Saddle up for a good time — Rodeo Austin is back in action now through Saturday, March 29 at the Travis County Exposition Center.
Sorry for the cliche, but this ain’t our first rodeo, and we’ve got tips for how to make the most out of your experience.
No. 1: Know the ropes
- Tickets start at $15 and include admission to the fairgrounds + a nightly concert immediately following the ProRodeo.
- If you just want to explore the fairgrounds, you can snag a $10 ticket.
- Parking will cost you $20 — you can buy a pass online or at the gate.
No. 2: Check the live music lineup
Upcoming concerts after the rodeo include Luke Grimes, Ella Langley, Robert Earl Keen, Dashboard Confessional, Tracy Lawrence, and many more.
Psst — don’t skip performances on The Outdoor Stage, which feature up-and-coming talent and Austin-based musicians. You’ll also want to peruse the schedule for the 100X Dance Hall, where you can listen to live music, sip cocktails, and hit the dance floor.
No. 3: Arrive early
The ProRodeo begins at 7 p.m. each night, except for Sunday, March 23, when the show begins at 3 p.m. If you want to take advantage of everything Rodeo Austin offers, we suggest showing up several hours before the performance.
Here are a few things to do before finding your seat:
- Experience the carnival, which boasts 80+ rides and games to enjoy. We always have fun on the Ferris wheel + the swings.
- Head to the Wild West tent to see shows from a world-renowned trick rope artist, a magician, and wildlife experts.
- Cheer on pigs while they race at the Swifty Swine show + take a picture with a piglet.
- Greet livestock animals in the Show Barn, or bring the kiddos to the free petting zoo to see a camel, zebra, tortoise, and plenty of farm animals.
- Stop by the Cowboy Corral to grab free H-E-B products and snap pictures in a Texas-themed photo booth.
- Watch artist Chad Gainey create a wooden sculpture at the chainsaw carver stop.
View the full schedule by day to map out your trip.
No. 4: Come hungry
Whet your appetite at Rodeo Austin’s Chow Town, a row of food vendors outside the expo center’s gates. From jumbo corn dogs to BBQ fries and funnel cakes to freshly squeezed lemonade, there are plenty of fair favorites to choose from. Pro tip: make your way to the Beer and Wine Garden for drinks on tap.
No. 5: Dress to impress
Immerse yourself in rodeo culture by donning your best Western wear, but don’t fret if you don’t have all the bells and whistles because it’s easy to complete your look on-site.
- Cool off in the indoor Exhibit Hall and shop from 70+ vendors, selling boots, hats, jewelry, clothing, phone cases, sunglasses, and more. By the way, there are no restrictions on bag sizes, so you can bring a tote to stow your purchases.
- Once you’re inside the Rodeo Arena, stop by the mezzanine to keep perusing. Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott is just one of many pop-up booths.
Finally, send us your Rodeo Austin photos for a chance to be featured on ATXtoday.
