Kyle McClenagan/HPM
The carnival at Rodeo Houston on March 12, 2026.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo said it will increase security after a fight broke out over the weekend in the carnival grounds, leading to chaos and the premature closing of the carnival.
In a statement, the rodeo said a fight in the carnival area caused guests to “run and create confusion” on Saturday.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the carnival closed early to prioritize the safety of our guests,” the statement read. “Law enforcement and on-site security responded immediately.”
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Videos shared on social media Saturday night showed large crowds of rodeo attendees running through the carnival area. Other videos show security officers breaking up several physical altercations that occurred nearby.
The rodeo said it will increase the presence of officers.
“We hold daily meetings with law enforcement and are working with them on an elevated level. Law enforcement and the Rodeo are actively monitoring social media and deploying additional officers as needed,” the statement reads. “Together, we are taking proactive steps to help ensure this type of incident does not occur again and to maintain a safe environment for our guests.”
The carnival area of the rodeo is open until midnight, three hours later than the shopping and dining venues close at 9 p.m.
While the carnival was closed early Saturday, the rodeo has not indicated it will alter the carnival hours for the remainder of the season. The last day of the rodeo is Sunday, March 22.