Ah, rodeo season. The cowboys are back in town and everyone is planning to make their way to the Houston Rodeo at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Houston Rodeo is world renowned and the event takes over the city of Houston from late February to mid March every year.
If you are used to cowboy culture, the competitors are among the best in the World and there is western style shopping out the yee-haw. If it’s your first rodeo, you will be in awe of the majestic animals all primmed and proper and numerous food stalls (you name it- we fry it). The rodeo fashion is outstanding and you will probably end up spending too much on a hat you’ll never wear again- but it’ll be worth it.
Regardless if you’ve grown up roping and riding, or if you’re still breaking in your cowboy boots, you will be in awe of the sheer size of the Houston Rodeo. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here is everything you need to know for your first time visiting the Houston Rodeo, don’t forget your walking boots!
okay— maybe not everything… it’s only my third rodeo. But here’s what I’ve learned in the four years I’ve been living in Houston for Rodeo Season.
2.THE SIZE : Everything is bigger in Texas: I beg you, do not, under estimate the size of the Houston Rodeo… it’s huge. You could spend all day in the shopping center alone and not see it all. Because the grounds are so big (and you’re going to the show later 😉 ) It’s a good idea to come up with a game plan for the day so you’re not wasting your time walking aimlessly. Your feet will thank you. You can also program with a map of the grounds and schedule of events. You can find these at the entrance or ask a volunteer for one when you see them.
At my first Rodeo, my mom and I walked pretty much all of the shopping and animal exhibits before going into the show. This took us literally all day and the show started at 7! Don’t wear yourself out trying to see everything in one day. I love to check out some of the shopping for a bit, catch a pig race, enjoy a corn dog and make my way to the wine garden to people watch before the real show begins. What’s your favorite thing to do at the Houston Rodeo? Let me know in the comments!
3. Shopping and Fashion :One of my favorite things about going to the Rodeo, is the Fashion! The fashion really is part of the experience. The most asked questions, “what are you wearing??” And Trust me , it matters! Everyone is dressed in their best dress. Don’t be afraid to wear the outfit you think is too much. But don’t overthink it, it’s a casual event at the end of the day and getting mud in your boots is not out of the question. There are so many ways to wear western, I absolutely love seeing the women( and men!) show out in their outfits.
If you get to the Rodeo and feel like you need to add a little cowboy pizazz to your fit, there are hundreds of shops in the convention center to help you out. Last year I bought a cowgirl hat, had it professionally shaped and even added my own designs to it! If you want it, and have the money to pay for it, there is insane amounts of good shopping (both small and big businesses) to be done at the Rodeo.
4. The Animals: While you’re in the shopping arena, there’s several animal exhibits for you to check out, even if you don’t have a tickets for the rodeo show. There are plenty of species cows, bulls, sheep and so much more, hanging out in the area. It’s so cool to walk around and see these animals all shampooed and conditioned. Make no mistake- these are not your average cows and pigs! Animals that arrive for the Houston Rodeo have won the right to be there, and the Houston Rodeo is world renowned!
If you are new to cowboy culture, I totally recommend visiting some of the animal stalls. After all, the animals are what makes the rodeo- a rodeo. My absolute favorite part of the rodeo show is the bareback horses running around the arena, it makes you emotional!
5.The Wine Garden: You’ve shopped, you’ve eaten fried food, now what? It’s Wine Garden time. Wine Garden is the widely known best kept secret. Usually located somewhere closer to the entrance, the Wine Garden is the best place to hang out and people watch after you’re done exploring for the day. There are several stands selling wine by the bottle and beer. The wine selection is excellent and the volunteers working really know their stuff! There’s Texas wine as well as ample other varieties.
The best part, for the quality of wine available, the Wine Garden is reasonably priced. There is no food inside the garden but you can bring it inside. There is usually a musical artist as well which really adds to the atmosphere.
Bonus points because there are separate bathrooms in the Wine Garden which are “luxury” port-a-potties which are kept super clean. To my knowledge, the Wine Garden is adults only and you’ll find a young, fun crowd in there every rodeo day.
6. The After Party : Once the show gets out in the stadium, it doesn’t mean the night has to be over. There is a “secret” after party across the lot called The Hideout. The Hideout keeps the party going with the bars and live music! In my experience, the music can be a hit or a miss but it’s always a good time. People are still rocking and rolling it’s another fun, young crowd hanging out late night. My friends and I usually try to book it to The Hideout after the concert gets out so we don’t have to wait in line!
There’s so much to see and do at the Houston Rodeo. I could spend all day talking about it, but it’s better to explore it for yourself. I hope this essential list helps you navigate your first rodeo. If you have any questions, or need more expert tips- leave me a comment! And don’t forget your best hat!
