The Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Can’t-Miss September Event

Pasadena, Texas, is the best place to be in September if you love rodeos, livestock showcases, live music, good food, and a fun community. The Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off on Friday, September 11, with a BBQ Cook-off, and officially runs from September 18-26.

“We have a lot going on over those nine days,” says Brittany Hammerly, Executive Director, at the rodeo. “Our livestock show and rodeo are the main attractions, but without all of our events, we couldn’t give back to the community as we do.”

Not only is the rodeo packed with activities, but it’s also a good deal for families visiting Pasadena. Here’s what you can expect if you plan to attend. 

One Ticket Gives You Access to the Whole Rodeo

Each night of the rodeo features a musical guest to entertain attendees. When you buy a ticket for their performance, you gain entry to the entire public grounds of the rodeo. Along with the live music, you can enjoy the carnival, vendors, shopping, livestock exhibits, and special events.

Visitors are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance because planners anticipate a few sold-out nights. The rodeo runs rain or shine, and most of the attractions are covered, but organizers are prepared to act if severe weather makes attending unsafe.

There is a clear bag policy for guests, and organizers also encourage people to wear comfortable shoes, as the rodeo can involve a lot of walking.  

There are Countless Things to See at the Rodeo 

Most people attend multiple days to take in everything the rodeo has to offer. There are activities for kids, animal showcases, and other fundraisers for junior farmers and the nearby school districts. A few highlights from this event include:

• PRCA Rodeo events that can qualify riders for RodeoHouston.
• The livestock show from local FFA chapters. Kids show different animals each day, starting with rabbits and working up to cows and bulls. They also have a tent dedicated to showcasing creative arts and floral displays. 
• The two-day BBQ competition, where guests can sample delicious cooking from the open tents and enjoy full meals, live entertainment, and local shopping. This year, 68 teams are competing. 
• Additional special events include a rodeo for special-needs kids, bullfighting, mutton bustin, and fundraisers for students.

Along with these events, attendees can meet local vendors, enjoy carnival rides, try delicious food, listen to live music, and celebrate this wonderful community.

“If you’re new to the rodeo, we want you to be exposed to these events and this way of life,” says Stephanie Jones at the rodeo. “We want you to watch these kiddos who work so hard over the year with their projects and are proud to show off their livestock. We really do all of this for the kids.” 

The Rodeo Has a Big Impact on the Pasadena Community

According to PlacerAI data provided from Visit Pasadena, the rodeo had 72.9k total visits in 2025, including  51.2k unique visitors. Most people spent an average of 220 minutes (three and a half hours) at the rodeo during each visit. These numbers highlight how the rodeo attracts residents and visitors alike, supporting the greater Pasadena community.

“The rodeo is an economic driver for the city of Pasadena,” says Hammerly. “We bring in visitors from all over who stay in hotels, go shopping in town, and eat at local restaurants.”

This year, organizers spoke with a couple from Austria who plan to drive from Dallas to Pasadena to attend the event.

“This rodeo is doing a great job of keeping its traditions but growing,” says Hammerly. “We’re not just growing the event, but we’re also growing what we can give back to the community and the City of Pasadena.” 

Pasadena Residents Can Get Involved

There are multiple ways for people who live in Pasadena and the surrounding areas to participate in the rodeo. Organizers are always looking for sponsors and donors who want to contribute to fundraisers for local kids. They love working with businesses that support the community. Organizers also welcome volunteers who are interested in giving their time.

“Without helping hands, we can’t make this work,” says Jones. “We’re looking for people who don’t mind the heat and ask that volunteers give at least 16 hours over the course of the rodeo.”

Interested donors, sponsors, and volunteers can contact the rodeo at (281) 487-0240 or email office@pasadenarodeo.com. 

Make Plans to Attend This Year’s Rodeo

If you’re thinking about visiting Pasadena, Texas, now is a great time to meet us. Plan your visit to Pasadena and see everything we have to offer. Along with the rodeo, there are plenty of activities, restaurants, and places to stay. Let us help you build an itinerary. Make your visit to Pasadena memorable. We can’t wait to see you at this year’s rodeo.