Visit the Rodeo / Special Days

Special Days

Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ welcomes millions of visitors from all different backgrounds to NRG Park. To celebrate the diversity of the Houston community, and the Lone Star State, Special Days are offered during the Rodeo.

Uniting agriculture and education, the Rodeo celebrates universities in Texas on University Days . Show your school spirit and proudly wear your alma matter’s colors around the Rodeo grounds and in NRG Stadium at RODEOHOUSTON ^®!

Special Days Calendar

Feb.

Opening Day

For the first time in 2023, the Rodeo will host a special Opening Day celebration that represents the uniqueness and community aspect of Houston, including a performance by a local band on the Stars Over Texas Stage, presented by Phillips 66, and closing out with Parker McCollum performing on the RODEOHOUSTON stage. Special giveaways will include 10,000 custom-made Howdy bobbleheads for early arrivers that morning, beginning at 10 a.m., and a variety of activities planned throughout the day for guests of all ages, including an Opening Day Parade on the grounds of NRG Park.

Read More

March

Armed Forces Appreciation Day

Armed Forces Appreciation Day honors the brave men and women for their service in the U.S. military. Visitors are encouraged to come out, dress in red, white, and blue, and show appreciation for the troops, past and present.

Free NRG Park Admission on Armed Forces Appreciation Day for the following:

actively-serving military members in uniform and with a current military ID, plus four of their family members
spouses of actively-serving military members currently deployed with a dependent ID, plus four of their family members
admission provided at the NRG Park entrances on Armed Forces Appreciation Day only (Rodeo tickets sold separately)

March

Sensory Friendly Day

A Sensory Friendly Experience is held in select areas of the carnival to promote an accommodating and positive experience for all Rodeo guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges. During this time, there will be minimal lights and sounds permitted in the carnival.

Sensory Day Map SENSORY DAY RIDE LIST

March

Black Heritage Day

Day-long festivities include live entertainment on the Stars Over Texas Stage from Houston's finest bands, choirs, dance teams, cheerleader teams, and fine arts groups; special entertainment at the Champion Wine Garden and in The Hideout; and historical and educational displays around the grounds of NRG Park.

March

First Responders Day

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo salutes the various public law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and other emergency services agencies in the Houston Metropolitan Area on First Responders Day.

free NRG Park admission to the grounds for all first responders with a badge, plus four of their family members (admission provided at the NRG Park entrances on First Responders Day only)
special equipment and services displays
recognition of first responders during the Rodeo performance (Rodeo ticket sold separately)

March

Community DAy

For the first time, the Rodeo will host Community Day, providing additional discounts for guests coming to NRG Park on the middle Wednesday of Rodeo. The celebration includes buy one get one rides and games, discounted food and beverage offerings and community activations.

All guests will enjoy free admission to the Park until noon.

March

Go Tejano Day

Go Tejano Day festivities include live entertainment on the Stars Over Texas Stage and in the Champion Wine Garden, and the Mariachi Invitational Semifinals in The Hideout. Enjoy Fiesta Charra in the NRG Center Main Arena, a colorful exhibition of traditional Mexican folk dance, music and horseback riding.

Mariachi Invitational

Saturday, March 11, 2023
Arena Theatre
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Annually, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Tejano Committee invites five professional Mariachi groups from across the State of Texas to compete in the Rodeo’s Mariachi Invitational. The five groups, whose identities remain secret during the performances, compete through two rounds before advancing to the final round in NRG Stadium. The first round, called The Showcase, is held at the Arena Theatre the day before the Semifinals, which are held in The Hideout at NRG Park on Go Tejano Day.

The first two rounds are judged by five Mariachi professionals/educators. Judges score them in several categories, including musicianship, creativity and showmanship. The two finalists compete in NRG Stadium in front of the RodeoHouston crowd of more than 70,000 people. The winner is then determined by audience applause. There are cash prizes for all participants ranging from $1,000 to a $7,500 for first place.

2023 Invitational