Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces 2027 kickoff events

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced a series of kickoff events to celebrate its 95th anniversary. Scheduled for February 25–27, 2027, these festivities will precede the official March 2 opening.

Key highlights include the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, featuring over 250 teams from Texas and around the world competing in categories such as brisket, ribs, and chicken. A junior cook-off for children aged 8–14 will also take place.

Other traditions include the Rodeo Roundup and Go Texan Day at Hermann Square, featuring a proclamation by Mayor John Whitmire and live music. The weekend will also feature the Rodeo Run, including a wheelchair race and 5K/10K events, followed by the Downtown Rodeo Parade, which includes marching bands, floats, and horseback riders.