We do it BIGGER and better in Texas — Rodeos included. The cowboys of the ol’ West would’ve never guessed we’d be celebrating this cattle sport by sipping wine, chowing down on footlong corndogs or riding Ferris Wheels, but that’s what makes it so great — there’s so much to do and there’s always something for everyone. If this is your first Rodeo, here’s a guide to the essentials!
Live Music and Carnival Food
While Houston and Austin put on two totally different Rodeos, what remains the same is the incredible artists they bring in and fun fair food that you can only find at the Rodeo! Austin boasts your typical fair eats like corndogs, funnel cake and turkey legs, while Houston hosts competitions for their fair bites with winners like Hot Cheetos Cotton Candy and Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Sausage. After filling up, make your way to the main area for the Rodeo and concerts. Enjoy action-packed Rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and more, and after the dust settles take in top performers like the Eli Young Band and Luke Bryan.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Champion Wine Garden
Photo Credit: Chron
Don’t worry if you missed out on the Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition back in November—you can get your chance to try the award-winning wine at the Champion Wine Garden! Enjoy live music at two stages and taste more than 70 double-gold, gold and silver winning wines at this wine-lovers paradise next to NRG Stadium. Plus, they offer reservations for a table of two up to a whole tent. And if you want to brush up on your wine knowledge join them for one of their seminars that will introduce you to some of the best-loved wines from competition.
The Hideout
Dust off your cowboy boots for the Houston Rodeo’s very own dance hall! Open from 6 p.m.-midnight on March 3-22, boot, scoot and boogie to some of the best up-and-coming country musicians. Enjoy acts like Josh Grider and Grupo Zenzio, plus complimentary Jim Beam tastings every Thursday through Saturday from 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. at the Jim Beam Trailer on The Hideout Patio.
Rodeo Austin
Beer and Wine Garden
One of the newer additionals to Austin’s Rodeo, the Beer and Wine Garden first opened in 2018. Found near the fairgrounds, enjoy an Austin bar-patio feel with great beer and wine, food trucks and live music from the Outdoor Stage. The Beer Garden features a variety of brews (including beer local to Texas), and the Wine Garden is proud to showcase select wines from Hill Country winery, William Chris Vineyards.
H-E-B Taste of Texas
If you’re looking for some fun and free food, stop by H-E-B’s Taste of Texas area. Together with the Texas Department of Agriculture, they’ve partnered to offer samples of great local Texas food and products. Come play yard games and win some prizes while you’re at it! Don’t miss out on the samples, tastings are available 11 a.m.-7 p.m. during Spring Break and weekends and 3 p.m.-7 p.m. during the Rodeo’s second week.
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