Rides, shops, and award-winning food: What's new at the Rodeo in 2026

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Let's get ready to rodeo! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo returns to NRG Park March 2-22, 2026.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo first started in 1932. Every year, the event promotes agriculture, showcases Western heritage, and supports Texas students. The best rodeo athletes will compete over 20 days in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and women's barrel racing and breakaway roping.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also welcomes the biggest entertainers every year. The 2026 concert lineup includes:

-Monday, March 2: Riley Green
-Tuesday, March 3: J Balvin
-Wednesday, March 4: Rascal Flatts
-Thursday, March 5: Russell Dickerson
-Friday, March 6: Lizzo
-Saturday, March 7: Dwight Yoakam
-Sunday, March 8: Forrest Frank
-Monday, March 9: Luke Bryan
-Tuesday, March 10: Megan Moroney
-Wednesday, March 11: Creed
-Thursday, March 12: Chris Stapleton
-Friday, March 13: Shaboozey
-Saturday, March 14: Kelly Clarkson
-Sunday, March 15: Pepe Aguilar
-Monday, March 16: Cross Canadian Ragweed
-Tuesday, March 17: The Red Clay Strays
-Wednesday, March 18: Koe Wetzel
-Thursday, March 19: Lainey Wilson
-Friday, March 20: Parker McCollum
-Saturday, March 21: Tim McGraw
-Sunday, March 22: Cody Johnson with special guests Jon Pardi and Randy Houser (Concert Only)

WHAT'S NEW IN 2026

There's plenty of new things to check out this year, according to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

New rides:

-Aviator
-Sound Storm
-Air Raid

New Carnival Midway foods:

-Biggys: Dutch Fries
-Corn Shack: Loco Borracho Elote
-Corn Shack: Mike's Hot Honey Corn
-Enzos Pizzeria: Pork-a-Palooza Pizza
-Candy Factory: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
-Fried A Fair: Dubai Chocolate Oreos
-Fried A Fair II: Biscoff cheesecake stick dipped in chocolate or deep fried
-Mustards Café: Cheese on a Stick with Buldak Ramen
-Mustards Café: Cheese on a Stick with Takis

New foods throughout NRG Park:

-Alamo Tamales: Barbacoa Bowl and Chipotle Chicken Bowl
-Asian Streetness: Crunchy Sushi Balls
-Casa de Yummy: Cherries, Berries On A Cloud
-Darlin's Fried Chicken: Chicken Fried Lobster and Chicken Tender Salad
-Fields of Corn: Cowboy Corn
-Finer Diner, Hawaiian: Pork Sliders
-Blue Ribbon: Bread Pudding and Cowboy Sushi
-Go Tejano Diner: Torta
-Holmes Smokehouse: Barbeque Smoked Sausage Sandwich
-Mamacita's: Guac-a-rrons
-MiaBella's Wood Fired Pizza: Cowboy Pizza
-Palmer's Hot Chicken, Catfish and Shrimp: Hot Chicken Pancake Poppers
-Pioneer Wagon: Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dog and Loaded Cowboy Fries
-Richie's Cheese Curd Tacos: Brisket Cheese Curd Tacos
-Rousso's Fat Bacon: Bacon Jam Brisket Biscuit and Rousso's Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries
-Sills Funnel Cakes & Food: Breakfast Cake
-Taco Love: The Loaded Grilled Avocado
-Texas Pride Grill: Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzel
-Texas Sized Pizza / Burger and Chili Shack: Skillet Potato Melt... Plus!
-The Cajun Cowboy: Bacon Jam Beignets & Brisket Boudin Balls and Shrimp and Andouille Sausage on a Stick
-The Teahouse: Loaded Platter Combo
-Waffle Chix: Strawberries and Cream Waffle Stick

There are also three new food vendors in 2026, including the 1932 Cattleman's Club by Fertitta Entertainment. It will be a high-end, full-service dining destination with lunch and dinner service. Chute 32 is a quick-service restaurant that will feature items like Wagyu on a stick, lobster rolls, and the midnight cowboy dog. And Mama Tina's Gumbo will feature Tina Knowles' Creole Gumbo.

New Shopping:

-American Grains
-Archundi & Co.
-Certified Hustler Apparel
-Chapman Fashion
-Howdy House Kids
-Keja Jewelry
-Mostly Chocolate
-Novi Creations
-Rock 'Em Boots
-Rockin' AB
-Rosemary and Sage
-Ryan's Woodworking
-Tin Roof Home
-Tru 180

SPECIAL DAYS TO SAVE MONEY

If you're looking to save money when you bring your family to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, there are special days with savings:

Wednesday, March 4: Armed Forces Appreciation Day
-Free NRG Park grounds admission for 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), and veterans (plus four of their family members)

Wednesday, March 4/Wednesday, March 18: Family Wednesdays
-Free NRG Park grounds admission until noon for seniors 60 and over and children 12 and under
-BOGO rides and games in the Junction Carnival until 4pm
-Discounted foods and beverages in Junction Carnival and several commercial exhibitors

Monday, March 9: First Responders Day
-Free NRG Park grounds admission for all first responders with a badge (plus four of their family members)

Wednesday, March 11: Community Day
-Free NRG Park grounds admission for all guests until noon

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

If you're planning to drive to NRG Park, there are several lots within walking distance. All Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parking lots are cashless.

Yellow Lot
-Open daily at 6am
-Walkable/Parking Lot Tram available
-Cost: $25 (tax not included)

610 Lot
-Open daily 9am-9pm
-Walkable/Parking Lot Tram available
-Cost: $25

OST Lot
-Open Monday-Friday 5pm to close, and Saturday/Sunday 9am to close
-Walkable/Shuttle Bus available
-Cost: $25

If you're planning to use rideshare or taxi service:

-Drop-offs and pick-ups are in the East-End of Yellow Lot 35 (closest to Lantern Point and McNee)
-Rider Pickup Area: Yellow Lot 35 (near the intersection of Lantern Point and McNee)

If you're dropping someone off, there is a public passenger drop-off area at Gate 9 off Kirby Drive. (Note: Kirby Drive is closed at 9pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends)

You can also take public transportation to NRG Park. METRORail has rides for $1.25 one way.