At the end of February is The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. It’s known to most Houston natives (or those who’ve been here long enough to call themselves native) as simply, Rodeo Cook-off. My dad has been on a team since I was 16, and at this point I’ve spent one weekend a year, for over half my life, in the NRG Stadium parking lot, basking in the smell of BBQ.
For non-natives and new transplants to Houston, Rodeo Cook-off is an enigma, they’ve heard rumor and legend, but they aren’t ever quite sure what it is or why it happens. Well, consider me, and this post, your guide to all things Houston Rodeo Cook-off.
A Short History of The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
While the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo started back in 1932, the barbecue contest portion wasn’t added until 1974. That year a mere 17 teams competed. Today, 49 years later, over 250 teams from all over Texas and the world compete in brisket, chicken, ribs, dutch oven dessert, and a newly added open contest.
The word barbecue is pretty synonymous with Texas. Texans will defend their way of slow cooking meat with smoke until the cows come home. We will also celebrate it at one of the largest barbecue competitions in the world. So, let’s get one thing straight, there is NO chili at this cook-off. This is a competition of meat (and dessert) cooked over wood, charcoal, or wood pellets. There’s no propane or electric elements allowed, per official contest rules.
Visiting The HLSR World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Rodeo Cook-off runs for three days, Thursday dinner, Friday dinner, and Saturday lunch and dinner. It is always the weekend before The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the official kick-off to Rodeo season.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Admission gets you into concerts at the Miller Lite stage at The Garden, admission to the Carnival (but no carnival tickets), admission to the Saloon & Chuckwagon, and a complimentary sliced brisket, beans and chips. Admission does not get you into private team tents (more on that to come).
The Houston Rodeo Cook-off is also some of the best people watching you can get. Folks are dressed to the nines in western wear, which shocked the heck out of my Philadelphia raised husband his first year. Aside from that a special breed of folk come out to cook-off. I’ve seen a man with a floor length duster jacket made entirely from Crown Royal bags. I’ve also seen a man with a jacket made of assorted animal pelts. In some ways it’s the Houston and rodeo version of the renaissance festival.
If you plan on attending with kids, my suggestion is to come Saturday, early, stay for lunch and leave before dark. It’s fun to walk around, listen to live music, eat some food and ride rides at the carnival. After dark, and on Thursday and Friday evening, it is truly an adult party atmosphere.
Houston Rodeo Cook-off Team Tents
Now back to those private team tents I mentioned earlier. Each of the 250+ teams have team tent space. Each of these tents are basically an all you can eat and drink private party. Private is the key word here. You have to know someone to get into any of these tents.
Even if you don’t know someone on a team, or sponsoring a team, it’s worth taking a walk through the rows and rows of tents. Teams spend a lot of time and energy decorating their tents.
If you’re imagining pop up canopies with party decor hung from them with scotch tape, erase that vision right now. Each team area is a giant event tent, like you’d see at a wedding, with facades, decor and themes worked in. I’ve been in tents with carpet and chandeliers. I’ve seen bbq pits shaped like trains, airplanes, and covered wagons. The entry and exit of the Waste Management sponsored tent looks like you are walking into port-a-john. It’s truly a sight to behold and strolling through the streets of team tents gives you an idea of how big this whole Rodeo Cook-off thing really is.
Being On A Houston Rodeo Cook-off Team
If you’re thinking you want to start your own team, you’ll have to get in line. People wait for years to get team space. And once they get them, they keep them. This will be our team’s 37th year. Having a team at this cook-off is expensive. A whole year of planning goes into the three day event, which includes reading the 72 page contestant handbook and understanding obscure rules like no stickers allowed and the rules and responsibilities of the Chief Cook.
Still, if you are dedicated to getting on a team, the best advice I can give is volunteer. I can’t speak to how all teams work, but for ours, volunteering is key. It takes a lot to build a tent with an operating kitchen, bar, serving area, dance floor, seating area and more. It takes significant man power to serve, clean and keep the whole thing going for three days. Even though my dad has been on the team for years, my husband had to volunteer for several years, for several days each year, before he was asked to be an official team member.
