What’s New in 2025

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

 

AGVENTURE Park, presented by Oxy

AGVENTURE Park, presented by Oxy is comprised of our soil and bee exhibits. Our bee exhibit is manned by expert beekeepers who go into detail about bees and how you can become a beekeeper! The exhibits have been transformed into interactive and educational spaces where children (and adults) can learn the importance of bees and soil to agriculture. The attraction will keep its familiar favorites – sunflower planting and live chats with expert beekeepers, however we have updated ag facts, photo opportunities, and seating for our younger attendees.

Virtual Chuck Wagon, sponsored by Verizon

In partnership with Verizon, this innovative experience will be available to all Rodeo guests free of charge and will be located in Hall C, NRG Center. The Virtual Chuck Wagon is an interactive technology experience blending Western heritage and friendly competition into a unique, real-life game simulation for a chance to win fun prizes. Participants will saddle up, hold onto the horse’s reins, and be transported onto the Rodeo dirt to compete in a two-lap virtual whirlwind race. Just like the RODEOHOUSTON® Chuck Wagon Races inside NRG Stadium, sponsored wagons will be represented in the virtual experience. Riders can track the day’s winning teams on a leaderboard displayed in the game.

VR Welding Experience: Let the sparks fly – virtually! Turn up the heat and master the craft in this hands-on virtual reality welding experience. Located outside Hall C, NRG Center.

New Art Instillation: A striking 100-foot mural by Houston-based artistic duo Made X Chilly (pronounced “Made By Chilly”) will debut at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Artists Chelsea Lemmons and Ileana Hamilton, known for their innovative multi-medium approach, will create a large-scale installation across from the popular Mutton Bustin’, presented by H-E-B, area near the Naomi entrance to NRG Park. The mural represents a significant addition to the Rodeo’s cultural landscape and showcases local artistic talent. The mural will be unveiled on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
Location: Naomi entrance area, NRG Park
Size: Approximately 100 feet in length
Artists: Made X Chilly (Chelsea Lemmons and Ileana Hamilton)
Medium: Mixed media installation

 

CARNIVAL, presented by First Community

New Toys

This year guests can pick from a collection of farmyard plush toys featuring spotted pigs, brown and white longhorn cows, and black and white dairy cows. The plushies come in various sizes and have a soft, cuddly design that makes them perfect for display or play!

 New Rides

Overdrive: Sit down, hold on tight, and spin out! Get ready for the ultimate spinning action! It is one of the most thrilling and exciting spinning amusement rides, creating an infinite possibility of random movements, appealing to riders of all ages. A family favorite ride that embraces the atmosphere created by its latest lightening FX, stunning movie themed paintwork and thrilling high speed action every ride.

Enchanted Castle: Get ready to enter a magical castle of fun! This spectacular new two-story Mirror Maze features a fantasy themed front with a classic house on the first floor, and trick mirrors on the upper floor. Guests finish the fun house after going down the spiral slide. It’s fun for the whole family.

Dragon Family Coaster: A family fun dragon themed coaster where adults can sit comfortably with their children while moving quickly around the oval shaped track.

 Hip Hop!: This is one of the most thrilling and exciting swinging amusement rides, creating an infinite possibility of random movements, made for “adrenaline freaks.” Each ride welcomes 16 people, and they will get a breathtaking ride over 60 feet high. Embrace the atmosphere created by its latest lightening FX, stunning themed paintwork and high-speed action on every ride.

Heidi Rollercoaster: BRINGING THE OKTOBERFEST TO YOU! There are 10 cars spinning out on this spectacular hyper boost speed spinning coaster. See the sights at over 42 feet high along 1,400 feet of track of intense wild curves and hills. Enjoy beautiful Bavarian themes and lighting effects.

