Houston Livestock Show 2023 is the largest livestock and entertainment show in the world, and one of the city's best-known events. Also known as Rodeo Houston, the show includes one of the biggest annual rodeos in the world and one that is affiliated with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, or PRCA. The event is held each year at Houston’s Reliant Stadium and welcomes more than 2 million visitors from the United States and around the world. It spans twenty full days and features livestock shows and tournaments, live music, kids activities, food and merchandise vendors, a marathon run, a parade and more.

Houston Livestock Show History and Facts

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo first kicked off in 1932 as The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, conceived by just a few men over an informal luncheon in 1931. The show and rodeo has made a major impression on the state’s livestock industry and is known as a premier event at which to gain exposure for livestock sales, rodeo competitions, and entertainment. In 1952, the rodeo’s very first trail ride occured from Brenham, establishing a long list of trail rides made popular over the years. The now-famous scholarship program, called The School Art Program, was established in 1963. Over the next several decades, many of the events now featured annually were established, including the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, the college research donation program, and popular live music was firmly placed as one of the best components.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2023 visitors enjoy a wide variety of events, including a carnival, a huge barbeque featuring famous Texas barbeque recipes, trail riding, bull riding, and even pig racing. Wine connoisseurs can sample international wines at the show’s wine competition, livestock auctions and general livestock sales, along with shopping at the show’s vendors. The trial rides begin in different cities and towns within Texas and make a final stop at the Houston Livestock Show. Some of the trails include the famous 210-mile ride from San Antonio, called The Mission Train Ride and Old Spanish Trail Ride, a 215-mile trail beginning in Logansport.

Music lovers can appreciate plenty of world-class talent via the show’s live concerts. Past artists include Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Garth Brooks and in recent years, the event is aligning with modern times and engaging current names in show business including Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus.

Tickets to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

There are a slew of options for tickets to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. They range from one-day admission to season and partial season tickets. There are also tickets available for other things to do at the rodeo: value packs available for carnival rides, individual concert tickets, specific Value Days tickets, and paid admission to the barbeque competitions.

Directions to Houston Livestock Show

With more than 2 million visitors to Reliant Stadium, parking can be problematic but is available in the Self Parking section at Reliant Park off Hwy 610 or Hwy 90 via Greenbriar Street or Kirby Drive.

From Woodlands (N. Houston): take the I-45 southbound and then Hwy 288 to Lake Jackson exit. Merge westbound on to 610 South Loop, take the Fannin Street exit, turn right and drive into the stadium lot.

From Clear Lake (S. Houston): take the I-45 northbound and then merge onto 610 Loop west. Take the Fannin Street exit, merge right, and drive into the stadium parking lot.

From Katy (W. Houston): take the I-10 eastbound to 610 Loop south. Then take the Main Street exit and a left on Westridge. Turn right and continue into the stadium parking.

From Pasadena: (SE Houston): take Hwy 225 west and merge onto 610 Loop west. Then exit at Fannin Street and turn right into the Reliant Stadium lot.

There are Rodeo Express Shuttles available from several locations that offer parking and a shuttle to the venue.

Lodging near Houston Livestock Show

Many of the shuttle areas are easily reach via downtown Houston, only a fifteen-minute drive from the venue, and close to many of Houston;’s best downtown attractions. Reliant Stadium hotels offer the benefit of close walking distance to the venue. Holiday Inn Houston South Loop and Comfort Suites Houston are each within a few minutes by foot of the stadium.