The Top 10 Best Rodeos in Texas That You Can't Miss
- CANDiCE
- Mar 26
- 15 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Rodeo’s remarkable legacy stretches back to the 16th century. After over 500 years perfecting roping, riding, racing, and wrangling, there are a few rodeos that standout as premier showcases of the best of modern rodeo culture, athleticism, and collaboration.
Texas proudly hosts many of America's finest rodeos - picking the Top 10 Best Rodeos in Texas is challenging. We focused on Texas rodeos not only because we’re unapologetically cheering for the place we call home, but also because modern-day Texas dominates the rodeo scene with several premier national events.
Pecos made its mark by hosting the earliest documented rodeo in 1883. It didn’t make our 2025 Top 10 list, yet it will forever hold a special place in rodeo history.
And now for the lineup, we’ve included highlights, key information for each event, and a few fun facts to help you giddy up and get out to the rodeo this year!
The 10 Best Rodeos in Texas [2025 Edition]
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a 91-year-old institution founded in 1932, is currently the world's largest and most influential livestock exhibition and rodeo. With humble beginnings, Houston’s rodeo now attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year and is has become known as much for its entertainment lineup as its slate of elite contenders in rodeo and livestock. It’s not much of a surprise that Houston tops our list this year, as it’s definitely one of the best rodeos in Texas.
During the peak of the Great Depression in America, and the same year as the election of FDR, seven men gathered at the Texas State Hotel to create the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exhibition to build a cattle market in Southeast Texas. The first show drew 2,000 visitors who attended over five days. The rodeo made its big move to the Astrodome in 1966, where a single performance drew 40,000 spectators, and then to the NRG Stadium in 2003.
RODEOHOUSTON’s World-Class Rodeo Events
Now known as RODEOHOUSTON, it boasts its own Super Series, a 20-day tournament-style competition still grounded in the skills necessary for ranching, just with more flair and Olympian-style athleticism. This year’s competition takes place from March 4 to 23.
The competition brings together 280 top professional cowboys who compete in events like bareback riding, bull riding, and saddle bronc riding. The total prize purse is over $2.5 million. Champions in each event take home $65,000 and receive a custom-made saddle and belt buckle.
Houston Rodeo Concert Performances: A Star-Studded Lineup
For those who’ve experienced life in and around Houston, rodeo is also synonymous with big-name concerts. Many legendary performers have graced the rodeo stage, including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks.
The 2025 lineup features big names like Reba McEntire, Post Malone, and Journey.
Weekday shows kick off at 6:45 p.m. with entertainers hitting the stage around 9 p.m.
Weekend shows begin at 2:45 p.m. and concerts start around 5 p.m.
RODEOHOUSTON Visitor's Guide and Ticket Information
Ticket prices for 2025*:
Upper Level: $25-$38
Loge Level: $46
Club Level: $67-$72
Field Level: $62
Action Seats: $170
Chute Seats: $412
Visitors can enjoy several amenities including the Champion Wine Garden, which showcases wines from the International Wine Competition. The Houston Rodeo makes getting there easy with METRORail service and The Woodlands Express available for visitors from nearby areas.
*Check the RODEOHOUSTON website for updates and other event details.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has become one of the most prestigious events in the rodeo world since 1949. This spectacular 18-day event attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year. More than 20,000 exhibitors and 6,000 volunteers make this event possible.
PRCA Championship Events
This premier event, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), offers an impressive $1,508,576 prize purse.
Visitors can enjoy seven major events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. The 2025 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo performances took place at the Frost Bank Center from February 6-22, and will come back next year on February 12 to March 1.
Family Entertainment and Livestock Shows and Exhibits at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
The rodeo grounds come alive daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. Kids love the Mutton Bustin' Adventure, where young riders try to stay on sheep for six exciting seconds. Traditional Mexican rodeo skills shine at the Charreada Extravaganza, where riders showcase amazing horseback moves and rope techniques.
Livestock Shows and Exhibits at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Youth development takes center stage at the fairgrounds' specialized facilities, which allows for the nation's largest Junior Livestock Show to happen in San Antonio. The Shops at the Rodeo also features 165 unique vendors who sell everything from cowboy boots to jewelry to custom belt buckles.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, 127 years old, holds the distinction of being America's oldest continuously-running livestock show and rodeo.
