Top 5 Texas Rodeos: Rodeo Events, Live Music and Food and Drink

by Emily Jenkins on February 16, 2026 in Entertainment,
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It’s rodeo season in Texas again! Whether you are up for an exciting night out or looking for a family-friendly day, here’s the top five rodeos in Texas

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Bull riding at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with Stetson Wright.  Photo Courtesy San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Giddy-up on over to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, one of the largest, most prestigious events in San Antonio. With over 7,000 volunteers serving countless hours, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has something for everyone. It’s the place to be if you’re interested in food and drink, shopping, live concerts and fairgrounds. This year, rodeo finals are Feb. 28, but the days leading up to it are exciting as well.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has many opportunities if you’re looking for live music and concerts. Miranda Lambert, three-time Grammy-winning artist, will perform on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. In addition, Shane Smith & The Saints, a country, folk and rock & roll influenced group featured at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Ryman Auditorium, are also scheduled to play after finals on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. You’ll find many other free live music options on the fairgrounds, boasting 400 bands across 8 stages.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo – SURTIERRA Cantina. Photo Courtesy  San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo hosts several fun rodeo events like Ranch Rodeo on Feb. 19, Noche de Vaquero on Feb. 22, and Retro Day on Feb. 16 where guests are encouraged to dress in retro rodeo attire. 

It also boasts 100 free things to do with the purchase of a fairgrounds ticket. However, guests can enjoy free opening day grounds admission on Feb. 12 with the voucher here

Whatever your interests, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo trots out a variety of activities and events like free Dr Pepper samples, wine seminars, barrel racing, educational experiences, photo ops or muttin’ bustin.’ The horse shows also include some rodeo events like the Charreada rodeo on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. for no additional charge. The rodeo also has many different food and drink options available on the fairgrounds.

On top of this, you can visit over 200 shops at the rodeo. Whether you’re looking for a date night or a fun family outing, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has something for everyone. You can purchase tickets to the rodeo or the fairgrounds here.

Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk. Photo Courtesy Thompson San Antonio.

If you are looking for a place to stay for your visit to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, the Thompson San Antonio on the River Walk adds a touch of luxury to your outing. While you are visiting the Thompson San Antonio, The Moon’s Daughters, with its rooftop city views, is hosting a rodeo-themed pop-up with western themed food and drink options from Feb. 15 to March 7. The Thompson San Antonio is also celebrating the rodeo season with a lobby photo op, special cocktails and live music playing on Feb. 20-21. You can make reservations here.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Courtesy photo.

Put on your boots and come on over to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo lasting March 2-22. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly outing or an adult-oriented getaway, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has something for everyone. This year’s 2026 Rodeo includes a livestock show, horse shows, and the RODEOHOUSTON Championship scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 21 at 2:45 p.m. However, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also offers extensive entertainment with live-music, a carnival and mouth-watering food and drink.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also has an impressive line-up of musicians which includes well-known Texan entertainers Forrest Frank, Kelly Clarkson, Pepe Aguilar, Koe Wetzel, Parker McCollum and Cody Johnson. Although first-time RODEOHOUSTON performers make up 43% of the lineup, Cody Johnson will return Sunday, Mar. 22 as the grand finale for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, said, “We’re proud to continuously showcase rising country stars and invite fans across the nation to make this an annual tradition.”

Cody Johnson will return Sunday, Mar. 22 as the grand finale to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

For some pre-rodeo Texas barbecue and live music, you can buy tickets to attend the 2026 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest from Feb. 26-28. Those attending the Bar-B-Que Contest will receive complimentary sliced brisket, beans and chips and access to the live concerts at The Garden Stage. 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also hosts their Champion Wine Garden on Carruth Plaza open daily during the Rodeo. Enjoy over 75 award-winning wines from the Rodeo’s International Wine Competition by reserving a table for two or hosting a tent for 150 guests. 

The fairgrounds also host a Carnival which includes the rodeo’s luxurious Ferris Wheel with 36 air-conditioned cabins and padded leather seats. The Junction features a variety of kid-friendly rides and games. 

