DOWNTOWN RODEO PARADE
February 28, 2026
2026 Grand Marshal
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan will serve as the grand marshal of the 2026 Downtown Rodeo Parade on February 28, 2026 at 10 a.m. Ruskan is a rescue swimmer whose lifesaving actions during this year’s historic Independence Day flash floods in the Texas Hill Country earned national recognition.
Ruskan, 26, is known for his courageous efforts when he executed multiple high-risk rescues under extreme conditions, saving 165 children from raging waters. His actions earned him praise from top officials and spotlighted the critical role of Coast Guard rescue swimmers in disaster response. Ruskan continues to serve on active duty with the Coast Guard, where he supports search-and-rescue operations across the Gulf Coast.
HISTORY
Since 1938, the nation’s fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage.
Decorative floats intermingle with thousands of men and women on horseback to fill the streets with hoof beats and marching bands. Enthusiastic Houstonians join out-of-town spectators to line the streets and sidewalks to be involved in one of Houston’s most popular celebrations!
PARADE ROUTE
February 28, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The parade route begins at Bagby and Walker Streets, travels from Travis to Bell Street, and from Bell Street to Louisiana Street, before turning on Lamar Street and ends at Lamar and Bagby.
STREET CLOSURES
Expect streets to be closed Saturday morning of the parade and Rodeo Run, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Streets will open after the events finish in the afternoon around 2 p.m.
More information to come.
PARKING
Public parking garages in the downtown Houston area and the Theater District are available to parade viewers. Please prepare for each garage to have its own parking fees.
VIEWING TIPS
- Arrive early to secure a viewing spot along the route.
- Downtown streets close starting early on the morning of the parade.
- The best places to view the parade are on Louisiana, from Bell to Lamar, Lamar, and from Louisiana to Smith.
- Bagby and Walker streets, from Sabine Street to Bagby, will be off limits for viewing.
- Parking: Alley Theater Garage, One Market Square Garage (Rodeo Mural), Lyric Center, 1100 Smith Garage, Theater District Parking, Street Parking, Texas and Smith, Smith and Preston, Smith and Dallas, Smith and Clay, Walker and Main
- The Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips will run the entire parade route and can be seen on Allen Parkway from I-45 to Shepherd/Kirby.
2025 PARADE AWARDS
PARADE FLOAT AWARDS
Sweepstakes – Kroger
Theme – Fiesta
Originality – El Ahorro
Most Beautiful – Goya
Chairman’s Award – Texas Southern University
President’s Award – Houston Community College
TRAIL RIDE AWARDS
Best Show Wagon – Salt Grass
Best Appearing Riders – Texas Independence
Top Trail Ride – Mission Trail Ride