Attractions & Activities
Explore everything the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ has to offer! The best tradition in Texas has something for all visitors to enjoy. The heart of the matter here is agriculture. See how the Rodeo brings agriculture to the city of Houston.
AGVENTURE
presented by:
Visit AGVENTURE, presented by Oxy, located in Hall A of NRG Center, to learn all about agriculture. It’s a great place for children and adults alike. Nearly every species of livestock can be found inside this fun and educational area, with several live animal exhibits. Exhibits are included with NRG Park admission, unless otherwise noted. All exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Birthing Center
Welcome baby animals into the world at the Birthing Center! Watch as they take their first steps, and see how their mothers nurture them.
Breed Row Barn
Every breed of livestock has different qualities and attributes which are important to farmers and producers. At Breed Row Barn, get a close look of several different breeds of swine, cattle, sheep and goats.
Honeybees
Ever heard the phrase “busy as a bee”? See how these hardworking bees work to make honey in their hives and learn the importance of pollination.
Enjoy an up-close, care-free experience as these bee hives are fully-encased in protective plastic!
DRONE SHOW
Immerse yourself in the RODEOHOUSTON® magic with a stunning drone light show and fireworks extravaganza!
Watch as 400 drones paint the night sky with formations that capture the essence of our Western Heritage. The dazzling display features two presentations: one will illuminate the sky on the first weekend and a different version will dazzle on the second weekend. Both shows will take center stage on the last weekend of the Rodeo. Don’t miss this unique one-of-a-kind show that will light up the sky over NRG Arena every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm.
Join us in celebrating tradition and technology in a show that promises unforgettable moments under the stars!
CARNIVAL
Fly high and see 360 degree views of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on the La Grande XL. Soaring to heights of 130 feet, the Rodeo’s luxurious Ferris wheel features 36 air-conditioned cabins complete with padded leather seats, and enough room for you and three friends! Just steps away, all the best foods, including turkey legs, corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy, are within easy reach at the carnival.
Half-Price Carnival Packs
Carnival Packs, Carnival Food Cards and Grounds Season Passes are valid only during the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest Feb. 27 – March 1 & during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo March 4 – March 23, 2025. Half-Price Carnival Pack sales end on Saturday, March 1.
All sales are final, and exchanges between items are not permitted once the transaction is complete
$20 Half-Price Carnival Packs
($69.75 Value)
22 tickets (rides and games)
Five free food or beverage items with a purchase
One BOGO FREE game (some exclusions apply)
One BOGO FREE funhouse (some exclusions apply)
Carnival Pack does not include NRG Park Admission or Stadium Entry
$50 Half-Price Carnival Packs
($196 Value)
60 carnival tickets
Three BOGO FREE games (some exclusions apply)
One BOGO FREE funhouse (some exclusions apply)
One BOGO FREE ferris wheel (some exclusions apply)
12 free food or beverage items with a purchase
Five $2 or more discount on food item purchase
Carnival Pack does not include NRG Park Admission or Stadium Entry
Carnival Food Card
($30 Value or $75 Value)
$30 of food and beverage for only $20
$75 of food and beverage for only $50
ADMISSION
Carnival admission is included with the purchase of an NRG Park Admission ticket or a Rodeo/Concert Ticket. NRG Park Admission ticket sales end at 9:00 p.m. each day. In addition to the carnival, NRG Park Admission tickets allow visitors access to NRG Arena and NRG Center. A Rodeo/Concert ticket allows access to the same areas as a Grounds Pass, plus NRG Stadium for the rodeo and concert performance.
Some attractions may close due to inclement weather and will not reopen until conditions permit safe operation. Please enjoy a meal or shopping until such weather passes. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo does not issue rain checks or refunds for incliment weather.
CARNIVAL TICKETS
Carnival Tickets are valid for both rides and games and can be purchased at the carnival for $1.25 each. Most rides require 3-8 tickets. Rides and games require multiple tickets. We do not sell ‘all you can ride’ wristbands at the Carnival.
FASTPASS
Purchase a FastPass and use the FastPass lanes to avoid long lines! A limited quantity is sold each day.
- Price: $30 per rider
- Available at any onsite RCS ticket box.
- Only valid day of purchase.
- Can be used for any ride (including The Junction).
- Rider must wear the FastPass lanyard and the FastPass wristband as well as have the appropriate number of tickets for the ride. FastPasses are NOT tickets.
REFUNDS
All sales are FINAL. No refunds, no rain check, no cash value. Carnival hours are subject to weather conditions. All purchased items are only valid for the current year.
RESALE POLICY
Half-Price Carnival Packs and Carnival Food Cards may not be resold for an amount greater than the stated face value.