Thompson Houston. Courtesy photo.

If you’re staying in Houston for the rodeo, the award-winning Thompson Houston Hotel offers a high-end, rodeo-themed stay. The Thompson Houston offers a one-acre rooftop infinity pool, cabanas, destination dining and a full-service spa. If you want relaxation, the Thompson Houston offers a rodeo themed spa treatment. The rooftop greenspace will also feature their 818 Rodeo pop-up with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila. The pop up provides specialty rodeo cocktails, lawn games and themed merch on March 14-15 and March 20-21 from 1-4 p.m. You can make reservations here.

Rodeo Austin

Rodeo Austin. Courtesy photo.

Wanting to visit the capital of Texas while also enjoying a staple Texas tradition? Rodeo Austin’s annual Fair & Rodeo, their largest fundraising event, is scheduled for March 13-28. Whether you’re most interested in the rodeo competition, post-rodeo concerts or fairground activities, Rodeo Austin has something for everyone. 

From March 13-28, Austin hosts one of the top ProRodeos in America with two-hour competitions. Events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and the fan-favorite Mutton Bustin’. 

Don’t miss the concerts after the rodeo events. Concerts featuring artists like Shane Smith and the Saints on March 17. Two-time GMA Dove Award winner and Grammy-nominee Anne Wilson on March 19, Aaron Watson, who has reached Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Album five times, on March 28, and Grammy-nominated Midland on March 18. The Eli Young Band from Tomball, Texas, will also perform on March 13 after the Xtreme Bull Riding. You can buy tickets to the rodeo and concerts here.

Rodeo Austin Carnival. Courtesy photo.

Rodeo Austin also boasts the largest carnival in the capital city with over 80 rides and games. Visit events and activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, shopping vendors and carnival treats. If you are craving some savory Texas barbecue, Rodeo Austin is also hosting the BBQ Austin cook-off competition on March 6-7 at the fair grounds. You can purchase tickets to the carnival here.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Bull riding at Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Courtesy photo.

For 69 years, Mesquite Championship Rodeo, located just east of Dallas, has been entertaining guests. This year’s 13-week long PRCA rodeo in the “Rodeo Capital of Texas” lasts June 6 to Aug. 29. After every rodeo you can enjoy some Texas barbeque and live music.

Live music after the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Courtesy photo.

If you are a fan of Texan musicians, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo is the place for you. Last year, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo had a line up that included Kody West, Kyle Park, who has had numerous #1 Texas radio singles, Clay Hollis, Payton Howie, who has toured alongside Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, and Garth Brooks, and The Wilder Blue, a Texas five piece. 

For a little more excitement, Mesquite Championship Rodeo also has special VIP seating with club access option. This includes a special early access entrance, a barbecue buffet, complimentary beer and wine, and bar service. 

Mesquite Championship Rodeo offers luxurious, rustic suites for hosting family, friends or clients on any occasion, providing room for 10 to 30 guests. The suite includes a suite service team and an optional catering package.

If you are excited to visit the “Rodeo Capital of Texas,” you can buy tickets here.

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo


Fort Worth Livestock Show & Rodeo. Courtesy photo.

Since 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has claimed to be the “most authentic western lifestyle experience.” Whatever your age or whoever you are, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has something for everyone.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo just completed their WSSR PRORODEO Tournament lasting from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3. In addition to the rodeo, they provide entertainment and educational options for kids like the carnival on the fairground. They also have food, drink and live music. Vine 2 Wine offers fun events and presents The Corkyard wine tent that hosts guests with wine and live music options. If shopping is more your forte, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo also offers indoor and outdoor shopping experiences including the GO TEXAN Market with Texas-made items.

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Cover Photo Courtesy San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Emily Jenkins is the Editorial Intern at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a senior at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, studying Public Relations. On top of writing, Jenkins enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé, Tyler, and her family, traveling and staying active on campus and in her church. @emilyjene226 and www.linkedin.com/in/emily-jene-jenkins/