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 foot-long corn dogs, and 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 our guide to the essentials.
Live Music and Carnival Food
Austin, Houston, and San Antonio put on totally different rodeos, but what remains the same at all three are the incredible performing artists, the carnival games and rides, and the standout food. Brimming with fun diversions like bumper cars and Texas-sized Ferris wheels, the grounds all offer traditional fair eats like corn dogs, funnel cake, and turkey legs, along with some more creative items like Flamin’ Hot Cheeto cotton candy and bacon-wrapped smoked sausage. After satisfying your appetite, make your way to the main arena for the rodeo and concerts. Enjoy action-packed events like bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton busting, and once the dust settles, take in top performers like Toby Keith, George Strait, and Melissa Etheridge.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, February 10–27, 2022
Rodeo Star Experience
Want to be close to the action to feel like a star, too? Enjoy a rodeo-star experience with first-class private dining, two free drinks, and more! Afterward, you’ll be seated in a premier “Fan Zone” section during the rodeo performance, then transfer to stage-side seating on the “dirt” during the concert. Select your tickets to the Star Experience during checkout at ticketmaster.com here!
Uncork and Unwind
Post-rodeo season, enjoy a wine pairing dinner at Stout’s Signature, which will showcase its recent Best of Show White Wine, the 2020 A to Z Pinot Gris. On Monday, March 21, 2022, Chef Robert Santellanes will delight you with four courses of his paired signature dishes. The ticket price of $130 per person includes gratuity and parking.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, February 28–March 20, 2022
Champion Wine Garden
If you missed out on the Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition back in November, don’t worry—here’s your chance to try the award-winning wines at the Champion Wine Garden! Enjoy live music on two stages and taste more than 70 double-gold, gold, and silver winning varieties at this wine lovers’ paradise next to NRG Stadium. Reservations available for a table for two up to a whole tent! And if you want to brush up on your wine knowledge, sign up for a seminar that will introduce you to some of the best-loved entrants from the competition.
The Hideout
Dust off your cowboy boots for the Houston Rodeo’s very own dance hall! Open from 6 p.m. to midnight on March 1–19, 2022, you can boot, scoot, and boogie to some of the best up-and-coming country musicians around. Enjoy acts like Grant Gilbert and Grupo Rebeleon, plus complimentary Jim Beam Flavor samples and fun giveaways every night from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Jim Beam trailer on the Hideout’s patio.
Rodeo Austin, March 12–26, 2022
Beer & Wine Garden
The Beer & Wine Garden takes center stage at the Rodeo Austin fairgrounds! Enjoy the feel of an Austin patio bar with great drinks, food trucks, and live music on the outdoor stage. The Beer Garden features a variety of brews (including beer local to Texas), and the Wine Garden is proud to showcase an eclectic assortment of wines.
100X Dance Hall
The 100X Dance Hall offers live music and cold drinks in a comfortable setting. It’s THE place to go before, during, and after each rodeo performance. Every day, 100X Dance Hall patrons can enjoy live, closed-circuit coverage of Rodeo Austin, as well as cocktails, yard games, musical acts, and dancing on Jack’s Front Porch. You may even get to sit next to a world-champion cowboy or cowgirl!
Rodeo at Home
5 Recipes for the Ultimate Make-at-Home Cowboy Breakfast
Nothing quite signals the start of rodeo season like the annual cowboy breakfasts! Instead of fighting crowds during the Texas-sized feast, opt for staying at home and whipping up your own. Enjoy all the breakfast tacos and biscuits and gravy that your rodeo-loving heart can take. Bonus: You don’t have to wait in long lines or share!
Goodtaste-Approved Rodeo Roundup
Some say Texas has only two seasons, but we say three: winter, summer, and rodeo season! If you can’t make it to the fairgrounds this year to see the stock show or your favorite artist perform, you can still get a big helping of rodeo fun with these 8 classic recipes at home.
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