Each night, once the Rodeo dust settles, a superstar takes the stage to entertain the crowds. The star entertainers begin performing after the last rodeo event is completed each evening and the stage is set. Actual start times for the concert can vary day to day due to the different number of rodeo competitors and other production elements.

The 2024 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo runs Feb. 27 through March 17, with three days of pre-rodeo events starting Feb. 22.

World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest brings together more than 250 barbecue teams competing for titles in the best brisket, ribs, chicken and desserts.

There will even be a Junior Cook-off Contest for children between the ages of 8 and 14, which will be held Friday, Feb. 23.

Unfortunately for eager pitmasters, the registration for next year has closed. Most team tents will be invitation-only, but there will still be other events for the public. Tickets cost $20 for ages 13 and over and $10 for children ages 3-12

Some Events Leading Up to the Event Are:

Rodeo Roundup & Go Texan Day
Go Texan Day is slated for Friday, Feb. 23, with a public Rodeo Roundup at Houston City Hall.

People across Houston wear their best Western outfits on this day, and the free Roundup event offers a chance to show off and enjoy a free chopped barbecue sandwich, provided by the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Committee. There will also be live music and photo opportunities atop a Texas Longhorn steer.

Notable Changes
Starting with the 2024 rodeo, weekend shows will now begin an hour earlier than previous years. NRG Stadium doors will open to the public at 2 p.m. on weekends, and shows will now begin at 2:45 p.m. instead of 3:45. Now guests will get the added luxury of more time at the parade grounds after attending concerts and official rodeo competitions.

More than 250 barbecue teams competed at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, Feb. 22 – 24, 2024. On Saturday night, one team was named Grand Champion Overall — Taste of South Texas Bar-B-Que Team.

Over the course of three days, teams from across Texas and the world competed for championship titles in the following categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Go Texan, Dutch Oven Dessert and the Open Contest.

Again in 2024, the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest hosted a Jr. Cook-off. These young competitors, 8 to 14 years old, were given a steak to prepare, and were judged on appearance/presentation, tenderness and taste.

The 2024 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest winners are:
Grand Champion Overall – Taste of South Texas Bar-B-Que Team
Reserve Champion Overall – Rancho Cerveza

Brisket
Champion – Taste of South Texas Bar-B-Que Team
Second Place – Telstar Cookers
Third Place – Texas Lonestar Cookers

Ribs
Champion – Pitmaker – BBQ Addiction
Second Place – Victoria County Go Texan
Third Place – Calhoun County Go Texan

Chicken
Champion – San Antonio Winner – Chicken Fried
Second Place – S&S Club, Inc.
Third Place – RIVS Smoke & Grill

Go Texan
Grand Champion – Victoria County Go Texan
Reserve Champion – Metro Go Texan 4/Chase-N-Moore Smoke

Dutch Oven Dessert
Champion – S&S Club, Inc.
Second Place – Tejas Cookers
Third Place – Brew Crew Cookers

Open Contest
Champion – Texas Cowtown Cookers
Second Place – Paloma Blanca
Third Place – Floyd, Morrow & Larkin

Jr. Cook-off
Champion – Shylyn Keith
Second Place – Hailynn Speichinger
Third Place – Brodie Daniel

Specialty Awards
Best Façade – Desperados Cook Team
Best Overall Theme – Cherokee County Go Texan
Best Skit – BOHICA BBQ Cooking Team

About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2024 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 17. The 2024 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 22 – 24. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.

If you are looking for info on the 2025 Houston Rodeo Cookoff and the 2025 Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff look no further. This year the 2025 Houston Rodeo will be held at NRG Stadium and have the Rodeo BBQ Cookoff on February 27 through March 1 and the Rodeo and Concerts will be held on March 4 through March 23. Click the image below to find out more.

2025 Houston Rodeo BBQ Cookoff and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo HSLR Lineup & info – Feb 27-Mar 23 – Rodeo announces Pre-Rodeo Events