rights in brisket, ribs, chicken and dessert. While many tents are invite-only, public ticket holders can dig into complimentary barbecue plates at the Chuckwagon and grab bites and drinks at the Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon. It’s smoky, saucy and one of the tastiest ways to kick off Rodeo season. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for kids 3–12; ages 2 and under get in free.
Go Texan Day at The Pit Room
Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.
1201 Richmond, 10301 Katy Freeway
Kick off rodeo season the smoky way at Go Texan Day at The Pit Room, where both Montrose and Memorial locations are throwing down with an all-ages patio party and free entry. Expect live DJs spinning country classics, a petting zoo and cotton candy at the Memorial outpost, plus a full crawfish boil alongside the regular lineup of brisket, ribs and all the fixings. There’s a full bar to keep things lively, and western wear is highly encouraged. Consider it your official pregame to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — boots, belt buckles and all.
‘All Hat, No Cattle’ Rodeo Party at EZ’s Liquor Lounge
Saturday, 2 p.m.
3302 White Oak
Folks can saddle up for EZ’s Lone Star–style “All Hat, No Cattle” Rodeo Party, featuring a whole hog roast from Feges BBQ, Lone Star beer specials, Texas vendors and a mechanical bull. The party kicks off at 2 p.m.
Craft Pita X Winnie’s Habibi Night 3.0 at Winnie’s
Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m.
3622 Main
The third annual Craft Pita x Winnie’s Habibi Night features a Lebanese-inspired menu with dishes like halloumi fries, za’atar chicken wings with labneh ranch, and deviled egg labneh dip, plus heartier options including a fried shrimp shawarma sandwich, pepperoni kaak pizza with sujuk, and a Sloppy Joseph with lamb and ground beef. Arak cocktails, frozen mint lemonade, Arabic Afro House music and hookah will be available throughout the night.
Backyard Boil Series at Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition
Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m
318 Gray
Josephine’s kicks off its second annual chef-driven Backyard Boil Series, benefiting the Southern Smoke Foundation. Chef Lucas McKinney teams up with Trill Burgers’ chef Mike Pham for a Viet-Cajun-inspired menu featuring crawfish boil, Hamachi Chipotle Ceviche, Seared Yellowtail Spring Salad and Fish Tacos with lingcod or halibut. Guests can sip Lone Star Beer, enjoy punch, whiskey and Jell-O shot specials, and experience Blue Plate Mayo activations. Reservations at Resy.
Texas Independence Day Celebration at Armadillo Palace
Sunday, 4 p.m,
5015 Kirby
Chef Levi Goode is throwing a Lone Star–worthy bash at Armadillo Palace to celebrate 190 years of Texas pride. The ticketed bash features chef-driven bites like ancho-glazed pork ribs, spit-jack roasted ribeyes and barbacoa quesadillas, plus specialty cocktails to wash it all down. Texas country band The Broken Spokes will keep the dance floor moving while guests two-step their way through the evening. Tickets are $75 plus tax and include entry, food and two cocktails.
Garden & Gun Rodeo Smoke Show at Truth BBQ
Sunday, 6 p.m.
110 South Heights
Garden & Gun’s Rodeo Smoke Show, held at Truth BBQ, 110 South Heights, is kicking off rodeo season in style. Pitmaster Leonard Botello teams up with Ryan Lachaine of State of Grace, Bobby Matos of La Lucha and Seth Siegel-Gardner of Local Foods and Milton’s for a night of expertly smoked meats, Texas sides and desserts. Blade and Bow bourbon cocktails flow alongside live music, plus a Western-minded makers market featuring Lucchese, Manready Mercantile and Laura Goodson Art. General admission is $85, VIP $115 with early entry, off-menu bites and a curated gift bag.