It’s time to put those boots on the ground and that meat on the grill—Houston’s biggest BBQ showdown is back! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest returns to NRG Park from February 27 to March 1.
RODEO FOOD: Bun B’s award-winning ‘Trill Burgers’ to return to Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for 2023 season
Recommended Videos
This three-day event brings together over 250 barbecue teams competing for top honors while offering visitors a mix of delicious food, live music, and carnival fun.
📅 Event Details and Tickets
- Dates & Hours:
- Thursday, Feb. 27: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 28: Noon – 11 p.m.
- Saturday, March 1: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Awards at 7 p.m.)
- 🎟️ Ticket Prices:
- 👨👩👧👦 Adults (13 & over): $26
- 🧒 Children (3-12): $10
- 👶 Children under 2: Free
- 🎫 Grounds Season Pass: $57 (Includes admission to WCBBQ & RodeoHouston grounds but excludes stadium rodeo events)
- 💳 Note: Starting at 9 p.m. each night, the Bud Light Plaza Gate will be cashless for all transactions.
MORE RODEO NEWS: Reba McEntire chats ‘The Voice’, Rodeo, and why she loves Houston so much
🍖 Where to Get BBQ
While most team tents are invitation-only, attendees can enjoy complimentary sliced brisket, beans, and chips at The Chuckwagon inside the Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon. The saloon also features live music, DJ performances, and an outdoor patio.
🎸 Live Music at The Garden Stage
The Garden Stage hosts Texas country music performances throughout the event.
- Thursday, Feb. 27
- 6:15 p.m. – DJ DU
- 7:15 p.m. – Tyler Halverson
- 9:15 p.m. – Mike Ryan
- Friday, Feb. 28
- 3:30 p.m. – DJ DU
- 5:00 p.m. – Annie Bosko
- 7:15 p.m. – Kevin Fowler
- 9:15 p.m. – Randall King
- Saturday, March 1
- 11:30 a.m. – DJ DU
- 2:00 p.m. – Gunnar Latham
- 4:00 p.m. – Don Louis
- 5:00 p.m. – Trent Cowie
- 7:45 p.m. – Redferrin
- 9:30 p.m. – Roger Creager
🏆 Awards and Contests
The highlight of the event is the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, where teams compete in multiple categories, including brisket, ribs, and chicken. Winners will be announced on The Garden Stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.
🎡 Carnival Attractions
Between BBQ tastings, visitors can explore the carnival, featuring thrill rides, midway games, and family-friendly attractions. While carnival admission is included with a WCBBQ ticket, rides and games require separate purchases.
READ MORE: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo reveals 2025 entertainment lineup🤠
📍 Public Venues
With a Bar-B-Que Contest ticket, visitors have access to:
- The Garden Stage (Presented by Miller Lite) – Live Texas country music
- The Chuckwagon – Complimentary BBQ plates
- Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon – Live and DJ music, plus an outdoor patio
- The Carnival (Presented by First Community) – Open daily during the event
🔥 Recap of 2024
Last year’s cook-off featured over 250 teams, with the Taste of South Texas Bar-B-Que Team winning Grand Champion Overall. Teams competed in categories like brisket, ribs, chicken, Go Texan, Dutch Oven Dessert, and the Open Contest. The Jr. Cook-off also showcased young competitors aged 8-14. 🏅🍗
