GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE
About
Gold Buckle Foodie Awards are awarded to the very best dishes across the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, showcasing the very best in fair food innovation and tradition. This prestigious competition features six distinct categories, each highlighting the creativity and flavor of the vendor. In each category, three finalists are selected, representing a diverse array of dishes that are sure to delight any foodie.
Judges embark on a delicious journey as they sample an impressive lineup of entries, from the indulgent chicken fried bacon to the bold and zesty chicharron nachos, and the sweet, sticky goodness of caramel apples. Each bite is a testament to the skill and imagination of the vendors behind these unique creations. After savoring these delectable dishes, the judges cast their votes, eagerly anticipating which culinary masterpieces will emerge as the champions.


2025 VOTING
Three weeks prior to Rodeo, the public is invited to participate in the voting process available on rodeohouston.com and social media.
The top three from each category are selected to advance, showcasing the very best of what the competition has to offer. Local personalities and food content creators serve on the judge’s panel, tasting dishes from the 18 finalists, ultimately picking the year’s Good Buckle Foodies.
FOLLOW THE 2024 GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE TRAIL
Embark on the ultimate Rodeo Foodie adventure by following the Gold Buckle Foodie trail on our interactive map! Visit each finalist’s booth, where you can taste their delicious creations and determine your top picks.
2025 VOTING
Three weeks prior to Rodeo, the public is invited to participate in the voting process available on rodeohouston.com and social media.
The top three from each category are selected to advance, showcasing the very best of what the competition has to offer. Local personalities and food content creators serve on the judge’s panel, tasting dishes from the 18 finalists, ultimately picking the year’s Good Buckle Foodies.
FOLLOW THE 2024 GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE TRAIL
Embark on the ultimate Rodeo Foodie adventure by following the Gold Buckle Foodie trail on our interactive map! Visit each finalist’s booth, where you can taste their delicious creations and determine your top picks.
THE 2024 WINNERS
THE ULTIMATE MINNEAPPLE PIE
Brunch Pops
Big Fat Bacon on a Stick
The Barbalicious Float
Chili Mac Attack Potato
Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake on a Stick
To learn more about these winners and the other 2024 finalists, click here!
PAST WINNERS
Click the articles below to learn more about previous Gold Buckle Foodie winners!
Rodeo announces winners of 16th annual Gold Buckle Foodie Awards
The 16th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Gold Buckle Foodie Awards took place on Feb. 29 and gave vendors…
15TH Annual Foodie Awards Crowned Champions for the Best Eats at the Fair
The 15th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Gold Buckle Foodie Awards occurred, March 2nd, and gave vendors, merchants and…
2022 Gold Buckle Foodie Awards
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo food vendors presented their best dishes to a panel of judges for the 2022 Gold…
Gold Buckle Foodie Award Winners
From classic fair food to new flavors, the 12th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Gold Buckle Foodie Awards were…
2019 Gold Buckle Foodie Award Winners
2019 HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE AWARD WINNERS NAMED Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo food vendors battled…
2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Gold Buckle Foodie Winners
Local on-air personalities served as celebrity judges for the 10th Annual Foodie Awards at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,…
Fan Favorite Dishes Chosen at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Gold Buckle Foodie Awards
An array of comfort food and eccentric dishes were featured in the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Gold Buckle…