Texas Rodeo Schedule: Where to Wear Your Custom Cowboy Hat
Custom Hat Maker in Houston, TX
If there's one thing Texans know how to do right, it's throw a rodeo. From the world's largest livestock show right here in Houston to small-town rodeos under the West Texas stars, the Texas rodeo season is loaded with opportunities to dust off your boots, saddle up your style, and show off a custom cowboy hat that actually fits the shape of your head. As Houston's go-to custom hat maker, I get asked the same question every January: "Where can I wear this thing?" So I put together the definitive Texas rodeo schedule — the big-ticket Texas rodeos, the hometown favorites, and a few hidden gems worth the drive.
Whether you're shopping for a custom felt hat, a handmade straw hat, or a one-of-a-kind rodeo hat to break in at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, this guide will help you plan around the best Texas rodeos.
The Big Four: Texas's Most Iconic Rodeos
These are the marquee Texas rodeo events — the ones that draw country music headliners, professional cowboys, and over a million visitors each. If you're investing in a custom-made cowboy hat, these are the rodeos to wear it to.
1. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo — January to February
The granddaddy of the Texas rodeo season kicks off in Cowtown. The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo runs from mid-January through early February at Dickies Arena, the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, and surrounding venues. The FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament features a $1.5 million purse, ranking it among the top five PRCA-sanctioned rodeos in the country. Don't miss specialty events like Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and Bulls' Night Out.
2. San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo — February
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo runs throughout February at the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum fairgrounds. With 22 rodeo performances and a star-studded concert lineup featuring country, rock, and Tejano artists, San Antonio's 18-day celebration draws over 1.5 million visitors.
3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — March
Our hometown rodeo! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world, and it takes over NRG Stadium for most of March — three full weeks of championship rodeo, concerts, the carnival, and the famous World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. Don't miss the Downtown Rodeo Parade kicking things off in late February.
This is THE event for showing off a custom Houston cowboy hat. Come see me before the rodeo to get a custom-fitted hat made — bookings fill up fast every January and February.
4. Rodeo Austin — March
Officially the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo, Rodeo Austin runs in March at the Travis County Expo Center. This PRCA ProRodeo features daily concerts, livestock shows, a carnival, and the iconic BBQ cook-off.
More Major Texas Rodeos Worth the Drive
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo — February and April
A PRCA Playoff Series rodeo and one of the largest contestant rodeos in the world. The San Angelo Rodeo livestock show runs in February, with the rodeo and midway in April at the Foster Communications Coliseum. This is pure, hard-driving rodeo action — no concerts, just elite ProRodeo competition.
West of the Pecos Rodeo — June
Billed as "The World's First Rodeo," dating back to 1883. If you want a piece of authentic Texas rodeo history, make the trip to Pecos in late June. Look for theme nights including Family Night, Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night, and Patriot Night.
Mesquite Championship Rodeo — June through August
Mesquite was officially named the Rodeo Capital of Texas by the Texas State Legislature, and for good reason. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo runs every Saturday from June through August at the Mesquite Arena — bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin' for the kids, and a fan zone where families can meet the cowboys.
Stockyards Championship Rodeo — Year-Round, Fort Worth
The world's only year-round rodeo, held every Friday and Saturday at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards — the site of the world's first indoor rodeo. If you can't make it to FWSSR in January, this is your year-round rodeo fix.
Hometown Rodeos Near Houston
You don't have to travel far from Houston to catch great Texas rodeo action. These regional rodeos are perfect for breaking in a new custom hat without the crowds of NRG Stadium.
Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo — September
Right in Houston's backyard. The Pasadena Rodeo runs in late September, with the BBQ Cook-Off the weekend prior. A true neighborhood Texas rodeo with all the charm and none of the freeway traffic.
Brazoria County Fair and Rodeo — October
A nine-day celebration of South Texas culture in Angleton, the Brazoria County Fair runs in October. Expect bull riding, barrel racing, livestock shows, carnival rides, and small-town hospitality.
🔗 bcfa.org
Other Regional Texas Rodeos to Add to Your Calendar
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Parker County Sheriff's Posse Frontier Days Rodeo — Weatherford, TX | June
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Brown County Rodeo — Brownwood, TX | June
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Mabank Annual Rodeo — Mabank, TX | June
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Whitesboro Annual July 4th Rodeo — Whitesboro, TX | July
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Black Gold Stampede Rodeo — Henderson, TX | Fall
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Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo — Waco, TX | October/November
For the most current Texas rodeo schedule and entry information, visit cprarodeo.com (Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association) or prorodeo.com.
Get Hat-Ready for Rodeo Season in Houston
A great Texas rodeo deserves a great Texas hat — and I don't mean something off the rack at a department store. Whether you're heading to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, RodeoHouston concerts, or driving up to the Fort Worth Stock Show, a custom cowboy hat made just for you completes the look and lasts a lifetime.
I specialize in:
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Custom-made felt cowboy hats (perfect for rodeo season)
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Handcrafted straw hats for spring and summer Texas rodeos
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Hat shaping, restoration, and re-blocking
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Personalized hat bands, feathers, and trim
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One-on-one consultations to find your signature rodeo hat style
Located in Houston, TX. If you're attending the Houston Rodeo, Pasadena Rodeo, or any other Texas rodeo, book a fitting now — rodeo season fills my calendar faster than calf roping fills an 8-second clock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Rodeos
What is the biggest rodeo in Texas? The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the biggest rodeo in Texas — and the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world — drawing over 2 million visitors annually.
When does Texas rodeo season start? The Texas rodeo season officially kicks off in mid-January with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and runs essentially year-round, peaking in February and March with the "Texas Swing" of major PRCA events.
What should I wear to a Texas rodeo? Boots, jeans, a Western shirt, and a great cowboy hat. Bonus points if your hat is custom-made and fits you correctly — store-bought hats almost never sit right.
Where can I get a custom cowboy hat in Houston? Right here at The Hat Chick. Contact me to book a fitting.
Tags: Texas rodeo schedule, Houston rodeo, custom cowboy hats Houston, rodeo hats, RodeoHouston, Texas rodeos, cowboy hat maker Houston, Western fashion Texas, custom felt hats, handmade cowboy hats
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