Houston never ceases to amaze with its variety of festivals and events. But there is one celebration that is known across the globe. We’re talking about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, whose history began in the 20th century. You can read more about it on houstonski.com.
History of the Festival
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the oldest festivals in the region, with roots dating back to 1931. It all began when seven businessmen and cattlemen gathered for lunch at the Texas State Hotel in Houston. They discussed the lack of a large livestock market in the region and ways to support local farmers. That’s when the idea was born to organize the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition, which took place at the Democratic Convention Hall. In its first year, the event attracted about 2,000 visitors and featured free barbecue, an improvised rodeo, and an auction where animals sold for just a few hundred dollars.
The event was well received by locals and began to grow quickly. In 1938, it moved to the Sam Houston Coliseum. Just four years later, the festival welcomed its first star entertainer—singer Gene Autry.
World War II disrupted Houston’s cultural life, but by 1946 the Houston Livestock Show was back in action.
In the 1950s, the first educational scholarships were introduced, and in 1961 the event officially changed its name to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
In 1966, the festival relocated to the Astrodome complex. The new venue brought additional competitions, music performances, and cultural programs.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a massive cultural celebration, attracting millions of participants annually. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to support agriculture, promote young farmers, and provide family-friendly entertainment.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Today
Today, the festival continues to captivate both locals and tourists. In 2025, it set a record-breaking attendance: over its 23 days, 2,735,695 guests attended. The event featured a large rodeo, livestock shows, exhibitions, trade fairs, and concert programs. In addition, the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest took place along with numerous auctions. The total revenue reached several million dollars, and in 2025 alone, 10 auction-related records were set.
It should also be noted that the festival involves more than 35,000 volunteers working across 109 committees, providing invaluable support to the organizational process. Moreover, prize money in rodeo disciplines increased to a total pool of over $2.5 million, making it one of the most generous rodeos in the world. Among the disciplines are roping, horseback riding, cowboy shooting competitions, and more.
Overall, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo lasts for 20 days, usually taking place in early March. The celebration begins with Go Texan Day, the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, the Downtown Rodeo Parade, and the Rodeo Run. Every day, visitors can enjoy agricultural fairs, crafts, food, and family-friendly games. The festival also features livestock competitions and professional rodeo events. In the evenings, star musicians perform on stage.
This is how the festival, known worldwide, continues to entertain and inspire. We hope you found this article informative and that you learned more about our city. Have you ever attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? We’d love to hear your thoughts on social media.