It’s rodeo time in Houston with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo once again opening its doors to the city. Although the rodeo features a parade of cows and horses, you don’t have to be a cowboy to get into the spirit of the event. There’s actually plenty of things to do for everyone, whether they’re southern born or transplants from the north. Each year, the rodeo brings concerts, BBQ contests, food competitions, and carnival rides to go alongside traditional events like the calf scramble and the horse show. While the rodeo is in town, you might want to think about making the most of it by visiting the following spots around Houston.

The Rodeo

NRG Center photo by Shutterstock

If you’re planning to visit the Rodeo itself, it will be held between February 27 and March 18 in the area of town known as the Gridiron. Located east of Braeswood Place and south of the Texas Medical Center, this area is home to NRG Center, NRG Park, and NRG Arena, making it a great neighborhood for sports fans. Although typically the part of town where the Houston Texans play, there’s one month every year when crowds from throughout the country descend into the area to enjoy the country festivities that happen at NRG Center.

BBQ, Honky-Tonk, Cowboy Boots, and More  

Brisket House

There are plenty of big name brisket locations around town. However, tucked away into a small shopping center just outside the Galleria sits one of Houston’s best-kept secrets. The Brisket House isn’t parked along a major highway and isn’t at the center of traffic. You might miss it if you’re just passing through the area along Woodway Drive. Still, there’s a reason that it’s been recognized as among the city’s tastiest BBQ joints by the Houston Press. Guests can choose from up to three meats per plate that include sausage, brisket, and pork ribs along with classics sides such as baked potato and potato salad. 

Goode’s Armadillo Palace

A unique sight for visitors to Houston is the giant, silver plated armadillo that sits outside of Goode’s Armadillo Palace. However, it’s a familiar sight for anyone living around Southampton and the more familiar University Place neighborhoods that are close to Rice University. Goode’s is known for its food, but on the weekends, it transforms into an old-fashioned honkytonk dancehall. Featuring live music from well-known acts, Goode’s weekend music became so popular that it expanded its dancehall in 2016. 

Lucchese

If you want to get into the country spirit but don’t have the clothes to look the part, then stop in at Lucchese. Located in Highland Village, Lucchese is a 130-year old company that was first founded in El Paso, TX. Lucchese was originally known for the production of its luxury boots, Lucchese also specializes in the sale of clothes for both men and women. Men’s polo shirts, women’s shirts, and accessories like boots, socks, and handbags can all be found at Lucchese’s, each with its own country flair. 

George Ranch Historical Park

If you’re looking for an authentic look at what life was like in the Houston countryside, you can take a trip to George Ranch Historical Park. Located beyond Sugar Land on the edge of Smithers Lake, the park is home to three generations of family houses. The 1830s Jones Stockfarm portrays what life was like in the earliest years of Houston, while the 1890s Davis House complex is a look at what Victorian Texas was like. Finally, the 1930s George Ranch Complex went on to become a successful cattle ranching area. Visitors can see each home as they appeared when originally constructed, talk to actors imitating people from that time period, take tours of the property, and see what life in Houston was like over the course of a century. 

Other Texas Spots to Get in the Rodeo Spirit

Photo courtesy of Stampede Houston

Regardless of where you are in Houston, there are plenty of places to visit if you want to listen to country music. Big Texas Dance Hall in Spring, Stampede Houston in Eastex-Jensen, and Wild West near Briar Meadow will all be serving up country music during and after the rodeo. When you’re not dancing to the music, you can grab a hearty dinner at Gatlin’s Barbeque near Shepherd Forest or Pinkerton’s Barbeque in the Houston Heights. Even inner-city dwellers in Downtown Houston can grab great BBQ at Jackson Street. No matter where you are in Texas, there’s some way to get into the rodeo spirit.