Texas is famous for its rodeos and livestock shows, which unite locals and tourists alike and offer fun activities suitable for the whole family. Whether you’re interested in bull riding, live concerts, and carnival rides or gearing up for outdoor bouldering surrounded by gorgeous landscape views, rodeos come in all different forms in the Lone Star State. Discover some of the best places in this southern country gem where Texas-sized rodeos are a must-see attraction.
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San Antonio
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo features 18 days of quality competition and entertainment at the downtown AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum. You can start by catching some of the sponsored events from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) such as bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, and kid-friendly activities such as calf scrambling and mutton busting.
Meanwhile, other attractions include livestock and horse shows, pony rides and petting zoos, carnival rides and retail booths, cook-offs, and live music. The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo runs from Feb. 7–24 with admission ranging from free entry for children 2 and under, $5 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors, and $10 for adults.
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Houston
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has a history dating back to 1932. Since that time, it has judged more than 30,000 livestock and horse participants and has raised nearly half a billion dollars in scholarship funds for Texas youth. Other events to look forward to this year include a parade, two RodeoHouston competitions, trail rides, a ranching and wildlife expo, and music shows.
These festivities will run between Feb. 25 and March 17 at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Standard admission is $5 for children, $15 for adults, and $35 for a multi-day pass. Individual rodeo performance may come with a separate fee, which costs anywhere from $20 to $350 depending on seating and seasonal preferences.
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Denton
There’s plenty in store for Denton residents at this year’s North Texas Fair and Rodeo. Located just off of North Carroll Boulevard at the Miller Lite Rodeo Arena, this event promises nine days worth of fun activities. These include a North Texas Fair parade, PRCA bull and bronc riding, photo and art contests, food and retail stalls, and concerts. The North Texas Fair and Rodeo runs from Aug. 16-24, and ticket prices consist of free admission for children 6 and under, $5 for children ages 7 to 12, and $15 for adults plus free Saturday shuttle service.
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El Paso
Head toward West Texas to El Paso’s Hueco Tanks State Historic Park for this next event. The Hueco Rock Rodeo swaps the bull riding and livestock shows for outdoor bouldering and majestic views of the surrounding natural wonders. From Feb. 15–17, you can compete alongside beginners and experts as you climb the East Mountain, East Spur, North Mountain, or West Mountain range. Ticket prices for the Hueco Rock Rodeo vary and go on sale beginning Jan. 7. Included in your pass are activities such as park admission, camping, art and trail projects, music, food trucks, and a Friday night barbecue.
From modeling your best western wear to gearing up for extreme sports, these Texas cities continue to serve up ideal locations for some of the state’s most anticipated rodeos.
Image by eschipul via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original