HOUSTON — It’s almost time to kick up your heels and head out to Houston’s biggest event where millions of visitors will enjoy nightly concerts, rodeo competitions, carnival rides and fabulous food.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off on Tuesday, March 3.
What’s new at RodeoHouston this year? Here’s a quick roundup:
Animal attractions
Born to Buck
Since it debuted in 2017, the nightly Mare and Foal tribute at the rodeo quickly became a fan favorite. It showcases generations of bucking horses and celebrates their importance to the sport. The new Born to Buck exhibit gives visitors a chance to see these beautiful athletes up close and learn more about their lives inside and outside the rodeo arena. Born to Buck is located outdoors in The Junction.
Extreme Dogs
Moooooove over cows and horses. RodeoHouston is going to the dogs! Man’s best friend will show off some skills this year at the Extreme Dogs show. It features rescue dogs in events including agility, dock diving, high jump, weave pole racing and more. The Extreme Dogs show will also be in The Junction.
Parakeet encounter
Another new animal will be winging its way to AGVENTURE park located in the NRG Center. The parakeet encounter gives rodeo-goers the opportunity to interact and feed the friendly little birds.
What’s for dinner?
When you go to the rodeo, bring an empty stomach and leave your diet at home. This year, there will be even more treats to tempt your taste buds.
American
Handmade Burgers, NRG Park The Junction
Jasper’s Rattlesnake Round Up, NRG Arena
The Tot Spot & Mac Shack, NRG Park The Junction
International
Island Noodles, NRG Park The Junction
Mexican
El Patio Restaurant, NRG Park Rodeo Plaza
Snacks
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, NRG Park Circle Drive
Sweets
Casa de Yummy, NRG Park The Junction
Fredericksburg Mini-Donut Co., NRG Park Circle Drive
Step right up!
Sensory Friendly Experience
The sights and sounds of the huge carnival can be a challenge for anyone with sensory sensitivities. To offer them a positive experience, the HLSR will host its first-ever Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience on Thursday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, there will be minimal lights and sounds permitted in certain areas of The Junction and the main carnival. More than 40 rides will be included in the Sensory Friendly Experience.
New rides and games
New York New York — New York New York is a family-friendly funhouse featuring two levels with a New York-themed concept.
Bottle Up: An old favorite that tests the skills and ability of the player to balance and stand up on a sloped platform.
Top Glo: A group game that allows a player and 13 friends to compete against each other by spraying a water gun at a target, racing to the top
Digital Carnival Packs
Half-Price carnival packs are going digital for 2020. It’s the same great half-price carnival packs (including ride/game tickets and coupons) without the paper. Rodeo carnival guests will need a smartphone to access their ride/game tickets and coupons by downloading the free RODEOHOUSTON App and the Rodeo Carnival App. Half-Price Carnival Packs are on sale now at rodeohouston.com
There’s more
The Social Spur
The Rodeo’s new social lounge, will add an interactive social media experience for Rodeo fans. The Social Spur, located near the McNee entrance, will feature music, TVs, photo opportunities and seating areas to help attendees relax and recharge. It will also offer phone charging stations and water refill stations.
Balloon mural
Rodeo-goers can check out the new balloon art display, located in AGVENTURE, as an artist creates a balloon-filled mural featuring a scene that will evolve during the run of the Rodeo.
Insta-worthy
Commemorate your 2020 #RODEOHOUSTON experience in a big way with a 3-D photo opportunity. Rodeo guests can round up their friends for a snap in front of oversized letters that spell out R-O-D-E-O.
Rodeo Rally
Check out the Games & Prizes section of the RODEOHOUSTON mobile app to earn digital buckles and free prizes. Visit different areas of the grounds and/or complete tasks, and prizes are awarded based on how many buckles you collect.
Farm team
Test your farming skills in the interactive Farming Simulator that allows players to build their own virtual farm from the ground up. The exhibit on the east side of NRG Center will include six stations where contestants compete in a timed hay-stacking competition.