In my experience being on an HLSR Cook-off team is like having a weird dysfunctional family you only get together with once a year, but when you do see them it’s for 18 hours a day, for several days, outside in sun, cold, wind and rain. You are tired, and you always smell like BBQ smoke. Your feet hurt and you have indigestion from the insane consumption of smoked meats and potato salad. You huddle together under a propane heater in the cold years or pile clothing on chairs as you all strip down in the warm years.
You all know, all too well, what an overused port-a-john looks like and you’re ever so thankful for the members only port-a-john, hidden in the back.
You’ve celebrated births together. You’ve mourned the loss of cherished members. You’ve watched each others kids grow. You’ve tossed out glow necklaces to strangers together. You support each other and laugh together.
Each year you silently watch as the Chief Cook puts perfectly sliced meat in a pristine container under the supervision of officials. Together you clap them out as they walk to deliver the contest entry to the judges, holding your breath and hoping you’ll see a finalist banner later that day.
Most of all, when the exhaustion hits, you’ve learned how, in the middle of it all, to sleep in a chair in the corner for a quick power nap.
I’ve spent high school days in that tent. I introduced my north easterner husband to all things Texas in that tent. I waddled in at 39 weeks pregnant to eat my weight in smoked meats. We’ve watched our daughter get older year after year in that tent. It’s part of who we are. It’s part of what makes me feel most Texan, most Houstonian.
Being on a team is wonderful and messy and delicious and exhausting and one of the wildest things we do every, single, year. Our team is really its own weird family of assorted humans and we’re all working together to do this insane thing and celebrate it at the end of each season. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Tickets, Parking and More at HLSR Bar-B-Que Contest
Tickets
Cook-off this year is February 23-25, 2023. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online. You have two ticket options, individual day or season pass. A season pass will get you into the Bar-B-Que contest every day and daily admission during the run of the entire rodeo season, with access to all public activities at NRG Park, NRG Center, NRG Arena, and admission to Carnival. These season passes will not get you into the big concerts or the stadium.
Weather
Wearing your western wear is great, but also dress for the weather. In 2022 it was around 38 degrees, windy and raining all weekend. In years past we’ve been in tank tops and left with a sunburn. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable at the Houston Rodeo cook-off.
Parking
If you are lucky enough to have tickets to a private team tent, check out the contestant map on the HLSR website to decide on the best lot to park in, otherwise you might be taking a long walk through the carnival, depending on where you need to go.
Self parking is available in the Teal, Yellow, Purple and 610 Lots. It’s $25 per vehicle and paid when you arrive, so bring cash to make the process go a little faster. If you can, come early to insure you can find a parking spot.
Ride share is always a great option. I’ve had friends call me and say they were turning around and going home because all the parking lots were full. So definitely consider this, especially if you plan to arrive later in the evening.
And please, don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver or take a ride share or public transportation home.
If you are new to Houston or have never been to the Houston Rodeo cook-off, make this the year you come out!
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FAQs
Over the course of three days, teams battle for the best brisket, ribs, chicken and more! HOUSTON — More than 250 barbecue teams from around Texas and all over the world will compete in the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park.
Who won the HLSR cook off in 2023? ›
This year's Grand Overall Champion of the 2023 World's Championship Bar-B-Que was Jasper County Go Texan. In second was the Reserve Grand Champion McLennan County Go Texan.
How does the Houston Cook Off work? ›
You have two ticket options, individual day or season pass. A season pass will get you into the Bar-B-Que contest every day and daily admission during the run of the entire rodeo season, with access to all public activities at NRG Park, NRG Center, NRG Arena, and admission to Carnival.
How much is food at the Houston Rodeo 2023? ›
How much is food at the Houston rodeo? Expensive. Some simple items can cost $5 to $8, but most food—especially the bespoke creations—can cost $15, $20, sometimes $25.
Where to park for Houston Cookoff? ›
Public on-site parking is available for $20 in the following locations. Location: The primary route to the Yellow Lot is 610 to Main st. enter Gate 16 off Main st.
