The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock exhibition. The Houston Rodeo started in 1932 as the Houston Fat Stock Show, it began as a way to promote and preserve the struggling Texas cattle industry during the Great Depression. Annually, the Livestock Show continues at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Not only is it the largest livestock show, but also sets world records at the junior market show auctions.

Contestants of all ages may participate in the events taking place during the Rodeo including the Calf Scramble. During the Calf Scramble fifteen calves are released into the arena for thirty kids to chase and attempt to catch. Each student who catches a calf is awarded a $1,750 certificate to purchase a registered beef heifer or market steer to show at the Houston Livestock Show the following year. Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show has encouraged the breeding, raising and marketing of the livestock industry in the Texas region. Every year 30,000 entries of livestock are shown at the rodeo.

Yearly, the Rodeo gives millions of dollars in scholarships to Texas students. For 2026, The Houston Rodeo already committed over $30 million to scholarships and education programs. Scholarships go toward active members in FFA or for participants in Rodeo’s school art program.

The Rodeo is twenty-one days long and it starts March 2 and goes to March 22. During the twenty-one nights, a different artist will perform inside the NRG Stadium. There’s a range of various artists from Chris Stapleton to Lizzo to Creed. The Houston Rodeo has many forms of entertainment for all ages. For example inside the NRG Stadium there are different shows and expos like the junior market auctions. Outside NRG Stadium, there are 82 carnival rides, there is a mix of thrill rides and family-friendly rides.