HOUSTON – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in full swing, and one of its most anticipated events, Go Tejano Day, is set to take over NRG Stadium and the surrounding rodeo grounds Sunday. The day is dedicated to celebrating Latino culture, bringing together music, food, and traditions that are deeply rooted in Western heritage.
Mariachi Invitational and Grito Competition
One of the key attractions leading up to Go Tejano Day is the Mariachi Invitational, which begins with the first round at the Arena Theatre the night before. The semifinals take place at 11 a.m. inside The Hideout, a free event open to anyone with access to the rodeo grounds. The top two groups from the semifinals will then advance to perform inside NRG Stadium before the headline concert.
In addition, this year introduces an exciting grito competition at multiple venues, including the Miller Lite Stage and other locations across the grounds, allowing attendees to participate in this traditional Mexican vocal expression of joy and celebration.
Go Tejano Day: A Rich History
The Go Tejano Committee began in 1986 with only 15 members, initially known as the VAT Committee. Today, the committee has grown to over 300 volunteers, all dedicated to preserving Latino culture and raising funds for scholarships through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“For the Latino community, Go Tejano Day provides representation and highlights how we are deeply ingrained in Western heritage,” said Adrian, a committee leader. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our culture while supporting educational opportunities for students.”
Throughout the years, iconic Tejano and Latin artists such as Selena, Roberto Pulido, and Intocable have taken the stage, drawing record-breaking crowds. In 2024, Los Tigres del Norte set attendance records, continuing the tradition of bringing top Latin artists to the Houston rodeo. This year, the highly anticipated performer Grupo Frontera will take the stage at NRG Stadium, further cementing Go Tejano Day’s reputation as one of the most attended events at the rodeo.
Beyond the Concert: A Full Day of Festivities
While the concert is a major highlight, Go Tejano Day offers a variety of entertainment across the rodeo grounds. From performances by mariachi groups to traditional Mexican folk dancing, attendees can enjoy a full day of live music, food, and cultural exhibits. The Go Tejano Committee also oversees the diner on the grounds, where all proceeds go toward scholarships benefiting students, particularly first-generation Latino students pursuing higher education.
“This is the only diner run entirely by a committee, and every dollar spent here directly supports scholarships,” Adrian explained. “We’re proud to contribute to the next generation’s education while sharing our culture with the community.”
How to Attend
Go Tejano Day is a family-friendly event open to all rodeo attendees. To experience the festivities, simply purchase a rodeo grounds ticket, which grants access to The Hideout, The Junction Stage, and other entertainment areas.
For a full schedule of events and more information, visit rodeohouston.com under the Special Days section.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the competitions, or the delicious food, Go Tejano Day promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Latino heritage at Rodeo Houston.
