Houston rodeo cookoff 2025: Tickets, dates and hours, parking, what's included
Houston Rodeo: World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, what you need to know
FOX 26's Coco Dominguez explains what you need to know ahead of the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.
HOUSTON - Rodeo season has returned to Houston, which means it's time for the 2025 World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.
Big picture view:
More than 250 teams compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden Stage, presented by Miller Lite, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon. Plus, the Carnival, presented by First Community, is open for wild rides and fun games.
The Garden Stage features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music, and has an outside patio for visitors to enjoy. Inside the saloon is the Chuckwagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary BBQ plate.
Dates & hours:
February 27 - March 1, 2025
Thursday, Feb. 27: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 28: 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, March 1: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Houston rodeo cookoff tickets
Prices: Tickets for one night cost as follows:
- Adult (13 & Over): $26
- Child (3-12): $10
- Age two & under: Free
What's included:
- Concerts at The Garden Stage
- Admission to Carnival (NOT valid for rides or games)
- Admission to Saloon & Chuckwagon
- Complimentary sliced brisket, beans, and chips
- Starting at 9 p.m. each night, the Bud Light Plaza Gate is cashless.
Dig deeper:
To purchase tickets or get more information, click here.
Where to park
For more information on parking for the event, click here.
What is included in admission?
With a Bar-B-Que Contest ticket, visitors may enjoy The Garden Stage, presented by Miller Lite, which presents some of the best names in Texas country music. The Garden Stage is located in the center of the contest grounds.
A delicious complimentary BBQ plate awaits guests at The Chuckwagon, and next door, visitors can enjoy the Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, which features live and DJ music. At the saloon, you can find an outdoor patio area.
The Carnival, presented by First Community, is available for people to enjoy throughout the day and night. Rides and games cost extra.
Can I get into the tents?
Most team tents are invitation only.
Houston rodeo cookoff map
Click here to view on mobile device.
Garden Stage Entertainment
Thursday, February 27
6:15 p.m. - DJ DU
7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. - Tyler Halverson
9:15 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. - Mike Ryan
Friday, February 28
3:30 p.m. - DJ DU
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Annie Bosko
7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. - Kevin Fowler
9:15 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. - Randall King
Saturday, March 1
11:30 a.m.: DJ DU
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Trent Cowie
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Gunnar Latham
4 p.m.– 5:30 p.m.: Don Louis
7:45 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.: Redferrin
9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.: Roger Creager
The Source: The information in this article is from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.