A simple conversation between rancher Charles McFarland and Charles French sparked what would become the first stock show along Marine Creek. The show grew from a modest cattle exhibition into something much grander with the North Side Coliseum's opening in 1908. Fort Worth achieved a milestone when it launched America's first indoor rodeo in 1917, and the innovation revolutionized the sport's standards. Today, this impressive 23-day event brings more than $142 million to the Fort Worth area's economy.
The rodeo starts at the beginning of the year, with 2025’s show taking place from January 13 to February 8. It will come back next year on January 16 to February 7.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Unique Event Categories
This rodeo changed the sport forever in 1927 by introducing the first side-release chutes for bucking horses and bulls, which became standard equipment to today. Another milestone came in 1933 with Brahma bull riding, which has grown into one of the five top rodeo events worldwide.
Shopping and Entertainment at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Vendors fill the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall, Richardson Bass building, and Cattle Barns daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Music lovers can enjoy rising country, jazz, and local artists at The Michelob Ultra Roadhouse and The Corkyard on Simmons Bank Plaza before and after each rodeo show.
Planning Your Visit at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Dickies Arena and the Will Rogers Memorial Center host this 23-day spectacular. Food enthusiasts can make reservations at the legendary Reata restaurant at the Rodeo and Reata Backstage. The Will Rogers Auditorium comes alive with nationally-recognized performers during the Auditorium Entertainment Series, presented by Ariat. The event attracts exhibitors and contestants worldwide, drawing over 900,000 visitors from more than 80 countries.
The Texas State Legislature named Mesquite the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas in 1993. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo brings thrilling action to fans every Saturday from June through August.
Weekly Events Schedule at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo
Traditional events like bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping take center stage at the rodeo performances. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. This schedule helps families plan their weekend fun and gives them time to explore what the venue has to offer.
Special Attractions at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo
Young participants make the Mutton Bustin' event a crowd favorite as they try to hold onto wild, wooly sheep for the night's best ride. The BBQ pavilion serves mouth-watering barbecue while two-stepping music creates that authentic Texas vibe. The arena's air conditioning will give a comfortable experience whatever the summer heat brings.
Ticket Packages at Mesquite Championship Rodeo
The Mesquite Championship Rodeo has seating options that match different priorities:
Premium seating provides up-close views of cowboys and dirt-flying action
Luxury suites perched above the arena offer private spaces for celebrations
Group rates accommodate church groups, scout troops, and organizations
Group sales executives help create individual-specific experiences for teams, organizations, and gatherings of all sizes. Families and large groups alike can enjoy this authentic Texas experience that has entertained audiences for more than 65 years.
The San Angelo Rodeo has been a cornerstone of West Texas culture since its beginnings as the San Angelo Fat Stock Show in 1932. Initially focused on livestock exhibitions, the event introduced a rodeo in 1934, setting the stage for its evolution into one of the nation’s premier rodeos. Over the decades, it has grown in prestige, survived challenges like a devastating fire in 1943, and expanded with major events such as the Roping Fiesta in 1954. With continued investments in facilities and competition, it remains a premier destination for rodeo fans. The San Angelo Rodeo made history in 2024 by adding breakaway roping with $45,000 in prize money. This addition marks the most important change in its 90-year legacy, and has become a fan favorite of spectators.
San Angelo Rodeo’s Competition Categories
The tournament-style competition runs from April 4-20 with an exciting lineup of events. Professional cowboys battle it out in traditional categories through several action-packed performances. Prior to that, there’ll be a slack round from March 31 to April 3 featuring steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and girls breakaway. The slack will be free to the public.
One of the biggest highlights of the San Angelo Rodeo is the Cinch Chute Out. This high-stakes competition features the top ten contestants from the 2024 world standings, ensuring a night of world-class action. In the first round, competitors go head-to-head, with only the top four advancing based on the fastest times or highest scores. The final round is a true test of skill and grit, where the best ride or run of the night takes home $7,500 per event. With a total purse of $100,000 for this single performance, the Cinch Chute Out is where champions are made.
