If you are new to the area or have no idea what to expect here is the rundown of things to do at The Austin Rodeo.
Austin, TX during the livestock show and rodeo is the perfect family getaway with tons to do for both parents and kids — bbq contest, horse show, carnival and so much more. Plus, the concert line-up this year is beyond amazing with Jake Owen, Wynonna Judd, Aaron Watson and Ashley McBryde and More!
Know before you go:
-Bring Cash, some places are cash only (parking is cash only, $20)
-Buy tickets before you go! Skip the lines at the gate.
-Arrive Early
-Outside food/drinks items are prohibited, except baby food/drinks
-Rodeo Austin do NOT restrict bag size. no clear bags needed
-Children 2 & under are Free for fairgrounds, Pro Rodeo & Concert if on parents laps.
But will be charged admission for carnival rides
-Baby Lounges are located inside the Exhibit Hall- Moms enjoy a quiet space with AC and rocking chair with outlets, changing tables for your convenience! (so happy to see this at a family friendly event!)
-First Aid is located on the Northeast side of the Fairgrounds (near the pony rides) Mobile EMTs are stationed throughout the grounds as well
-ATM’s located throughout the fairground, dance hall and the Luedecke Arena
Use this daily schedule to help you see everything going on the day you plan to attend
Rodeo Highlights: Live shows, Carnival + Fair, Livestock shows, Horse Shows, Shopping, Eats
Carnival + Fair
Opens March 8
With 80 rides and games there is something for the whole family!
Opening times vary by day.
Guests must have a Fairgrounds or ProRodeo & Concert admission ticket to enter the carnival area, but guests do not have to purchase a carnival ride wristband to enter the carnival area. Rides and games can be purchased on an individual basis. Unlimited ride wristbands allow you to ride all day for one price. Rides and games range from $2-$10 each, with most rides being $3-$4 each.
“Magic Money” cards may be purchased and reloaded to make rides and games easier
Hank the Cowdog inside the show barn: showcasing Texas heritage and ranching through his eyes.
FREE School Tours:
Enjoy a FREE half-day program consisting of an educational tour with multiple stops, a picnic lunch in the Rodeo Arena and the opportunity to explore more on your own. Rodeo Austin School Tours is most ideal for K-4th grade students.
Petting Zoos and Pony Rides AKA KIDSTOWN
located on the northside fairgrounds
Pony rides=$6
You can also feed animals in the petting zoo from2 cup sizes.
Small cup=$2 Large cup=$4
Hours: 10AM-8PM Daily
Mutton Bustin:
Mutton Bustin’ Mania takes place every Saturday of the Fair & Rodeo in the Wild West Tent.
Child must be the ages of 5-7 and under 55 pounds to participate. Registration may be done in advance on our website or on day-of the event.
Every Saturday (March 9, 16, and 23) at 3:00 p.m. in the Wild West Tent
PORK CHOP DOWNS RACING
Starts March 9
Fun for the whole family! This is a must-see act featuring adorable pigs who race at Pork Chop Downs. Watch as the Swifty Swine racers compete for the prize of an Oreo cookie. The act is featured on the South side of the fairgrounds.
Pig Races daily – 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Outdoor Stage, Dance Hall
Starts March 9
performance times vary each day
Turkey Races:
Daily Show times 1PM, 3PM & 4:45PM
Starts March 10
Disc Connected K-9’s
Ultimate Scramble one-day tournament in which competitors catch calves in hopes of advancing to the next round.
Starts March 16
Dynamite Dames are sure to steal your hearts with their gravity-defying tricks in the saddle.
Starts March 9-15
Daily Show Times: 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., & 5:15 p.m.
Davis Mutley Crew
RESCUE DOGS WILL LEAVE YOU LAUGHING AND CLAPPING IN AWE
March 16-23
12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 5:15 PM
TOMÀS GARCILAZO THE CHARRO
Tomàs Garcilazo will dazzle audiences with roping artistry atop his highly skilled horse. He is a native of Mexico City who continues his familial heritage and tradition of “La Charreria”: a skill performed through the generations only by the Mexican charro
Daily Show Times: 1:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m., & 6:15 p.m.
Milking Show:
Visit the Southwest Dairy Milking Show and learn how milk goes from the farm to your fridge.
March 15-23
Daily Show Times: 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., & 6:00 p.m.
When I was teaching we had this same guy come do a field trip at our school. All the students loved it.
Avenue of Breeds: Educational display of livestock, horses and poultry for the public.
Local farms and ranches provide their best animals to promote agricultural education and awareness. Cared for by the official show veterinarians and staff, the animals are on display for the duration of the Fair and Rodeo. The most popular exhibit is the hatchery, where incubating eggs and hatching chicks are displayed.
Shopping:
Over 70 booths, Shopping covers the Area Mezzanine, Exhibit Hall and Outdoors as well
Eats:
with over 25 places to choose from everyone is bound to find something
Stop by the HEB TEXAS FAVs booth:
March 11: 12PM-7PM
March 20: 4PM-7PM
March 24: 12PM-7PM
Beer and Wine Garden: Showcasing a variety of wines and beers, on the Fairgrounds
Founders Club: Located in the Luedecke Arena
Monday – Saturday: 5 p.m. to 1 hour after the concert concludes
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 1 hour after the concert concludes
Special Days & Events to celebrate : Check out Austin Rodeo website for days and discounts.
-$2 Tuesdays (March 19) Select Carnival Rides and Games are $2 all day
-Military & First Responders: Admission to fairgrounds on March 9-23 is $5. Purchase on site, not online
-Seniors (60+) Admission March 9-23 is $5, much be purchase on site.
-Spring Break Carnival Wristbands: Purchase any ONE day pass for $25 (March 11-14) gets you unlimited rides 11AM- 5PM.Wristbands don’t include fairground admission
-After School Carnival Wristbands: March 18-21, purchased for $25, from 4PM-close. ANy ONE day
Public Parking is $20 per vehicle cash or credit card onsite, or now for purchase in advance online. Public parking is accessible through GATE 3 and GATE 4, on Decker Lake Road. Permits are required for GATE 1 and GATE 2, on Decker Lane. Rideshare patrons, livestock show exhibitors, and all buses please use GATE 1.
***BABY STATIONS FOR NURSING OR PUMPING MOMS-Baby Stations are located in the EXHIBIT HALL.*** The rooms have AC, changing stations and rocking chairs and outlets for Moms to have a quiet place.
The Austin Rodeo takes place from March 8- March 23 and more information is available at: https://www.rodeoaustin.com.