Texas

From Amarillo to San Antonio: the Biggest and the BEST Texas Rodeos

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo event
See a rodeo competition during your visit. credit: San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Texas Rodeo is big, like most things in the state. Starting as soon as the Holiday Lights come down, the trailrides roll into town. From mid-January through the Spring, arenas host livestock shows, rodeo competitions and carnival rides. Visitors can snack on a turkey leg, walk through the livestock stalls or browse for western clothing; it’s all part of the Texas Rodeo experience. Here are the largest Texas Rodeos.

Best Texas Rodeos

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Rodeo Austin

WRCA World Championship Rodeo in Amarillo

Rodeo Corpus Christi

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Top 25 Things to Do in Texas for Spring Break 
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest in the world. credit: Catherine Parker

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The biggest in a big state, and the largest in the world, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attracts 2.5 million visitors annually to the NRG Park. It’s one of the top events in Houston, and it started in 1932.

Houston’s Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than bull-riding. It’s a month-long celebration of Western Heritage. From the trailride rolling into town to Rodeo Run to Go Texan Day, the rodeo events happen across Houston.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is family-friendly. From everyone’s favorite, the Birthing Center, with the babies born during the show, to the carnival, kids of all ages will be entertained. There’s also a petting zoo and pony rides.

The Exhibition Halls of the Houston Livestock Show feature show animals raised by local youth competing for top prizes. Visitors can learn more about the different breeds on Breed Row or visit the Poultry Exhibit.

The NRG Stadium is where the rodeo events take place. From Mutton Bustin to Barrel Racing to Bullriding, this area required a separate ticket. The evening ends with a live concert from a headlining act.

The carnival and the Drone Show are also top things to do. In addition to FFA and 4H students entering their animals, students can compete in the Rodeo Art contest. The Quilt Exhibit is another popular draw.

Another top event is the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, with 250 teams competing. It is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, to Saturday, February 28.

Located at 8400 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo starts on Monday, March 2, 2026, and runs to Sunday, March 22. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids for the Daily Grounds Ticket.

Top 23 Things to Do in Houston 
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is a PRCA event. credit: Wahl

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

Over 1.5 million visitors file into the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo each year for a dose of Vasquero Culture. Visitors can see traditional Mexican Charreada demonstrations with impressive rope skills, daring horseback maneuvers and the captivating artistry of the all-female escaramuza take center stage.

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is a PRCA event. The winner of the rodeo events will head to the PRCA Rodeo National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, so the stakes are high for this rodeo.

Visitors will find a youth rodeo, mutton bustin’ and live animal exhibits. The carnival is another top thing to do at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The annual event is held at the Frost Bank Center.

The evening caps off with a concert after the dust settles after the rodeo events. The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo hosts top acts, like Hank Williams Jr.. this year.

Located at 723 Frost Bank Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo starts on Thursday, February 12, and runs to Sunday, March 1, 2026. Tickets start at $10 for adults and $5 for kids for the Daily Fairgrounds Ticket.

Top Things to Do in San Antonio 
Fort Worth Stockyards.
Downtown Fort Worth oozes western culture, like the Stockyards.

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

As one of the first rodeos each year in Texas, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo kicks off the fun in mid-January and runs for 23 days. With a legacy dating back to 1896, rodeo fans can don their hats and boots.

Held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo attracts over 1.2 million guests each year. The Dickies Arena is the place to be, from rodeo events to concerts.

Located at 3400 Burnett Tandy Dr, Fort Worth, TX. The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo runs from Friday, January 16, to Saturday, February 7, 2026. Tickets start at $15 for adults and $8 for kids for the Daily Fairgrounds Ticket.

Carnival at Rodeo Austin
The Carnival at Rodeo Austin is popular. credit: Catherine Parker

Rodeo Austin

Starting in 1938, Rodeo Austin is a 15-day fair and rodeo that is one of the top events during Spring Break. Held each year at the Travis County Expo Center, residents and visitors enjoy the carnival, rodeo events and the stock show.

Located at 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX. Rodeo Austin runs from Friday, March 13, to Saturday, March 28, 2026. Tickets start at $10 for adults and $5 for kids for the Daily Fairgrounds Ticket.

Top Outdoorsy Things to Do in Austin 

WRCA World Championship Rodeo in Amarillo

Amarillo’s rodeo is hosted by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association and is held in the fall. With an emphasis on rodeo contests, visitors will get a true taste of Texas Rodeos.

Scheduled from Thursday, November 12 to Sunday, November 15, 2026. Tickets go on sale in October.

Rodeo Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi isn’t just about beaches and seafood; it hosts an annual rodeo. Held each May at the Hillard Center Arena.

For a shorter rodeo, Rodeo Corpus Christi packs it in. There’s a carnival, concerts, a STEAM Expo and rodeo competitions.

Located at 1901 N Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX. The Rodeo Corpus Christi is scheduled from Tuesday, May 5 to Saturday, May 9, 2026. Tickets start at $12 for adults and $6 for kids for the Daily Fairgrounds Ticket.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

It ain’t the biggest; however, this is the Official Rodeo of Texas. Rodeo fans will get their fill of barrel racing, calf roping and mutton bustin’.

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is held each Saturday night from June until August in the Mesquite Arena. As a bonus, the arena is air-conditioned.

Located at 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX.

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel and seen all 50 U.S. States. As a former flight attendant with one of the largest airlines, there isn't a North American airport that she hasn't landed in at least once. Since clipping her professional wings after 9/11, she combines her love of the open road with visiting architectural and cultural icons. She is based out of Central Texas dividing her time between writing and restoring a pair of 100-year-old houses. She shares her life with her three kids and her husband.

Comments are closed.