Ticket prices for the rodeo performances vary from $20 to $50 USD, save for the Cinch Chute Out performance, which varies from $50 to $100.
Entertainment Options at San Angelo Rodeo
Families can enjoy the carnival from April 4-20 with exciting rides and entertainment. Visitors have these options:
Carnival Super Pass: $150 (plus $5 service fee)
Adults: $8
Children (11 and under): $5
Guests with tickets to the rodeo can also enter the carnival for free.
The Buffalo Social Club, known as the Beer Barn, features live shows by prominent artists like Jacob Stelly, Slade Coulter, and Josh Ward. Adults can unwind at these performances after the thrilling rodeo events. The performers for this year have yet to be announced.
San Angelo Rodeo Visitor Information
Downtown San Angelo comes alive with the traditional rodeo parade on the first Saturday of the rodeo. Riding clubs, antique tractors, wagons, marching bands, and colorful floats fill the streets. The rodeo also honors military personnel during Military Appreciation Night on the last Wednesday performance
The Austin County Fair and Rodeo turns Bellville into a bustling celebration of western heritage every October, making it a great addition to our best rodeos in Texas list.
Austin County Fair and Rodeo’s Historical Background
The Austin County Fair was founded in 1927, and was originally known as the Bellville Community Fair Association. The original Fair and Rodeo was created to encourage agricultural and horticultural growth in the area.
Shortly after its creation, the name of the event was changed to the Austin County Fair to encompass the entire county. The event was able to continue during World War II, and has continued to grow to the rodeo it is today.
Unique Features of the Austin County Fair and Rodeo
The Bucket Calf Show Project was started to expose kids from the ages of 4 to 8 to basic animal care and responsibilities for caring for a calf. Participants attend monthly meetings to learn about the animal they will be caring for, as well as showing during the event.
Another unique local event to the Austin County Fair is the Lil Wrangler Rodeo. This event allows kids as young as 3 and as old as 8 to compete in unique activities and encourage future interest in rodeo sports competitions. The 2025 event will be held on a Saturday, and will include events such as:
Stick Horse Racing
Calf Ribbon Pulling
Calf Mopping
Feeding the Horses
Dummy Roping
Hay Hauling
More than 200 contestants compete in the main rodeo competition, which the PRCA sanctions. The total prize money that the cowboys and cowgirls are competing for is close to $90,000. The 2025 celebration runs from October 8-12 and includes these special events:
Children's Tractor Pull
Hay Show
Wine Show
Parade on Thursday, October 9th
Local Experience at the Austin County Fair and Rodeo
Events like the calf scramble and champion drive help to blend traditional celebrations with modern events to bring entertainment for all. The rodeo also has a sponsorship opportunity called the Champion Drive which helps to provide special needs youth the opportunity to participate first-hand in a livestock show experience.
The Stockyards Championship Rodeo stands as the world's only year-round rodeo, making its home in the historic Cowtown Coliseum. This iconic venue brought indoor rodeo to the world in 1918 and continues its innovative legacy with exciting shows every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 PM.
Weekly Events of the Stockyards Championship Rodeo
They feature a thrilling lineup of competitive events each night, such as:
Tie-down roping and breakaway roping
Team roping and barrel racing
Bull riding and bronc riding
Ranch saddle bronc riding
Bareback riding
Young spectators can join special attractions like calf and mutton scrambles all year round. These activities create a fun family atmosphere. The rodeo delivers an authentic Western cowboy experience that draws people from all over the world.
Cowtown Coliseum: Venue Highlights
The Cowtown Coliseum, built in 1908, brings rodeo history to life with shows that mix traditional competition and modern entertainment. Visitors can explore the historic architecture and find their seats before the action begins, as doors open at 6:00 PM.
You'll find the coliseum at 121 E. Exchange Avenue, right in the heart of Fort Worth's entertainment district.
Visitor Tips at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Getting here early at 6:00 PM gives you the best viewing experience. The central spot makes it easy to reach many restaurants and entertainment spots in the Stockyards district. Buy your tickets ahead of time, especially for weekend shows.
