Before the 2027 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ begins March 2, Houston will celebrate the traditions that signal the start of Rodeo season as the organization marks its 95th anniversary. From barbecue and boots to trail riders, runners and the Downtown Rodeo Parade, a week of events will bring Western heritage to the city Feb. 25-27, 2027.
THREE DAYS OF RODEO KICKOFF TRADITIONS
THURSDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 25-27 | WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP BAR-B-QUE CONTEST, presented by Cotton Holdings
More than 250 barbecue teams from across Texas and the world will compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. Teams will compete for champion titles in Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Go Texan, Dutch Oven Dessert and Open Contest. The Jr. Cook-off Contest, for children ages 8 to 14, will be held Friday, Feb. 26.
FRIDAY, FEB. 26 | RODEO ROUNDUP & GO TEXAN DAY
Hosted by the Houston General Go Texan Committee, this free downtown celebration at Hermann Square outside Houston City Hall will begin with Mayor John Whitmire’s Go Texan Day proclamation. Guests can enjoy live music and meet Rodeo volunteers representing 109 committees. Across the city, Houstonians are encouraged to mark Go Texan Day by wearing their favorite Western attire, including jeans, boots and cowboy hats.
FRIDAY, FEB. 26 | TRAIL RIDES ARRIVE
Horses and wagons from 12 trail rides will travel through city streets before arriving at Memorial Park to camp one final night. The trail riders will then participate in the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday, Feb. 27, continuing a longstanding tradition that keeps Western heritage alive in Houston.
SATURDAY, FEB. 27 | RODEO RUN, presented by ConocoPhillips
Rodeo Run will precede the Downtown Rodeo Parade. The event will begin with the wheelchair race, followed by the 10K and 5K events. Registration will begin Sunday, Nov. 15.
SATURDAY, FEB. 27 | DOWNTOWN RODEO PARADE
One of the Rodeo’s most cherished annual traditions will transform downtown Houston into a celebration of Western heritage. Decorative floats, thousands of riders on horseback and marching bands will fill the streets as Houstonians and out-of-town spectators gather along the parade route.