Who had the biggest crowd at the Houston Rodeo? ›
Most-attended RodeoHouston concerts include Ariana Grande and Cardi B.
Is HLSR the biggest Rodeo? ›
History. Started as the Houston Fat Stock Show in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has grown to become the world's largest, charitable production of its kind.
Who are the presidents of the HLSR? ›
Officers. The board re-elected Dr. Chris Boleman, president and CEO; Katie Grahmann, chief financial officer and corporate treasurer; and elected Jeffrey Downing, general counsel and corporate secretary for 2024.
What was the auction record for the HLSR steer? ›
Patin raised the Grand Champion steer in Thorndale, Texas, a town of about 1,300 located west of College Station, and sold him at auction for a cool $550,000.
How much is the Houston Cook-off? ›
PSA: Even if you have a wristband, tickets to get in are $20. Committee members can get in with a +1 for free, just like the regular rodeo. Here's everything you will need to know before you go!
Feb. 22 – 24, 2024. More than 250 teams, led by barbecue aficionados, compete in the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden, Rockin' Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon.
Where do you drop off Uber at the Houston Rodeo? ›
Uber & Lyft Ride Sharing
Drop-offs and pick-ups are in the yellow lot. Entrance Gate 16B off Main St.; from the northbound lanes of Main Street is the only access to the lot.
How much are fried Oreos at the Rodeo? ›
Pinchie's: Fried Oreos $7.00.
Can I bring my own food to Houston Rodeo? ›
Rodeo And Concerts
No outside food is allowed in the stadium. Even if you buy BBQ at the Rodeo, you need to finish it before going to the stadium. Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 2 hours later.
Do you need cash at the Houston Rodeo? ›
Guests may use their debit or credit cards for any purchases. While the majority of stands on NRG Park Grounds, NRG Center and NRG Arena will accept cash as well as debit or credit cards, NRG Stadium will be cashless.
Is there free parking at the Rodeo Houston? ›
Parking is $25. The Yellow Lot opens daily at 6 a.m., the 610 Lot opens daily at 9 a.m. and the OST 1 opens weekdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information on parking, visit the RodeoHouston website or download the RodeoHouston mobile app.
Can you Uber to the Houston Rodeo? ›
Uber & Lyft Ride Sharing
Entrance Gate 16B off Main St.; from the north bound lanes of Main Street is the only access to the lot. There is no left turn lane access allowed from the south bound lanes of Main Street.
What is the most famous rodeo in Texas? ›
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also called RodeoHouston or abbreviated HLSR, is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. It includes one of the richest regular-season professional rodeo events.
What are the busiest days at the rodeo? ›
Throughout the three weeks of rodeo, there are plenty of themed days and special events that are sure to bring out a great crowd. Among the most popular are Armed Forces Day, First Responders Day and Go Tejano Day, according to a Houston Rodeo spokesperson.
Who sold the most tickets at the Houston Rodeo? ›
Here's a look at who has sold the most. After the first morning and afternoon of general public ticket sales, Bun B's Southern Takeover — a wildly popular Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Show in 2022 — sold 16,287 tickets, putting it atop first-day sales for the event.
Tagged as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West”, Reno Rodeo 2023 is a must-attend summer rodeo for athletes and spectators alike. The “Wildest, Richest, Rodeo in the West,” Reno Rodeo 2023 is set to kick off June 15th and run through June 26th.
What is the wildest richest rodeo? ›
The Reno Rodeo attracts the sport's best of the best. Each summer, the world's top cowboys and cowgirls are sure to come through Reno for the Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West, including four-time world champions Caleb Smidt and Tyler Waguespack.
What is the hardest rodeo sport? ›
Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success.
How much does the president of the Houston Rodeo make? ›
Form 990 documents available
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation |
|---|
| CHRIS BOLEMAN (PRESIDENT) | $368,906 |
| ANDY SLOAN (CHIEF INFO OFF (THROUGH 3/2021) | $354,618 |
| JENNIFER HAZELTON (CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER) | $341,842 |
| SHERRY HIBBERT (GENERAL COUNSEL) | $324,391 |
22 more rowsWilliam Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773 – April 4, 1841) was an American military officer and politician who served as the ninth president of the United States. Harrison died just 31 days after his inauguration in 1841, the shortest presidency in United States history.
