The 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo kicked off last night, and the annual celebration of cattle, country music, and deep-fried calorie bombs will continue through March 26. With concerts, rodeo events, livestock competitions, and a carnival daily, there’s plenty to do and see even if you don’t score tickets to any of the big shows. General admission day passes are only $10 ($5 for kids under 12) and will get you access to the livestock show, exhibits, shopping, carnival, and horse shows. Season passes are $25, a great deal for true HLSR devotees. Carnival rides, concerts, and rodeo events are not included in the day pass rate. If you want to take in a show or watch calf-roping, barrel racing, and other rodeo events, you’ll need to buy a specific ticket for that.
Not a fan of cowboy boots and country music? This year’s lineup includes plenty of twang-free music options, including Alicia Keys, the Chainsmokers, Fifth Harmony, and Blink 182. There are also a few Tejano bands, and of course, lots and lots of country music. Concert tickets include admission to all the other exhibits, shows, and activities.
No mention of the rodeo would be complete without talking about the food! Each year food vendors compete to come up with the most over-the-top, completely ridiculous carnival indulgence, most of them served on a stick for convenient on-the-go consumption. Deep fried Oreos? Please, that hasn’t been groundbreaking since the 1990’s. This year’s standout options include Flamin’ Hot Cheetos roasted corn on the cob, fried cheesecake on a stick, a mammoth corn dog, and more deep-fried novelty foods than you can possibly hope to sample in one day.
Parking at the rodeo is extremely difficult if you don’t have a parking pass, and traffic in and around the area can be horrendous. Make things easier on yourself and avoid traffic delays by taking a $2.50 metro ride to the park, or go to one of the many park and ride locations throughout the city, which vary in price for parking and shuttle services. For detailed information about parking and transportation, click here.
Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your whole life, you shouldn’t let the rodeo season come to a close without at least one visit. Yeee-haw!
For more information, please visit RodeoHouston.com.
Source: Rodeo Houston