Ultimate Guide to Texas Livestock Shows and Rodeos

While not all Texans are cowboys, many cities in Texas host rodeos and livestock shows throughout the year. From small-town competitions to professional championship rodeos, there are many opportunities to witness this popular sport on your trip to Texas, especially if you visit during June through September at the height of rodeo season.

Rodeos in Texas can trace their roots back to Spanish missionaries, who taught their ranch hands the horsemanship they’d learned in Spain. Those early ranch hands evolved into the Mexican vaquero and, later, the American cowboy. What started as an informal competition among these cowboys has transformed into a multi-million-dollar sport with competitions occurring worldwide.

If you’re eager for an authentic rodeo experience, be sure to check out these great shows across Texas—ranging from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to the Star of Texas Fair.

02. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

With total attendance topping two million, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a massive, three-week rodeo, fair, and entertainment extravaganza. Founded in 1932, the rodeo introduced a college scholarship program in 1957, which has now grown to provide $12 million in educational funding annually.

During this event, taking place in February and March, contestants compete for $1.5 million in prize money in events such as bronco busting, bull riding, and team roping. Along with the competition, there will also be a concert series featuring acts like Reba McEntire, George Strait, and even Beyoncé, alongside various Tejano bands.

The main rodeo is held at Reliant Stadium in Houston, with the fair and other events occupying the parking lot and nearby buildings. In 2020, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled from March 3 through March 22.

03. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Established in 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo attracts over two million people annually. Competitive events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing.

A unique aspect of this rodeo—and many small-town rodeos across the state—is the Mutton Bustin’ event, where children aged 4 to 7 attempt to ride a sheep for at least six seconds. The rodeo also features a Horse Education Center, providing tips about horse ownership and care, showcasing various breeds including palominos, Peruvian horses, Arabians, and miniature horses.

Musical acts often include country stars like Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride, alongside classic rock veterans such as Styx and Journey. The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo typically occurs from February 6 to 23, 2020, at the AT&T Center and the adjacent Freeman Coliseum, conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown San Antonio.

04. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Founded in 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) is among Texas’s oldest rodeos, blending traditional rodeo events with some unique features.

While many modern rodeo performers no longer work on ranches, the FWSSR includes the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, showcasing events that replicate real-world ranch tasks such as stock sorting and wild cow milking. The event also has a bar, the Rodeo Roadhouse, offering rodeo enthusiasts a place to relax, enjoy beverages, and engage in two-stepping.

The FWSSR is scheduled at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Grounds from January 17 to February 8, 2020.

05. Stockyards Championship Rodeo

No matter when you visit Fort Worth, you can enjoy rodeo events on Friday and Saturday nights at the Cowtown Coliseum, situated in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Although the rodeos here may not belong to the professional circuit, they offer just as much enjoyment. Additionally, you can also catch Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show at Cowtown Coliseum on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. While exploring the district, consider visiting the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Billy Bob’s, renowned as the world’s largest honky-tonk.

06. Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Located just south of Dallas, the Mesquite Arena holds its championship rodeo every Saturday night from June through August each year. These family-friendly events also feature competitions for kids, including the Dash for Cash, where children race to grab a flag attached to a calf set loose in the arena.

Along with official Mesquite Championship Rodeo events, the arena hosts themed nights throughout the season. Some special nights feature themes such as 80s night, Dollar Dog night, and Hispanic heritage, alongside dedicated nights honoring military service members, first responders, teachers, and breast cancer awareness. In November and December, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo presents special events that often attract popular rodeo stars during their off-season.

07. Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo: Rodeo Austin

Launched in 1938, Rodeo Austin is a two-week event occurring at the Travis County Fair Grounds every March. This rodeo is recognized as one of America’s top ten events, featuring various special events each night of the week. In addition to traditional competitions, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo includes pig races, a youth art show, a carnival, concerts, and a barbecue cook-off.

Education plays a significant role in the rodeo’s mission, and since 1981, it has awarded over five million dollars in scholarships. In a commitment to sustainability, the rodeo initiated “going green” measures in 2010, recycling more than 120,000 pounds of livestock waste into natural fertilizer.

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is scheduled from March 14 to 28, 2020.