 

FOOD

New Carnival Midway Foods

• Mustards Café
  • Chili and Cheese Jumbo Corn Dog
• Fried A Fair 2
  • Ice Cream Nachos: Waffle cone chips topped with ice cream swirls and chocolate sauce
• Cowboy Kettle Corn
  • Dirty Sodas (various flavors)
    • The Cowboy Cooler: Coca-Cola with cherry, lime and vanilla
    • The Coconut Cowboy: Mr. Pibb with coconut and lime
    • The Dirty Cowboy: Cherry Coca-Cola, pina colada cream, and lime
    • Dolphin Breeze: Sprite with coconut and blue raspberry topped with gummy shark candy
    • Sour Gummy Refresher: Sprite with sour cherry topped off with Sour Patch Kids
  • Biggy’s
    • Mike’s Hot Honey Turkey Leg
    • Mike’s Hot Honey Big Daddy Corn Dog
    • Mike’s Hot Honey Colossal Curly Fry
    • Mike’s Hot Honey Tater Tots
    • Mike’s Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly
      • All items drizzled in Original Mike’s Hot Honey
    • Enzo’s Pizzeria
      • Italian Espresso Drinks (hot or iced)
      • Coke-a-Latte Fizz
      • Mike’s Hot Honey pizza slice
      • Mike’s Hot Honey hot wings
    • Wild Card Pizza
      • Texas Triple Slice: Pepperoni, sausage and bacon topped with your choice of ranch or BBQ sauce
    • Totally Baked Cookie Joint
      • Cowboy Cookie Crumble
        • Features Scoops of ice cream smothered with delicious oatmeal cookie crumble and drizzled with caramel
      • Candy Factory
        • Chocolate Strawberry Cup
          • This is a viral food sensation in Dubai and London. It is an endless stream of super gourmet European chocolate melted over strawberries

 

New Food Vendors

• Drizzle Cheesecakes
• Mamacita’s
• Mia Bella’s Coffee
• Once Upon a Cone
• Palmer’s Hot Chicken, Catfish and Shrimp
• Richie’s Cheese Curd Tacos
• Taco Love

New Foods

• Waffle Chix: Chicken Bacon Ranch Waffle Stick
• Asian Streetness: Crab Rangoon, Snack Pack Combo and Brisket Fried Rice
• Casa de Yummy: Spicy Pickle Roll-Up, Fruit & Vegetable Tajin Cup and Churro Ice Cream Cup Sundae
• Fields of Corn: Tex Mex Breakfast Bowl, Fried Corn On-A-Stick and Creamy Corn Cheesecake
• Cajun Cowboy: Rousso’s Pickle Juice Lemonade, Gator Basket and Gator Burger
• Rousso’s Fat Bacon: Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick, Bacon Jam Cheesy Pickle Fries and Bacon Jammy Jam Wagyu Sliders
• Alamo Tamales: Barbacoa Bowl
• Taco Love: Elotes Munchies Nachos and Hippie Cowboy Street Tacos
• Stubby’s Cinnamon Rolls: Caramel Apple Bacon Cinnamon Roll
• CornDog with No Name: The Midnight Cowboy Corn Dog
• Paradise Burgers: Fried Mexican Street Corn and Smokin Tater Bombs on a Stick
• Drizzle Cheesecakes: Caramel Crunch Cheesecake
• FRIED WHAT!?: Red Velvet Twinkie
• Sills Funnel Cakes & More: Strawberry Dragonfruit Drink, Fried Apple Pie and Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
• Darlin’s Fried Chicken: Coconut Shrimp and Chicken & Waffle Sliders
• Finer Diner: Ground Ribeye Burger
• Santa Lucia Greek Grill: Greek Gyro Fries
• Richies Cheese Curd Tacos: Hot Chick
• MiaBellas Wood Fired Pizza: Elotes Mexican Street Corn Pizza
• Mamacita’s: The Drowning Taquitos
• Once Upon a Cone: Gluten Free Cones available
• Tad’s Bodacious Burrito: Cool Ranch Chicken Taco
• Holmes Smokehouse: Mango Hatch Chile Sausage in a Bun
• Harlon’s BBQ: Bacon Wrapped Boudin
• Saltgrass: Flaming Hot Chili Mac Dog
• Teahouse Tapioca and Tea: Dragon Fruit Lemonade
• Texas Pride Grill: Honey-Bourbon Glazed Pork Shots

