Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo- 91 Years Strong! What’s New at Rodeo 2023?
Rodeo History
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) began in 1932 and to date, more than $575 million has been committed to the youth of Texas and education through scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships.
Entertainer Lineup
Conroe and Austin, Texas boy Parker McCollum opens the 20-day festivities on Tuesday, February 28th followed by (in order of their appearance) Brooks & Dunn, Lauren Daigle, Rapper Bun B, “Fancy Like” Walker Hayes, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, New Kids on the Block, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, The Chainsmokers, Turnpike Troubadours, La Fiera de Ojinaga, Cody Jinks, Machine Gun Kelly, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Brad Paisley, and Superstar Luke Bryan closes out the rodeo on Sunday, March 19th.
Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approx. 9 p.m. NRG Stadium gates open at 6 p.m. Weekend rodeos start at 3:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 6 p.m. NRG Stadium gates open at 3 p.m.
Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition, Roundup and Best Bites Competition
Held Sunday, February 19th at NRG Arena and more than 5,500 food and wine connoisseurs sampled 499 award-winning wines and well over 115 signature dishes from our city’s top restaurants and culinary institutions. Winners from all food categories were: Eculent, Cotton Culinary, Joyce’s Seafood & Steaks, Low Tide Kitchen & Bar, Patagonia Grill & Café, Mostly Chocolate, Patra Lee’s Kitchen and Capone’s Oven & Bar. Grand Champion Best of Show wine was Le Chemin du Roi Brut, Champagne AOC, NV and Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show was Bernhardt Winery Antiquity Chardonnay Reserve, Danube Plain, 2020. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who participated!
Berg Hospitality Group’s THE RANCH SALOON + STEAKHOUSE Makes a Welcome Return
Located at NRG Park on the southwest corner of NRG Astrodome, The Ranch is open for the duration of Rodeo season and offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy a sit-down dining experience – both casual and formal. The Saloon is a first come, first served upscale casual dining experience featuring a large main bar with nightly live music entertainment, along with the Porch, a covered outdoor patio with cocktail tables. The Steakhouse is the fine dining side where guests can reserve tables in advance. Reservations are now live at this link! This year, Berg Hospitality is debuting “The Ranch After Dark”, an elevated nightlife experience where Houston’s hottest DJs will spin tunes for rodeo goers to dance the night away. Each night, guests can reserve lounge tables by the live music stage from 10pm-close and order a la carte drinks or bottle service with a $500 minimum per table. To reserve these tables, guests can call 713.818.2310.
What’s New for Rodeo 2023
Food: [What will carnival booths think of next?]
- Hot Nashville Cheeto Chicken Sandwich, or on a Stick
- Fruity Pebbles Shrimp Fried Rice Bowl
- Honolulu Hog Spud
- Rodeo Caramel Crack Sundae
- Fruity Pebbles Funnel Cake
- Captain Crunch Funnel Cake
- Deep Fried Krispy Kreme Banana Split
- Cowboy Slushi
- Hot or BBQ Wings
- Candied Grapes
- Rodeo Donut Cheeseburger
New Carnival Rides:
- Raptor Coaster
- Sea Ray
Fan Zone Photo Opportunity – NRG Stadium
Fans will get to create a personalized ‘player card’ where they can customize their name and have it sent directly to their phone. Fans will still have the opportunity to take photos and get autographs from the cowboys and cowgirls. The Fan Zone is located on the main concourse level, in section 124. The second Fan Zone is located in section 103. A rodeo ticket is required for entrance into NRG Stadium.
Drone Show
Saturday, March 4 at 7:45 p.m. over NRG Arena, 200 drones will soar through the sky in different formations, creating impressive visuals that embody for what the Rodeo stands.
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s Backyard
Open to all Rodeo guests before and after daily RODEOHOUSTON performances. Unwind here and enjoy hard seltzer + beer in a lounge environment.
Miller Time Bar
Tastes Like Miller Time! Hang out at Miller Time Bar with The Official Beer of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The public beer garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a beer with friends before and after daily RODEOHOUSTON performances. Rodeo guests can enjoy music, seated areas, yard games, giveaways, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Miller Time Bar is located on the north side of NRG Stadium, near the McNee entry and Coca-Cola gate.
Gear Up for Rodeo with Coca-Cola
This year you can gear up with limited-edition, Rodeo-themed merchandise at the Coca-Cola Ice House! Save up your Coca-Cola bottle caps and visit the Ice House to exchange them for some exclusive Rodeo swag. The Coca-Cola Ice House is between NRG Stadium and NRG Astrodome and is open daily.
Sunday Brunch at the Champion Wine Garden, Presented by Frost Bank
The Champion Wine Garden hosts a themed brunch each Sunday morning during the Show. The brunch will be held from 10 a.m.–noon with special entertainment and culinary brunch-style delights from different food trucks each week.
Cashless Payment Options
- All NRG Park parking lots will be cashless. There are several lots surrounding the Park that will accept cash including lots at OST, 610 and Reed Road.
- All transactions will be cashless in the Champion Wine Garden. Guests may use their debit or credit cards for any purchases.
- The majority of stands in NRG Center, NRG Stadium and NRG Arena will be cashless.
- The Carnival will accept cash and card.
