It's Rodeo time in the Houston area. Yes - Rodeo Houston will be in town February 27 - March 18, 2018 at NRG Park. If you've lived here for at least a year, you know it's one of the bigger deals in Houston. The concert lineup alone is always a hit with rodeo fans.
This is an annual event for my family. The livestock show and carnival remind me of the county fair in my childhood hometown.
Will it be your first time? You should know that Rodeo Houston is an event that consists of a carnival, concerts, an actual livestock show, food of all kinds (you can get fried-ANYTHING), and an exhibit hall. And know that even if your children are too young to enjoy the rides, the livestock show is still a fun experience.
Here are a few tips to maximize your visit.
1. To get the most out of the carnival, it's best to purchase half-price carnival packs. The $50 pack includes two fun cards with a total of 150 carnival tickets, plus food and drink coupons. Plus, you'll receive a free Ferris wheel ride, and one free fun house trip with this package. This is your best value. The $10 pack includes 22 carnival tickets, but you'll blow through those pretty quickly. Depending on your kids' ages, rides can "cost" anywhere from 3 to 10 tickets per person.
2. When you buy the carnival packs, the food coupons cannot be used at many of the food booths. Those food coupons are redeemable at the midway company's (RCS) food booths only.
3. You must purchase half-price carnival packs by tomorrow, February 24. They may be purchased from a committee member, if you know one, or on the rodeo's website.
4. Admission covers the entry into the carnival, livestock show and exhibit hall. It does not include admission to concerts. Likewise, carnival ride tickets and food must be purchased separately.
5. However, if you purchase a concert ticket, admission is covered. But food and carnival ride tickets still must be purchased separately.
6. Many find it easier to either ride the Metro Rail or one of Metro's bus shuttles into the area. Just know that you need to pay for parking at the rail station. Also note that the wait time for loading the rail when going home can be long, especially right after a concert lets out. Parking is also available across the street in the old Astroworld parking lot.
7. Wednesdays are Value Wednesdays. FREE NRG Park Admission for seniors, 60 and over, and children, 12 and under (does not include rodeo/concert admission). Enjoy $2 rides and games from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with a $2 food or drink item at select food stands in the Junction Carnival.
Enjoy! And if you'd like, share your pics with me at harlishah@macaronikid.com.
