Spring break doesn’t have to mean leaving town. Dust off your boots–rodeo season has officially arrived!

Rodeo Austin returns to Travis County Expo Center March 13 through March 28, bringing professional rodeo competitions, carnival rides, live concerts and Texas fair food to one of the city’s largest annual events.

The festivities officially kicked off yesterday with the “Kick Open the Chutes” celebration featuring a bull riding showdown and a live performance by the Eli Young band to start the two-week festival.

For University of Texas students spending spring break in Austin, the event offers a chance to experience a classic Texas tradition just minutes from campus. Rodeo Austin turns an ordinary night into one full of entertainment with bull riding, carnival lights and iconic fair food.

Credit: Rodeo AustinWatch the ProRodeo Events

It’s time for the main event. At the center of Rodeo Austin is the ProRodeo competition, where some of the top-ranked rodeo athletes in the country compete for championship titles. Each ProRodeo event lasts approximately two hours and begins at 7 p.m. daily and 3 p.m. on Sundays, making it the main event of the festival.

Fans should expect a mix of riding, roping, and racing competitions throughout the show.

ProRodeo events include:

Bareback Riding: Cowboys ride a bucking horse with one hand for eight seconds while judges score their control and technique.Steer Wrestling: Riders leap from horseback and wrestle a steer to the ground as quickly as possible.Team Roping: Two riders work together to rope a steer’s horns and hind legs.Breakaway Roping: A timed event where a cowgirl ropes a calf and the rope snaps free when it’s secured.Saddle Bronco Riding: One of the rodeo’s most traditional events where riders synchronize their movement with a bucking horse.Tie-Down Roping: Cowboys rope a calf, dismount and tie three of its legs as quickly as possible.Barrel Racing: Cowgirls race horses around three barrels, often decided by fractions of a second.Bull Riding: One of the most classic and intense events where riders attempt to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds.

A fan favorite moment is Mutton Bustin’, where young riders try to stay on a sheep for eight seconds in a playful version of bull riding.

Credit: Rodeo AustinExplore the Carnival and Fairgrounds

Before the rodeo begins, take time to explore the carnival area at Rodeo Austin. The Travis County Expo Center turns into a lively fairground filled with rides, games and bright carnival lights.

The carnival features more than 80 rides, ranging from high-speed thrill rides to classic fair attractions. Towering swings, spinning rides and high-adrenaline attractions bring the carnival to life in the evening. For many carnival-goers, the Ferris wheel overlooking the carnival grounds is one of the most iconic sights of the event.

For spring break, Rodeo Austin also offers special ride wristbands, allowing visitors to enjoy unlimited carnival rides during select daytime hours. The carnival is a perfect way to spend the afternoon before the rodeo and concerts begin later in the evening.

Credit: Rodeo AustinTry the Classic Texas Fair Food

Come hungry–rodeo nights are known for Texas-sized snacks. No visit to Rodeo Austin is complete without sampling the food vendors scattered across the fairgrounds. Rodeo Austin is filled with classic fairground snacks and Texas favorites.

Visitors can expect many of the staples that make fair food so memorable, such as corn dogs, cotton candy and turkey legs. Food stands are located throughout the fairgrounds and just outside the rodeo arena.

For visitors looking to relax and grab a drink, the Beer and Wine Garden offers a variety of wines and beers on tap. Nearby, the Cowboy Corral presented by H-E-B also gives guests the chance to grab snacks and explore Texas-themed photo opportunities.

From classic corn dogs to sweet carnival treats, the food vendors are an essential part of the Rodeo Austin experience!

Credit: Rodeo AustinStay for the Concerts

After the rodeo competitions each night, the entertainment continues with a live concert on the main stage. Every rodeo ticket includes access to a concert that follows the evening performance, making it especially easy for visitors to enjoy both in one night.

The 2026 concert lineup includes Texas country and regional artists performing throughout the two-week festival. Artists scheduled to perform include Midland, Clint Black, Tanya Tucker and Aaron Watson. Take a gander at the full lineup here.

In addition to the main arena concerts, the Outdoor Stage hosts daily performances during the Fair and Rodeo while the 100x Dance Hall offers a honky-tonk setting where visitors can keep dancing the night away after the rodeo ends.

Credit: Rodeo AustinFinal Tips

Before heading over to Rodeo Austin, a little planning can make the experience smoother and stress-free. With the large crowds expected during spring break, knowing the logistics ahead of time can help you make the most of your time.

Here are a few helpful tips:

Arrive early! The fairgrounds open at 10 a.m. every day and the ProRodeo and concert performances begin at 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Getting there early gives you time to explore the carnival and grab food before the show begins.Buy tickets online. Purchasing tickets in advance will help you skip the long lines during especially busy spring break nights.Plan transportation ahead of time. Public parking costs $20 per vehicle and lots can fill quickly. Carpooling or using rideshare services can make getting there much easier.

With a little preparation, visitors can enjoy everything from the carnival to the rodeo and concerts without feeling rushed.

Credit: Rodeo AustinConclusion

For students staying in Austin over spring break, Rodeo Austin offers one of the best and most exciting ways to experience a classic Texas tradition without leaving the city. From high-energy ProRodeo competitions and concerts to carnival rides and fair food, the Travis County Expo Center turns into a lively festival atmosphere each day.

Rodeo Austin brings a full day of Texas-style entertainment together in one place. So, grab your boots and get ready for some good old-fashioned fun at the rodeo!