Who owns Houston first? ›
In 2011, the City of Houston established Houston First, a local government corporation created to operate the city's convention and performing arts facilities, as well as promote Houston as a world-class destination for tourism and conventions.
What is the most expensive steer at the show? ›
Imagine fetching a price of $1 million for a Grand Champion Steer! That was the record sale price that a 16-year-old Texas girl received for her steer named “Vanilla Ice” during Saturday's Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Who bought the million dollar steer in Houston? ›
The record-setting buyer, Don D. Jordan, was born the same year the rodeo began. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and I were born in the same year, so we've spent a lot of birthdays together,” said Jordan, who will celebrate his 90th birthday in 2022.
Who bought the Grand champion steer 2023? ›
The steer sold for $550,000 to J Alan Kent Development – Julie & Alan Kent, Sheri & Rob Walker, Randa & Ray Gilliam, and Andrea & Scott Fish. “This is what Texas is all about,” Alan Kent said. “We want to give back to the kids and the community.”
How much is a loaf of bread in Houston Texas? ›
Cost of Living in Houston
| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | 2.82$ |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | 1.65$ |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 4.16$ |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 5.66$ |
62 more rowsAverage Daily Costs
While meal prices in Houston can vary, the average cost of food in Houston is $35 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Houston should cost around $14 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
How do you get a tent at the Houston Rodeo? ›
To make a table or tent reservation on behalf of an HLSR volunteer committee, please contact the Wine Show at wine@rodeohouston.com or 832.667. 1184 to discuss reservation opportunities.
How do you plan a cookoff? ›
How to Host an Office Cook-off
- Organize a Committee. An essential aspect in planning a company cook-off is putting a responsible and diligent leader in charge. ...
- Set a Date Far Enough Out. ...
- Pick Your Theme. ...
- Find a Location. ...
- Advertise and Remind. ...
- Plan Prizes. ...
- Consider Supplemental Items. ...
- Set Up the Area.
Open Contest
- Champion: Lonesome Dove Cookers: Turf and Surf.
- Second Place: Half Fast Cookers: Surf and Turf.
- Third Place: Ritch's Raiders: Shrimp Grits.
The four-day World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, aka the “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest”, is back in Memphis in May, with over $140,000 prize money up for grabs. Find out more.
Do you buckle up in an Uber? ›
“Buckling up is one of the most effective ways to help keep yourself and others in the vehicle safe in a crash. By leveraging technology to remind riders to buckle up, we hope to increase seat belt use and potentially save lives,” said Kristin Smith, Uber's Head of Global Road Safety Policy.
Can you cash out Uber? ›
All earnings are available to be cashed out, including earnings and tips. How will Instant Pay appear on my weekly statement? The earnings that you transfer to a debit card through Instant Pay will appear on every weekly statement as Instant Payouts.
How much does beer cost at the Houston Rodeo? ›
Domestic drafts are advertised for $8.25 and premium brew for just 50 cents more.
What are fried Oreos called? ›
Origin. Deep-fried Oreos were introduced in 2001 by Charlie Boghosian, also known as "Chicken Charlie" or "The Man Who Fries Everything," a 16-year-old Armenian settled in the United States, at the L.A. County Fair.
What is the most expensive Oreo? ›
1 Mew Pokémon Oreos ($100,000)
As the contest brewed in search of various Pokémon Oreos online and offline, the most-expensive Oreo was listed at a retail price of $100,000 on eBay for a Me-themed Oreo, as stated by Insider.
Items not allowed at RodeoHouston
- air horns, sirens, bells, whistles, other noisemakers.
- aerosol spray cans.
- alcohol.
- animals (except service animals)
- balloons.
- banners bearing advertisem*nts.
- banners judged to be in poor taste or offensive.
