Texas’ top rodeo experiences for 2023

Texas is world-famous for its proud cowboy culture and myriad of rodeo events, and with 2023 marking 140 years since the Lone Star State’s first rodeo in Pecos, travellers have plenty of options to immerse themselves in authentic history and culture. From small-town bronco racing and livestock competitions to the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, visitors can celebrate this momentous year in style and authenticity with a visit to some of the best and largest rodeos in the world.

Celebrate 140 years of rodeos in Pecos

The world’s first official rodeo took place in 1883 in Pecos as a friendly competition between two cowboys. It has since become a staple in the Texan way of life and was declared the state’s official sport in 1997. In Pecos, this tradition is honoured each June at the Buck Jackson Arena, where visitors can experience a thrilling showcase of barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping.

Head to Houston for the largest rodeo show in the world

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in the world, bringing over 2.5 million visitors to the city each year. From 28 February through 19 March, visitors will be treated to a host of activities, including the Grand Kickoff Parade, Carnival, and a series of concerts, including performances by The Chainsmokers, Machine Gun Kelly, and Luke Bryan. During the day, over 65,000 fans will fill the NRG stadium to watch professionals compete in events such as bronco busting, team roping, and bull riding for a chance to win up to $1.5M in prize money.

Celebrate iconic music, food, and cowboy culture in Austin

Rodeo Austin is one of America’s top ProRodeo events, taking place from 10 to 25 March and combining stellar live music performances with heart-racing displays of bull riding and barrel racing, as well as mutton bustin’ for youngsters. Operating since 1938 and expanding from a stock show with only 16 animals to one of Texas’ premier events, Rodeo Austin is an integral part of the city’s heritage and identity. Alongside the rodeo, Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World will be front and centre, with performances by Flo Rida, Russell Dickerson, and Aaron Watson. Rodeo Austin will also host the annual BBQ Austin event on 3 and 4 March, where teams from across the state will compete for the title of Texas’ best BBQ.

Fort Worth hosts the longest continuously running rodeo

First held in 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is the oldest continuously running livestock show and rodeo in Texas. With a 23-day extravaganza starting 13 January, events include the annual Cowboys of Color Rodeo, which shines a light on over 200 African American, Hispanic and Native American cowboys and cowgirls, and the Best of Mexico Celebración, featuring Mexican charro, trick riders, mariachis, Folklorico dancers, and more. This year, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo will also host the Texas Champions Challenge, in which winners from across the state will compete for the prestigious championship title on 19 January.

San Antonio Rodeo offers thrills and family fun

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February has grown to be one of the city’s largest and most prestigious events, bringing over two million visitors to the city each year. This exciting family event features a fun-filled carnival, livestock shows, and a vibrant wildlife area, plus more than 650 shopping vendors and live performances. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is also host to one of the state’s only Youth Rodeos, where budding athletes can compete in events such as Barrel Racing, Tie-Down Roping, and Goat Tying for the title of San Antonio’s next rising star.