🤠
Sat, Mar 14
Opening Night Rodeo
rodeoThe 2026 Rodeo Austin season kicks off with bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping in the Travis County Expo Center arena.
7:00 PMTravis County Expo Center$25–$45
March 14–22, 2026
Rodeo Austin 2026
Your complete guide to Rodeo Austin. 8 events, 5 food vendors, concerts, livestock shows, and carnival rides.
Schedule — 8 Events
🎵
Sat, Mar 14
Opening Night Concert
concertThe season opener features a major headline act performing after the rodeo events. Past headliners include Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert.
9:00 PMMain StageIncluded with rodeo ticket
🐄
Sun, Mar 15
Junior Livestock Show
livestockWatch Texas youth compete with their prized animals in categories including cattle, pigs, goats, lambs, and poultry.
8:00 AMShow BarnFree with gate admission
🎡
Mon, Mar 16
Carnival Midway — Family Day
carnivalDiscounted rides and games for the whole family. Over 50 rides, carnival games, and attractions on the expanded 2026 midway.
11:00 AMMidway Grounds$30 unlimited ride wristband
🍖
Tue, Mar 17
BBQ Cook-Off
foodOver 30 teams compete for Best BBQ in Austin. Sample brisket, ribs, sausage, and creative entries from top pitmasters.
11:00 AMBBQ Grounds$15 tasting pass
🤠
Fri, Mar 20
Championship Rodeo Night
rodeoThe top qualifiers from the week compete for prize money in bull riding, saddle bronc, and team roping.
7:30 PMTravis County Expo Center$35–$55
🎵
Sat, Mar 21
Headliner Concert Night
concertThe biggest concert of the 2026 season featuring a national headlining artist performing a full set under the stars.
8:30 PMMain Stage$40–$75
🤠
Sun, Mar 22
Closing Night Rodeo Finals
rodeoThe final night of competition crowns the 2026 Rodeo Austin champions with prize purses totaling over $200,000.
7:00 PMTravis County Expo Center$30–$50
🍖 Must-Try Food Vendors
Salt Lick BBQ
Texas BBQ · $12–$18
Must try: Brisket plate with sausage and slaw
Fletcher's Corny Dogs
Corn dogs · $8–$10
Must try: Original corny dog with mustard
Fried Butter Stand
Deep fried everything · $7–$12
Must try: Deep fried butter with cinnamon
Turkey Leg Junction
Smoked turkey legs · $12–$15
Must try: Giant smoked turkey leg
Funnel Cake Factory
Funnel cakes · $8–$12
Must try: Strawberry funnel cake with whipped cream
🚗 Parking & Getting There
- Park at the free remote lot at 7311 Decker Ln and take the shuttle ($5 round trip)
- Uber/Lyft drop-off zone is at Gate 5 on Decker Lane — easiest option for late-night concerts
- VIP parking ($25) is available pre-purchase only and sells out fast. Buy weeks in advance.
- Arrive 1+ hour early for Friday/Saturday events — parking fills up quickly
- The East gate has less congestion than the main West gate entrance
About Rodeo Austin
Rodeo Austin is the city's premier western heritage event, bringing together rodeo competitions, live music, carnival rides, livestock shows, and some of the best food in Texas. Held annually at the Travis County Expo Center, the event draws over 250,000 visitors across its multi-day run.
Beyond the entertainment, Rodeo Austin raises over $1 million annually for youth education through its scholarship program. It's one of Austin's most beloved traditions — a celebration of Texas culture that brings together families, ranchers, cowboys, and country music fans from across the state.