- beach balls, other balls.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
poor taste or offensive • Beach Balls, Footballs, frisbees, discs, or other similar items that can be used as projectiles. also not permitted.
What is the best day to go to the Houston Rodeo? ›
Wednesdays are the magic day for saving money at the rodeo.
Can you use credit card at Houston Rodeo? ›
Payment. Payment may be made by credit card, debit card or Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo gift card. Cards accepted are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
What is the dress code for NRG Stadium? ›
All guests entering NRG Park must wear a shirt and shoes for their safety. Guests wearing obscene, offensive or indecent clothing will not be permitted to enter.
What time is the Houston Rodeo Cookoff in 2023? ›
This year's cook-off schedule is 5-11 p.m. Feb. 23; noon-11 p.m. Feb. 24; and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Feb. 25. Competition results will be announced at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Miller Lite Garden Stage.
Who won the BBQ Cook-Off in Houston? ›
The Jasper County Go Texan team walked away with top honors in the 2023 Houston Rodeo World's Championship Bar-B-Q Competition.
Who is opening for HLSR 2023? ›
Last week, HLSR announced the full concert lineup for the 2023 rodeo season and in addition to Parker McCollum on opening day, and previously announced performers The Chainsmokers, Lauren Daigle, and Cody Jinks there's more to come from the annual hoedown.
What time does the Houston Rodeo usually end? ›
Daily: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
How to get a tent at Houston Rodeo? ›
To make a table or tent reservation on behalf of an HLSR volunteer committee, please contact the Wine Show at wine@rodeohouston.com or 832.667. 1184 to discuss reservation opportunities.
Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 9 p.m. NRG Stadium gates open at 6 p.m. Weekend rodeos start at 3:45 p.m. The entertainer takes the stage at approximately 6 p.m. NRG Stadium gates open at 3 p.m.
Who is the winningest BBQ Pitmaster? ›
Who is a famous grill master? Aaron Franklin is a world-famous BBQ pitmaster who took the world by storm and is hands down, the best-known grillmaster. He started his own restaurant Franklin Barbecue with a $99 smoker before being termed as the ultimate BBQ pitmaster.
Who is the winningest woman in BBQ? ›
Melissa Cookston is an American chef and author. She is the chef/owner of two restaurants, the author of two cookbooks, and a seven-time world American barbecue champion.
Who is the winningest BBQ team? ›
4 Legs Up BBQ Team is the winningest BBQ World Champion by having won the Jack Daniel's World Invitational BBQ Championship, 35 Grand Championships, 25 Reserve Championships,137 top ten finishes, 98 -1st place category finishes, 3 Perfect 180 Scores, Competed in 12 different states in the US and have won contests in ...
While the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo started back in 1932, the barbecue contest portion wasn’t added until 1974. That year a mere 17 teams competed. Today, 49 years later, over 250 teams from all over Texas and the world compete in brisket, chicken, ribs, dutch oven dessert, and a newly added open contest.
Rodeo Cook-off runs for three days, Thursday dinner, Friday dinner, and Saturday lunch and dinner. It is always the weekend before The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the official kick-off to Rodeo season.
Now back to those private team tents I mentioned earlier. Each of the 250+ teams have team tent space. Each of these tents are basically an all you can eat and drink private party. Private is the key word here. You have to know someone to get into any of these tents.
If you’re thinking you want to start your own team, you’ll have to get in line. People wait for years to get team space. And once they get them, they keep them. This will be our team’s 37th year. Having a team at this cook-off is expensive. A whole year of planning goes into the three day event, which includes reading the 72 page contestant handbook and understanding obscure rules like no stickers allowed and the rules and responsibilities of the Chief Cook.
Most of all, when the exhaustion hits, you’ve learned how, in the middle of it all, to sleep in a chair in the corner for a quick power nap.
Tickets
Wearing your western wear is great, but also dress for the weather. In 2022 it was around 38 degrees, windy and raining all weekend. In years past we’ve been in tank tops and left with a sunburn. There’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable at the Houston Rodeo cook-off.
