New Orleans Governor Proposes Annual Hondo Rodeo Event

Landry envisions Hondo Rodeo Fest becoming a signature New Orleans sporting tradition.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric rodeo scene with overlapping planes of brown, ochre, and red tones, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of a new annual event in New Orleans.Governor Landry's vision for the Hondo Rodeo Fest aims to make it a new signature event for the city of New Orleans.New Orleans Today

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has expressed his desire to make the Hondo Rodeo Fest a recurring annual event in New Orleans, aiming to establish it as a signature sporting tradition for the city alongside other popular events like the Crescent City Classic, Bayou Classic, and Zurich Classic.

Why it matters

The Hondo Rodeo Fest would provide a new high-profile sporting and entertainment option for New Orleans, potentially drawing tourists and boosting the local economy. As the city continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, establishing new annual events could help reinvigorate the city's vibrant culture and events calendar.

The details

Governor Landry believes the Hondo Rodeo Fest, which debuted in 2026, has the potential to become a must-attend event on the New Orleans sports calendar. He envisions the rodeo festival featuring a range of Western-themed competitions and entertainment, similar to other signature New Orleans events.

  • The first Hondo Rodeo Fest was held in 2026.
  • Governor Landry hopes to make the Hondo Rodeo Fest an annual event going forward.

The players

Jeff Landry

The Governor of Louisiana who is proposing to make the Hondo Rodeo Fest an annual event in New Orleans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is just the beginning. We want the Hondo Rodeo Fest to become a signature New Orleans sporting tradition, right up there with the Crescent City Classic, Bayou Classic and Zurich Classic.”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana

What’s next

Governor Landry and city officials will work to secure funding and finalize plans to make the Hondo Rodeo Fest an annual event starting in 2027.

The takeaway

The proposed Hondo Rodeo Fest represents an opportunity for New Orleans to expand its roster of high-profile annual sporting and cultural events, which could help drive tourism and reinvigorate the city's vibrant event calendar in the years ahead.