Houston, TX — April 12, 2025 — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is already turning heads with big announcements for its 2026 season, promising fans more entertainment, more action, and more reason to mark their calendars.
Organizers revealed today that RODEOHOUSTON 2026 will include an extra day of rodeo competition, giving athletes another opportunity to compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Fans can also look forward to a full-length concert performance that will kick off the event in grand style — a change from the previous years’ short opening acts or ceremonies.
“This is all about creating a more exciting, immersive experience for fans and competitors,” said a spokesperson for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Adding an extra day of rodeo gives us more room to showcase the incredible talent in the sport, and the full concert is our way of setting the tone for a bigger, better RODEOHOUSTON.”
Also announced: the return of the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, one of the Rodeo’s most beloved traditions. Scheduled to take place in the days leading up to the main rodeo events, the 2026 BBQ contest will once again feature hundreds of teams competing for ultimate bragging rights in brisket, ribs, chicken, and other mouthwatering categories.
With more than 2.5 million attendees annually, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest of its kind, blending Western heritage with world-class entertainment, food, music, and community involvement.
Key Highlights for RODEOHOUSTON 2026:
•An extra day of rodeo action, expanding the competition schedule.
•A full-length concert to launch the event in spectacular fashion.
•The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, returns with expanded offerings and new entertainment features.
Full ticketing details, artist lineups, and competition schedules will be announced in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to RODEOHOUSTON 2026 begins!
