Houston Rodeo Run and Downtown Parade Kick Off HLSR 2026

Thousands of runners and spectators filled downtown streets for the annual event.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) kicked off this weekend with the annual Houston Rodeo Run and downtown parade. Thousands of runners and spectators filled the streets of downtown Houston on Saturday morning to participate in and watch the events, which featured cowboys, marching bands, and trail riders leading the parade.

Why it matters

The Houston Rodeo is a major annual event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, providing a significant economic boost. The kickoff events help build excitement and anticipation for the full rodeo festivities to come over the next several weeks.

The details

The Houston Rodeo Run is a 10K race that winds through downtown Houston, while the parade features traditional rodeo elements like cowboys on horseback, marching bands, and trail riders. Both events help kick off the larger Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest such events in the world.

  • The Houston Rodeo Run and downtown parade took place on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR)

One of the largest rodeo and livestock events in the world, held annually in Houston, Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Houston Rodeo Run and downtown parade are long-standing traditions that help usher in the excitement of the larger Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a major economic and cultural event for the city.