How to Enjoy a Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

One of the most popular events in Texas is the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. More than two million people typically visit this three-week long festival each year. If you are in the Houston area in the month of March, this is something that you absolutely must do. Read on to learn how to enjoy a day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Begin your day with food and fun at the carnival. The carnival is chock-full of rides and games of all types. The highlight of the carnival is the array of foods that they offer. The fried Oreos, cinnamon rolls and turkey legs keep people talking year after year. Also notable are the corn on the cob and caramel apples.
2. Check out the many vendors who bring their wares each year. All sorts of Western souvenirs are available at booths, from cowboy hats and belt buckles to saddles and jewelry.
3. Pet a cow. The livestock is on display and ranges from pigs and sheep to every other barnyard animal.
4. Walk over to Reliant Stadium in time to see the rodeo competitions. See barrel racing, bull riding and steer wrestling live and in person.
5. Jam out to the concert of the evening. Your rodeo ticket includes a performance from a major recording artist. Each night features a different performer and genre. Past performers include George Straight, Beyonce, Maroon 5, Tim McGraw and even Elvis Presley.
6. Ride the mechanical bull. You are at a rodeo in Texas, and this is just one of those things that you have to do.
7. Scoot your boots at The Hideout. After the concert is over, the party moves to this underground dance club. Typically, a local country artist plays live music while the rodeo patrons dance the night away. Admission is free.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the rodeo more than once per season. There is so much to do that just once is never enough.
• Western wear is encouraged but not required.
• Parking can be expensive and limited. The best way to get there is to take a rodeo shuttle. There are several designated “Park and Ride” stations throughout the city that will take you directly to the rodeo for a small fee.