For questions, please email [email protected].
GOLD BUCKLE FOODIE WINNERS
Enjoy the best of the best foods around the grounds! Our the Gold Buckle Foodie awards are comprised of six different categories, with three finalists in each. Judges are tasked with trying food entries such as chicken fried bacon, chicharron nachos and caramel apples, and have the opportunity to cast their votes and determine the winners in each category, and the winning foods selected were nothing short of mouth-watering.
Check out the winners from 2024 and stay tuned to see who’s in the running for 2025!
Ranching and Wildlife Expo
The Ranching & Wildlife Expo enhances educational programs that promote the conservation and co-existence of ranching and wildlife habitats. Expo attendance includes a targeted audience that is involved in hunting, fishing and camping.
Located on the second floor of NRG Center, on the east end, the Ranching & Wildlife Expo includes various wildlife exhibits and educational seminars. A special auction includes hunting and fishing trips, as well as outdoor trip opportunities.
Seminars
Listen to professionals talk on a wide range of topics, from cattle production to campfire meals. Seminars are free and open to the public in NRG Center Room 207.
Auction
Silent & Big Board Auctions
Feb. 27 – March 1, 2024
Live Auction
Friday, March 1, 2024 – 1 pm
NRG Center, Main Club (Room 300)
Competitions
As part of the Ranching & Wildlife program the Rodeo hosts the Young Gun Shooting Sports Competition (includes Sporting Clays and Skeet), 4-H and FFA Archery Competition, Ranching & Wildlife Poster Board Competition, and Ranching & Wildlife Video Competition.
H Calf Tours
Ranching & Wildlife H Calf is an educational program for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ members dedicated to providing education, support and skills to aid in decision making related to beef cattle production for beef producers, weekend ranchers and anyone looking to learn something new.
Learn more about how to participate in the Ranching & Wildlife Expo here.
The Junction
The Junction, previously called Kids Country, is a kid-focused area that tests visitors’ sense of adventure with rides, games and fun exhibits. Parents enjoy this area as much as the kids, with classic carnival games and rides. And, don’t forget to stop by the farm-to-market exhibit, Fun on the Farm, for an entertaining and educational experience for all. Exhibits are free unless otherwise noted.
All exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with special times listed below.
Born to Buck®
The mare and foal presentation became a RODEOHOUSTON fan-favorite when it debuted in NRG Stadium in 2017, featuring a special tribute that showcases generations of bucking horses, celebrates their athleticism and importance to the sport, and to the cowboys and cowgirls who treat them like family. The Born to Buck exhibit allows Rodeo fans to see these special animal athletes up close and gain a better understanding of their lives inside and outside of the rodeo arena.
SCHEDULE
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
PRESENTED BY: 
Fun on the Farm
Fun on the Farm allows children to explore the world of agriculture by following the process of producing agricultural products, from farm to market. Children can help with farm chores such as gathering eggs, planting and harvesting crops and milking a cow. Be sure and check out Goat Mountain, where goats frolic on a rocky hill.
SCHEDULE
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hours subject to weather.
Mutton Bustin'
In addition to the action each night in NRG Stadium, Mutton Bustin’ also can be found in The Junction, with 5- and 6-year-old participants trying to hold on tight to a sheep for eight seconds.
Participation: Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 6 years old and not weigh more than 55 pounds. The cost is $20 per ride. Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
SCHEDULE
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(starts every hour)
PRESENTED BY: 
Pig Races
Here, a group of perky piglets wait patiently at the starting gate. After the gate is opened, the piglets shoot forward like guided missiles in front of a cheering, standing-room-only crowd. The pigs race around a 150-foot track in only a few seconds, all dashing for sweets waiting at the finish line.
SCHEDULE
- 11:30 a.m.; 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m.
SPONSORED BY: 
The Junction Stage
While outdoors, take a break by The Junction Stage. There is always activity at this location, with sing-alongs, animal acts and more. Stop by to see great music from bands just breaking into the Houston music scene.
PRESENTED BY: 
MILLER LITE ICE HOUSE
Tastes Like Miller Time! Come hang out at Miller Time Bar with The Official Beer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Our 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 Kroger gate.
Live music every day; 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. on weekends
Live DJ on weekends; 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s Oasis
Our oasis is your oasis! Come unwind at Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s Backyard! Enjoy hard seltzer + beer in one of our lounge areas or stop by for music, giveaways, and photo-ops. Open to all Rodeo guests before and after daily RODEOHOUSTON performances. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s Backyard is located on the East side of the Astrodome, near the Junction!
Live DJ every from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.