Special Days
Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ welcomes millions of visitors from all different backgrounds to NRG Park. To celebrate the diversity of the Houston community, and the Lone Star State, Special Days are offered during the Rodeo.
While the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is deeply rooted in Texas, its reach ignores borders and transcends oceans to bring the excitement of the Rodeo to livestock producers worldwide. Learn more about International Days here.
OPENING DAY
March 4, 2025
Opening Day celebrates the uniqueness and community aspect of Houston! Guests of all ages can enjoy special giveaways and a variety of activities planned throughout the day, including an Opening Day Parade on the grounds of NRG Park.
ARMED FORCES APPRECIATION DAY
March 5, 2025
Armed Forces Appreciation Day honors the brave men and women for their service in the U.S. military. Visitors are encouraged to come out, dress in red, white, and blue, and show appreciation for the troops, past and present.
Free NRG Park Admission on Armed Forces Appreciation Day for the following:
- 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. Admission provided at the NRG Park entrances on Armed Forces Appreciation Day only
- Rodeo/Concert tickets sold separately
presented by:
FAMILY WEDNESDAYS
March 5 & 19, 2025
Free Family Wednesday Admission for seniors, 60 and over, and children, 12 and under, until noon on the first and third Wednesday. (This does not include rodeo/concert admission)
SENSORY FRIENDLY DAY
March 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A Sensory Friendly Experience is held in select areas of the Carnival, presented by First Community to promote an accommodating and positive experience for all Rodeo guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges. During this time, there will be minimal lights and sounds permitted in the Carnival.
BLACK HERITAGE DAY
March 7, 2025
Day-long festivities include live entertainment on the Junction Stage, presented by Woodside from Houston’s finest bands, choirs, dance teams, cheerleader teams, and fine arts groups; special entertainment at the Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost Bank and in The Hideout; and historical and educational displays around the grounds of NRG Park.
FIRST RESPONDERS DAY
March 10, 2025
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo salutes the various public law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and other emergency services agencies in the Houston Metropolitan Area on First Responders Day.
- Free NRG Park admission to the grounds for all first responders with a badge, plus four of their family members (admission provided at the NRG Park entrances on First Responders Day only)
- Special equipment and services displays
- Rodeo/Concert tickets sold separately
presented by:
COMMUNITY DAY
March 12, 2025
The Rodeo will host Community Day, providing additional discounts for guests coming to NRG Park on the middle Wednesday of Rodeo. The celebration includes buy one get one rides and games in the Junction and community activations.
- Free admission for all guests to the Grounds until noon
- Buy one, get one rides and games in the Junction Carnival area until 4 p.m.
- Discounted food and beverage offerings at the Junction until 4 p.m.
- $3 mini corn dog at McKinney Corn Dog
- $3 mini popcorn at Kid Shack
- $3 small sour apple lemonade at Squeezers
presented by:
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY
March 13, 2025
The Rodeo is turning the spotlight on its unsung heroes with Volunteer Appreciation Day. The party will start bright and early with the “Boots and Bubbly Brunch” and other events include a volunteer talent show, and a special presentation inside NRG Stadium, including a Rodeo volunteer who will sing the national anthem.
GO TEJANO DAY
March 16, 2025
Go Tejano Day festivities include live entertainment on The Junction Stage, presented by Woodside and in the Champion Wine Garden, presented by Frost Bank, and the Mariachi Invitational Semifinals, sponsored by Miller Lite in The Hideout. Enjoy Fiesta Charra in the NRG Center Main Arena, a colorful exhibition of traditional Mexican folk dance, music and horseback riding.