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View submission: Houston rodeo: explain like I’m 5.
If you come well before the rodeo/concert, it's way easier to get around and see stuff. Check out the horse show schedule and also the times for the general livestock show events, and you'll have a better idea of when to come based on what you'd like to see. Things get increasingly crowded as rodeo start time approaches, then quieter once people go into the stadium. It'll also be easier to leave while the masses are inside for the concert.
Honestly while the Rodeo athletes are top tier, the stadium is so giant you'd probably have a better experience seeing the primary rodeo events elsewhere. The horse events in the arena are totally worth checking out, though. I wish more people were aware of those/bothered to make their way to the arena to see. *(NOTE - if any readers have trouble with stairs, lift access to seating at the arena is limited - may need to call a posted number/find a staffer to activate lift, if they haven't improved things from previous years.)*
Unfortunately cutting was this weekend, so you missed that fun-to-watch event, but ranch rodeo on the 8th and ranch sorting on the 9th would both be worth a look. Sheepdog trials 9am on the 9th, per https://www.rodeohouston.com/calendar/[1][2] - that could be interesting too. And as someone else mentioned, check out the mutton busting! In addition to whichever livestock is showing the day you're there, there are a lot of breeds/demos/etc. in the "AgVenture" stuff located in "nrg center".
1: https://www.rodeohouston.com/calendar/
2: https://www.rodeohouston.com/calendar/
Too bad they aren't doing mounted shooting this year - that's a great spectator event. Also no donkey and mule show, alas.
Do be prepared to walk a LOT; if that means skipping the new boots, do it. The horse show is in the Arena, the other livestock will be in the big "nrg center" expo space on the other side of the site, and mutton busting and lots of other stuff will be outdoors between the two.
There's nothing here!