The rodeo runs like clockwork every Friday and Saturday throughout the year. You can make a full day of it by exploring other Stockyards attractions since the district never closes. The famous Fort Worth Herd cattle drive happens nearby, and you can walk to several entertainment options from the venue.
The Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) brings ranch-style competition to Amarillo. These events showcase the skills cowboys need for their daily ranch work and raise funds for the WRCA Foundation.
Authentic Ranch Events
Five core ranch events make up the championship. Each event mirrors actual working ranch tasks:
Sorting: Teams show their precision in handling cattle
Doctoring: Cowboys display their livestock care abilities
Trailer Loading: Shows how fast and safe cattle can be moved
Branding: Shows off traditional ranching methods
Wild Steer Race: Reveals pure cowboy athletic skill
WRCA World Championship Rodeo Competition Format
Teams must take part in all events to qualify for the championship title. The scoring system gives the winning team points based on the number of competing ranches. Judges look beyond speed: They assess both horsemanship and practical skills throughout the competition. The championship uses a detailed scoring system that looks at performance in all events to determine winners.
Spectator Experience at the WRCA World Championship Rodeo
The Amarillo Civic Center hosts this four-day spectacle that draws crowds from all over the country from November 13 to 16. Visitors find exceptional shopping areas with vendors selling cowboy crafts and ranch equipment. The South Hall opens for shopping right after morning competitions. WRCA’s 2018 visitor’s guide suggests to shop during quieter hours.
The Ranch Horse Association of America show runs alongside the main events. This shows the championship's steadfast dedication to authenticity. Visitors can check out the North Hall during afternoons where manufacturers display state-of-the-art ranching equipment. The event works well for both serious rodeo fans and casual visitors.
Cleo Hearn, a groundbreaking Black cowboy, founded the Cowboys of Color Rodeo in 1971. Today, it stands as the world's largest multicultural rodeo. It’s a travelling competition, and has been hosted as part of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo since 2010 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. as well as other events throughout the year.
Cultural Significance of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo
The rodeo celebrates how Indigenous, Hispanic, and African Americans shaped the Old West and rodeo culture as a whole. Historical records show that 6,000 to 9,000 Black cowboys worked during the late 19th century, and one out of every three cowhands in the American West was a vaquero.
Cowboys of Color Rodeo: Special Events
More than 200 athletes from different cultural backgrounds compete fiercely at the rodeo. The main events now feature:
Bull riding and tie-down roping
Bareback bronc busting
Ladies barrel racing
Junior competitions
The rodeo shares interesting historical facts about cowboys and cowgirls between events. This supports their motto: "Let us Educate You While We Entertain You!" The 2025 schedule features shows at prestigious venues like the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, with alternative performances at the Dallas Fair Park Coliseum.
Community Impact of Cowboys of Color Rodeo
Their educational work goes beyond the arena. The management team speaks at K-12 schools, libraries, museums, and universities. These programs cover everything from multicultural cowboys' economic effect to the Buffalo Soldiers' military legacy.
In 2025, Cowboys of Color Rodeo unveiled a new partnership with the Dallas Theater Center with a reimagining of “Shane,” a classic Western piece. This team effort challenged traditional Western stories through creative storytelling and performances from a diverse cast.
The Cowboys of Color Rodeo stays true to preserving Western lifestyle while highlighting diversity in rodeo culture. Their shows and educational programs continue to shine light on multicultural cowboys' contributions to American heritage.
10. Rodeo Austin
Topping off our list of the best rodeos in Texas is Rodeo Austin. Formerly known as the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, it exemplifies the dramatic growth of Texas rodeos. What started as a modest 16-animal show in 1938 has evolved into a premier ProRodeo event that draws top-ranked athletes and offers substantial prize money. These Texas rodeos masterfully blend traditional cowboy heritage with contemporary entertainment that we’ve come to expect from Austin, creating unforgettable experiences for locals and tourists alike.
Rodeo Austin Competition Highlights
The 2025 championship round demonstrates intense competition in multiple disciplines. Champions in each event earn impressive payouts, with the Finals round winner taking home a grand prize of $12,000. The roughstock events showcase exceptional talent, as saddle bronc and bull riding champions can reach scores of 92 points or higher.