 

MERCHANDISE

New Shopping

• All About Dips
• Branded Royalty
• Crum Art
• Ferrell Brands
• Hogue Landscape Services
• Ida Mae Home
• Iron Oak Apparel
• Lane Boots
• Mi Amor – Just for You
• North Carolina Fudge
• November Maker
• Rockwell Tharp
• Ryan House Candles
• Spencer’s Custom Wood
• Texas Moon Gourmet Toffee
• The Hive
• Vintage Boho Bags
• Weaver Livestock Supply
• Yipiokia

 

Lane Boots x Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Every pair of boots has a story to tell. Step boldly into the spirit of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo through a unique collaboration with Lane Boots. Lane’s cobranded limited edition Lexington boot – only 2,025 pairs made – is a true celebration of the Rodeo’s storied past, its community impact and defining Houston legacy. Handcrafted with attention to every detail, these boots honor the heart of the organization and the pillars of its heritage. Read more about the limited-edition boots HERE.

 

HEYDUDE Collaboration

HEYDUDE and the Rodeo are collaborating again on a custom shoe you can view and purchase at their new exhibit location just inside Hall E, NRG Center. Make sure to stop by and look at the new design for 2025! Limited quantities are available.

 

SPECIAL DAYS

Here is a look at what’s new on our Special Days. This does not reflect the entire schedule for each day. For more information, visit RODEOHOUSTON.com.

 

Tuesday, March 4: Opening Day, presented by Shell Federal Credit Union

• Beginning at 10 a.m. the first 10,000 guests will receive a 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo belt buckle.
• Choo Choo Soul will perform on the Junction Stage, presented by Woodside Energy from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Choo Choo Soul is a singing conductor who teams up with a beatboxer to perform children’s music. Together, they turn ordinary children’s songs into fresh, head-bobbing jams that get kids and parents grooving along.
• Opening Day Parade begins at noon with former Houston Oilers Football star, Dan Pastorini serving as grand marshal.
  • Walking in the parade: Westbury HS, Klein Forest HS Band, Spring Woods High School Drill Team, Astros Shooting Stars, Houston mascots including TORO, Orion, Shasta and Sammy and Diesel.
• From 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. you can enjoy Reputation – A Tribute to Taylor Swift on Junction Stage along with Rodeo inspired friendship bracelets.
• After enjoying the Taylor Swift Tribute Band’s performance, step up your rodeo experience with a lively meet-and-greet featuring legendary barrel man Leon Coffee in Hall C Lobby, NRG Center.
  • You can transform into a rodeo clown with professional face painting inspired by Leon’s iconic look, then top off your new style with a custom-made balloon hat crafted by our skilled balloon artist.

Wednesday, March 5: Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by Crown Royal

• A “rest and relaxation” area at Café in the Park will provide military-invited guests to take a break. (Only open to active military members)
• There will be a U.S. Army Four Ship flyover at NRG Park grounds over the Junction Stage around 5 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 6: Sensory Friendly Day

• A Sensory Friendly Guide will be available online and with Directions and Assistance.
• Momentum Refresh is also providing a Sensory Friendly Room and a Nursing Room location on the grounds near Fun on the Farm.

 

Friday, March 7: Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger

• A step competition will be held on the Junction Stage, presented by Woodside Energy from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Monday, March 10: First Responders Day, presented by BP America

• Activations on the Junction Stage, presented by Woodside Energy:
  • 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. HCSO Jr. Mounted Posse will present colors and talk about Jr. Posse
  • Noon – 12:30 p.m. Forestry Service – Informational with Forest Ranger and Smokey the Bear
  • 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ATF/Bomb dog – Bomb K-9 and Robot
  • 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. HCCO pct 6 – “Friends Forever” and anti-bullying
  • 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. HPD SWAT – SWAT jobs and riot gear
  • 3 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Community VFD – Fire, EMS, Tac Med and Special Ops interactive equipment

 

Thursday, March 13: Volunteer Appreciation Day, presented by Phillips 66

• Boots & Bubbly Brunch in the Hideout from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • This is for volunteers only. A badge is required for entrance.
• Hospitality Room
  • Volunteers will have access to a hospitality room in NRG Center for the duration of the day. There will be refreshments, snacks and photo opportunities.

