Houstonians don't just "go" to the rodeo. We live it for a month. If you're asking when is Houston Rodeo 2025, you’re probably looking for a specific date to see a concert, but the reality is that the "Rodeo" is a massive, multi-week machine that starts long before the first bull exits the chute.
Honestly, if you show up on March 4th thinking you’re catching the start of the party, you've already missed the best BBQ in Texas.
The official 93rd Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs from March 4 to March 23, 2025. But that is just the NRG Stadium portion. For the locals and the seasoned travelers, the calendar is actually much longer. It’s a slow burn that starts in February with trail riders coming in from all over the state.
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The Real Kickoff: BBQ and Parades
Before the dirt even settles in the stadium, we have the "pre-rodeo" events. This is where the real culture happens. The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is basically a three-day cloud of hickory smoke and party tents. It’s happening from February 27 to March 1, 2025.
If you haven't been to the Cook-off, it’s a vibe. It’s 250 teams competing for brisket glory. Most of the tents are private (you need a "tent pass" which is the hardest currency in Houston that week), but the public areas are still a blast.
Then you have Go Texan Day on February 28. Basically, the entire city—from bank tellers to toddlers—dresses like they’re about to go work a ranch. It’s a city-wide dress code. The Downtown Rodeo Parade follows on Saturday, March 1, and that’s when the trail riders finally clatter into town on horseback. It’s pretty surreal to see hundreds of horses walking past skyscrapers.
Who is Playing? The 2025 Lineup
The concert lineup is usually what dictates when people decide to go. For 2025, the organizers went big on nostalgia and variety. Reba McEntire is opening the whole thing on March 4. It’s her 20th time performing here. That’s insane.
Here is how the main stage shakes out:
- Opening Week Highlights: After Reba, we’ve got AJR on March 6 and Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza for Black Heritage Day on March 7. If you haven't seen Bun B at the rodeo, you’re missing a Houston staple. He usually brings out half the hip-hop world as "surprise" guests.
- The Mid-Point: Post Malone is taking the stage on March 18. This is a huge "Wild Card" slot that bridges the gap between country fans and the younger crowd.
- The Final Stretch: It wraps up with heavy hitters. Cody Jinks on March 20, Parker McCollum on March 21, and Brooks & Dunn on March 22.
- The Closer: Luke Bryan closes the 2025 season on Sunday, March 23.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
NRG Park is a logistical beast. If you try to drive and park at the stadium on a Friday night, you will spend two hours staring at brake lights. Don't do it.
The METRORail is the secret weapon. It’s $1.25. It drops you right at the gate. If you’re coming from the suburbs, use the Park & Ride. Locations like the West Loop, Monroe, and Maxey Road offer shuttles that bypass the traffic.
If you must drive, expect to pay around $25 for parking in the official lots like the Yellow or 610 lots. They are cashless now, so leave the crumpled twenties at home. Also, download the RODEOHOUSTON app. It has a real-time tram tracker so you aren't wandering around the parking lot like a lost calf.
Common Misconceptions About the Dates
People often think the "Rodeo" and the "Concert" are two different tickets. They aren't. Your stadium ticket gets you into the rodeo events (barrel racing, bull riding, calf scramble) and the concert that follows immediately after.
One thing people get wrong is the timing. On weekdays, the rodeo starts at 6:45 p.m., and the singer doesn't usually hit the stage until 9:00 p.m. or later. On weekends, it’s much earlier—the rodeo starts at 2:45 p.m. and the music starts around 5:00 p.m. Plan your dinner accordingly.
Actionable Next Steps for 2025
- Secure Tickets Early: Individual tickets went on sale in mid-January. If the show you want is sold out, check the AXS official resale marketplace. Avoid random "ticket" sites that look like they were built in 1998.
- Check the Genre Calendar: If you don't care about a specific name but want a certain vibe (like Go Tejano Day on March 16), look at the genre calendar to pick your day.
- Pre-Purchase Parking: If you aren't taking the rail, buy your parking pass online when you buy your ticket. It’s one less headache.
- Dress the Part: You don't need a $500 Stetson, but a pair of boots will save your feet on the concrete floors of NRG Center.
The Houston Rodeo isn't just an event; it's a season. Whether you're there for the $20,000 "Dirt Deck" experience or just a $20 funnel cake and some livestock watching, knowing exactly when to go makes the difference between a great time and a logistical nightmare.