Entertainment Options at the Rodeo Austin
The 2025 concert series runs from March 14-29, and there will be artists performing after each rodeo event. Notable acts include:
Date | Artist | Show Time |
March 15 | Braxton Keith | 7 PM |
March 17 | Gary Allan | 7 PM |
March 20 | Luke Grimes | 7 PM |
March 25 | Robert Earl Keen | 7 PM |
March 28 | Tracy Lawrence | 7 PM |
Rodeo Austin Family Activities
Activities fill the fairgrounds with excitement for all ages. KidsTown delights young visitors with a petting zoo and pony rides from 10 AM to 8 PM daily. Carnival attractions include:
Over 60 rides and games
Unlimited ride wristbands: $45 (valid March 15-29)
Spring break special: $25 (March 17-20, 11 AM to 5 PM)
After school wristband: $25 (March 24-27, 4 PM to close)
The Avenue of Breeds adds educational value by showcasing livestock, horses, and poultry. Nursing mothers will find comfort in designated baby stations located in the Exhibit Hall that come with AC, changing stations, and rocking chairs.
Adults pay $10 and children $5 for fairground admission, though the ProRodeo and Concert ticketholders can enter for free. Visitors can also buy individual ride tickets at $3-4 each. The event is also hosting a $2 Tuesday promo for March 25, where fairground admission for both adults and children are both $2 and some select Carnival rides and games also cost $2 for that day. More than 70 shopping booths fill the grounds with merchandise ranging from cowboy boots to children's toys.
The Roots of Rodeo Run Deep in Texas
Texas rodeos are the life-blood of Western heritage. They offer everything from million-dollar professional competitions to small community gatherings. Each event tells its own story — Houston's massive livestock show attracts millions each year, and the Cowboys of Color Rodeo honors multicultural contributions to Western heritage.
These ten best rodeos in Texas highlight the state’s commitment to authentic cowboy culture and modern entertainment. Major venues like Houston and San Antonio host professional athletes who compete for substantial prize money. The WRCA World Championship keeps its focus on practical ranching skills that matter.
The revenue generated affects host cities way beyond the reach and influence of arena walls, bringing hundreds of millions in revenue. Youth competitions, educational programs, and cultural exhibitions pass these traditions to future generations. Texas proves itself as a true rodeo destination through Fort Worth's weekly Stockyards shows and seasonal events like Rodeo Austin.
These rodeos mean more than sport — they capture Texas's spirit, history, and future. Texas rodeos lead the world in rodeo excellence through innovative programs, diverse entertainment options, and a steadfast dedication to Western heritage.
Comparison Table
FAQs on Top Texas Rodeos
Q1. Which rodeo in Texas is considered the largest and most popular? The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is widely regarded as the largest and most popular rodeo in Texas. This 20-day event, held annually in late February to mid-March, attracts over 2.5 million visitors and features world-class rodeo competitions, concerts, carnival rides, and livestock exhibitions.
Q2. What are some of the best rodeos in Texas to attend? Some of the best rodeos in Texas include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Rodeo Austin, and the San Angelo Rodeo. Each offers unique experiences, from professional competitions to cultural exhibitions and family-friendly entertainment.
Q3. When is the best time to visit a Texas rodeo? The best time to visit a Texas rodeo is typically during the winter and early spring months, from January to April. This is when many of the major rodeos take place, including the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in January-February, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March.
Q4. What can visitors expect at a typical Texas rodeo? Visitors to a typical Texas rodeo can expect a variety of events, including traditional rodeo competitions like bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. Many rodeos also feature livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, live music performances, and cultural displays. Some rodeos offer unique attractions like free barbecues, mutton bustin' for kids, and educational programs about Western heritage.
Q5. Are there any year-round rodeo experiences available in Texas? Yes, the Stockyards Championship Rodeo in Fort Worth offers year-round rodeo experiences. Held every Friday and Saturday night at the historic Cowtown Coliseum, it provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy authentic rodeo action throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Stay connected with The Ville to learn more about rodeo and events in the area. Check it out today and start planning your next adventure!
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