*This is only accessible for volunteers; and not open to the public.

 

Sunday, March 16: Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart

• Grito Competition
  • The Junction Stage, presented by Woodside Energy at 2:30 p.m. (kids and adults)
  • Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s Oasis at 3:30 p.m. (adults only)
  • Miller Lite Ice House at 4 p.m. (adults only)

(Winners will receive a sombrero at the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s Oasis and Miller Lite Ice House)

• Piñatas, fiesta flags and colorful tissue flowers will also be centered around the Bowlegged H for a photo opportunity.

 

Value Wednesdays

A select number of vendors will be offering discounts on Wednesdays (valid until 4 p.m. only):

• Harlon’s BBQ: Chopped brisket sandwich with chip and drink/ $13 plus tax
• Palmer’s Hot Chicken, Catfish: Two jumbo tenders, one side and a drink/ $12
• Triple J’s Smokehouse: Smoked sausage on a stick or smoked boudin/ $8
• Fields of Corn: Regular corn on the cob/ $5
• Sills Funnel Cakes &More: Foot long corn dog/ $8
• FRIED WHAT!?: Deep fried regular twinkie/ $5
• The Finer Diner: Get a free fountain drink or tea when you purchase a shrimp jalapeno corndog
• Texas Sized Pizza: Mini funnel cake and half slice pizza/ $8
• Santa Lucia Greek Grill: Baklava nut roll/$5
• Mamacita’s: Quesabirria/$10
• Minneapple Pie: 32 oz Apple lemonade/$5
• MiaBella Wood Fired Pizza: Garlic cheesy sticks with marinara/$15

 

HORSE SHOW

NCHA Cutting Event Changes

• February 27 – March 5 NCHA Cutting
  • Additional day was added due to extreme popularity to the new format in 2024
• March 22 – Junior Invitational Calf Roping Finale
  • Increased number of qualified contestants to 25

 

STADIUM

COWBOT, sponsored by Amegy Bank

This AI photo magic feature will give fans the opportunity to transform themselves into a cartoon cowboy, cowgirl or Rodeo star with their image displayed on the end zone video boards. Fans will also have the chance to have the image sent to them!

 

Sounds of the Night, sponsored by AXS

This feature will give fans an inside perspective of what happens during the competition on the arena floor. Athletes, rodeo officials, bull riders and others will be mic’d up throughout the show for exclusive access into the sport of rodeo. This will be showcased during the rodeo events in NRG Stadium.

 

RODEOHOUSTON® Competition Updates

Confirmation of Call – Advancement Rounds (5 days)

• Semifinals, Wild Card and Finals
• DV Sport will be in the Stadium with PRCA Review Judge
• Four Infractions to Review
  • Broken Barrier, Mark Out, Crossfire, Jerk Down

 

RODEOHOUSTON implemented Confirmation of Call during the 2024 Finals and will continue these efforts during the Advancement Rounds in 2025. Confirmation of Call allows a Review Official to view applicable rides and runs, in real time, from different angles, with slow motion capabilities to determine if the correct call was made during the rodeo competition.

 

Space City Home Network x RODEOHOUSTON®

Space City Home Network will air daily live coverage of all RODEOHOUSTON events, including tie-down roping, bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and bull riding, as well as fan favorites such as calf scramble, chuckwagon races and mutton bustin’. You can also watch all the Rodeo action in NRG Stadium on The Cowboy Channel and Telemundo Texas.

