Houston Rodeo Parade: Celebrating Western Heritage & Culture

The Houston Livestock Reveal and Rodeo’s Downtown Parade will take place on February 28, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. And continuing through noon, according to organizers.

The parade, a traditional kickoff to the annual event, will proceed through Downtown Houston, featuring decorative floats and riders on horseback, celebrating Western heritage. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan will serve as the grand marshal, according to event listings.

The Downtown Parade is one of several events preceding the official start of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 2, 2026. The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is currently underway, beginning February 26th and running through February 28th. The contest features over 250 competing teams, with awards to be presented on Saturday, February 28th, at The Garden Stage.

Tickets for the Bar-B-Que Contest are $30 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12, with free admission for children under 3. Tickets include concerts at The Garden Stage, complimentary brisket, beans and chips, and access to the carnival and Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon. Grounds season passes, priced at $65 per person, provide daily admission to the Bar-B-Que Contest and other public activities at NRG Park.

Likewise scheduled for February 26th are performances by DJ DU, Heather Rayleen, Trent Cowie, and Roger Creager at various stages within the Bar-B-Que Contest grounds. The National Cutting Horse Association is also holding events at NRG Arena on February 25th, 26th, and 27th.

The Houston Rodeo Run will also take place on February 28th, coinciding with the Downtown Parade.