Guide to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

By the numbers: More than 2.5 million people visited NRG Park for Rodeo Houston in 2024, the highest attendance since 2017.

• The rodeo also set new concert attendance records last year with Los Tigres del Norte and the Jonas Brothers.

What to do: The Texas Trail Ride arrives at Memorial Park on Friday, Go Texan Day. Trail riders will also appear Saturday in downtown's Rodeo Parade, starting at 10am.

• Performers include Post Malone, Reba McEntire and Journey.
• And of course, there are the special themed days — from Black Heritage Day and Go Tejano Day to Family Wednesdays, with free admission for folks 60 and older and children under 12 until noon.
• Plus: Watch mutton bustin', pig races and the rodeo's livestock competitions. Attend seminars on Texas wildlife and conservation and take your kids to the Junction for the petting zoo.

What's new: Along with the first new barrelman in 31 years, there are several new rides, including Overdrive, a spinning thrill ride; the Dragon Family Coaster; and the high-speed Heidi Rollercoaster.

• Look for educational exhibits, retailers and merch. New foods include chicken bacon ranch waffle stick, pickle juice lemonade, flaming hot chili mac dog and more.

The bottom line: Stroll the grounds in your denim and newly shined boots, grab some food on a stick and embrace your Western roots — it's rodeo season.