With the Super Bowl confetti long gone and Valentine's Day chocolates just a sweet memory, it is time to shift gears for the biggest show in town, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For 20 exciting days in March, the Bayou City goes full Western, and there is no shortage of ways to get into the spirit. Whether shopping for cowgirl couture while indulging in delicious barbecue or sipping on craft cocktails with a rodeo twist, there are plenty of ways to saddle up for the season.
"The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is more than an event — it's a citywide tradition," Abbie Byrom-Botello, co-owner of Truth BBQ, tells CultureMap. "Being part of events like the Garden & Gun Smoke Show lets us tap into that excitement, bringing people together to kick off the rodeo season in style. While it's a party, it's also a way to showcase incredible brands and businesses that embody the spirit of the rodeo."
From custom boots and cowboy hats to live music and artisan-made finds, Houston is rolling out the red carpet, and we've lassoed up the best popups, parties, and places to gear up to make this rodeo season the most stylish one yet.
Savor, sip, and shop at the Garden & Gun Rodeo Smoke Show at Truth BBQ
In partnership with Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Garden & Gun returns to Truth BBQ on March 1 for the Rodeo Smoke Show, one of the premiere kick-off parties leading up to the big event. Throughout the evening, guests can listen to live music, indulge in craft cocktails, and delicious Texas-inspired stations by chef Leonard Botello and his talented team, including a crawfish boil, smoked meats, a combination of classic and unconventional sides, and decadent desserts. In addition, attendees can shop from well-known artisan makers, including Hibiscus Linens, Krewe, Laura Goodson Art, Shop Sister, Topped Hats, City Boots, Modern Marla, Moontower Vintage, and Natalie Lindsey. Tickets and more information are available here.
Kick open new styles at Lucchese's Rodeo Kick-Off Events
All four of the famed Texas bootmaker's locations (Sugarland, Baybrook, Woodlands, and Houston) will host Rodeo Kick-Off events on February 22 with live music, lite bites, and complimentary beverages by Ride & Ridden. Customers can get their hands on pre-order event exclusives and the brand's latest drops including, the Rodeo Ready Collection and Lucchese X Pendleton travel collection.
Accessorize with banadanas and bolo ties at Genara
The lifestyle shop in the Heights stocks up for Rodeo season with unique finds like the Amy bandana, which is hand-screened in India on 100 percent cotton with multiple colorful floral patterns. Shoppers will also find embroidered bandanas and brass bandana slide rings to keep everything in place. For something truly special, look for bolo tie necklaces — a sterling silver, 30-inch snake chain with two drops of either square Oregon picture jasper or oval wild horse magnesite hand-cut stones.
Shop exclusive collections at Fraulein Boot Company's first-ever Houston boutique
The Houston-raised, Texas-based women's cowboy boot maker known for its handcrafted luxury footwear is opening its first-ever popup shop at River Oaks Shopping Center from February 26 to March 20. Located at 2020 West Gray St., the shop will feature Fraulein Boot Company's signature boots, including the debut of the Texas Collection with three boots inspired by the founder's personal experiences in Texas. The popup will also showcase a curated lineup of local vendors, offering custom cowboy hats, handcrafted leather goods, Texas-inspired jewelry, and apparel.
Relax at River Oaks District's Rodeo Roundup at The Park
River Oaks District is hosting a Rodeo Roundup at The Park on Saturday, March 1, from 5 pm to 7 pm with complimentary boot shining, hat cleanings, cotton candy, bespoke rodeo-inspired cocktails and mocktails, photo opportunities, and live music by Tyler Tillman. There will be exclusive popups from several River Oaks District tenants, including Lele Sadoughi with rodeo-inspired headbands, bows, and accessories, as well as Assouline with its latest rodeo inspiration. The Rodeo Roundup is a complementary event and will take place in the green space adjacent to Bari Ristorante.
Check into the Kemo Sabe popup at Four Seasons Houston
From March 20-23 gear up for RodeoHouston with the help of Kemo Sabe and the Four Seasons Houston. Guests can shop their line of custom western-inspired hats, boots, buckles, and accessories. The Kemo Sabe team will be available to work with guests one-on-one to craft a unique rodeo-inspired piece. The popup will be open from 10 am to 5 pm in the Four Seasons Houston lobby to coincide with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo championship weekend.
Step into Tecovas Rice Village for a Rodeo Kick-off Event
On Wednesday, February 26, Tecovas is kicking off the Houston Rodeo at their Rice Village Store. Open to the public, guests can enjoy live music and complimentary rodeo-inspired chain stitching with Layne Stitch. Sip on complimentary cocktails by Lalo Tequila as they take over the signature Tecovas bar with an exclusive rodeo-themed cocktail menu. Attendees can enter to win a pair of rodeo tickets to the March 23 rodeo championship and a pair of Tecovas boots. Additional in-store activations include personalized leather stamping, a custom hat bar, complimentary boot shine, and boot stretching.
Snag exclusive styles at Kemo Sabe in Rice Village
From February 21 to March 23, Kemo Sabe will host an exclusive popup shop in Rice Village with its signature selection of world-famous hats, handcrafted boots, belts, and accessories. The limited-time Kemo Sabe popup will bring exclusive, limited-edition styles, hands-on hat shaping, and boot fitting experience just in time to curate a rod-ready look. Shoppers can expect the same unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that has made Kemo Sabe a staple in Aspen, Vail, and Jackson Hole. The Kemo Sabe popup will be open from 11 am to 7 pm at 2414 University Blvd, Suite 180.
Courtesy of Genara
Find bandanas, bolos, and more at Genara in the Heights.