 

RODEOHOUSTON® Purse Increase

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials announced the purse payout for RODEOHOUSTON’s 2025 Rodeo will increase by $355,500, making the total payout $2,533,500. Responding to valuable athlete feedback, increasing the total purse to $2.5 million was a decision the Rodeo was proud to make. For each of the eight events, the total payout has now increased from $242,000 to $281,500. The Rodeo events include tie-down roping, bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping and bull riding.

RODEOHOUSTON’s New Barrelman

John Harrison is one of the most accomplished barrelmen in the sport, having made 13 appearances at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and named PRCA Clown/Barrelman of the Year in 2024, his tenth time winning the award. Harrison also took home Comedy Act of the Year for the eighth time in 2023. Originally from Soper, Oklahoma, Harrison and his family, known as “The Clown Family,” among rodeo fans and professionals, now travel across the country year-round as a group. Former RODEOHOUSTON barrelman Leon Coffee personally handpicked Harrison, expressing confidence in his ability to captivate audiences at RODEOHOUSTON.

 

RODEOHOUSTON’s New Announcer, Janie Johnson

A true Texas cowgirl, Janie Johnson has deep roots in the western lifestyle. Her dad, Clint Johnson, is a four-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and her mom, Mindy, competes in the National Cutting Horse Association. Janie competed in multiple rodeo events herself and went on to earn her degree at the University of Texas at Austin with high honors in Radio/TV/Film.

 

Janie is now a national TV host and sideline reporter whose early work can be seen in places such as the NFR Pre-show and Xtreme Broncs Finals on CBS Sports and in over 60 episodes of PBR Ride to Glory.  Janie has traveled as a reporter and commentator for hundreds of PRCA events. Today, Janie is living in Canyon, TX at her family’s cattle ranch and will continue to travel to PRCA rodeos throughout the year and cover all things western sports and lifestyle. Catch Janie reporting from the dirt each night of RODEOHOUSTON.

 

RODEOHOUSTON® Hall of Fame

Leon Coffee is the sole inductee for the second class of the Hall of Fame. Last year, Coffee rolled his barrel out for the last time at RODEOHOUSTON marking the end of an era, but not his rodeo legacy. In 2025, Coffee will trade the arena floor for the fan zone and stands, bringing his legendary charm and wit to entertain guests in new ways. His infectious spirit and larger-than-life personality will continue to be a hallmark of the event, ensuring that Coffee remains an integral part of the RODEOHOUSTON experience. Coffee will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the first weekend of the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

 

Chairman’s Club Party Deck, presented by AXS

Previously known as the Chairman’s Club, the exclusive spot in NRG Stadium is being reimagined this year! The new theme of the space will be a crossover of Cowboy Disco and Rustic. There will be live entertainment before Grand Entry begins. There will also be nightly signature cocktails inspired by entertainers. Guests can enjoy all you can eat and drink.

• This is open to the public for ticket purchase
• No season tickets are available for the Chairman’s Club Party Deck

 

WEBSITE AND RODEOHOUSTON MOBILE APP, SPONORED BY AXS

Website Accessibility

• com now features enhanced accessibility. Visitors can find an accessibility menu in the bottom-left corner of the site, offering automatic adjustments to accommodate various digital accessibility needs. This integration helps ensure all current and future content remains accessible to everyone.

Digital Daily Schedule

• A new interactive daily schedule lets you filter and explore all Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo events in real time. Each listing includes detailed descriptions to help you plan your visit and discover new activities alongside your favorite attractions.

Optimized Interactive Map Experience

• Our interactive map has been enhanced based on user feedback, offering improved navigation and accessibility features for a more intuitive experience.

 

AUCTION	DATE
Rodeo Uncorked!® Champion Wine Auction	Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Ranching & Wildlife Auction	Friday, March 7, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Junior Market Lamb & Goat Auction	Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Junior Market Poultry Auction	Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11 a.m.
School Art Auction	Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Junior Market Barrow Auction	Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Junior Market Steer Auction	Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11 a.m.