HOUSTON — Nothing screams “Houston rodeo season” like delicious, mouthwatering barbeque!
More than 250 teams compete in RodeoHouston‘s annual World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and this year, WCBBQ is celebrating 50 years. While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including the Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon. Plus, the carnival is open for rides and games.
The Garden Stage, sponsored by Miller Lite, features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music, and has an outside patio for visitors to enjoy. Inside the saloon is the chuckwagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans.
Tickets
Looking to attend the contest? Ticket information is as follows:
- Adult (13 and over): $25 | Child (3-12): $10 | Ages two & under: Free
- Concerts at the Garden Stage
- Admission to Carnival (not valid for rides or games)
- Admission to saloon and chuckwagon
- Complimentary sliced brisket, beans and chips
Grounds Season Passes
- Grounds Season Pass: $55
- Daily admission to World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
- Daily admission during the run of the show, with access to all public activities at NRG Park, NRG Center and NRG Arena
- Admission to carnival (not valid for rides or games)
- Not included: Rodeo and concert in NRG Stadium, Rodeo Uncorked! Events
Public Venues
With a contest ticket, guests can enjoy the Garden Stage, which presents some of the best names in Texas country music. The Garden Stage is located in the center of the contest grounds.
A delicious complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans awaits guests at the chuckwagon, and next door visitors can enjoy the Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon. At the saloon you can find an outdoor patio area.
Parking
Rideshare
Drop-offs and pick-ups are in the NRG Park Yellow Lot. Enter Gate 16B off Main Street – from the north bound lanes of Main Street is the only access to the lot. There is no left turn lane access allowed from the south bound lanes of Main Street.
General Public Parking
Parking will be available in the NRG Park Yellow Lot and the 610 Lot for $25 per car. Additional parking will be available at off-site shuttle locations.
ADA Parking
A limited number of ADA parking spaces, including van-accessible parking, are available in the NRG Park Teal and Yellow lots for $25 per car. These spaces are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Present valid state issued handicap placard or vehicle registration for access. Once ADA parking is full, ADA guests will be redirected to the nearest ADA-accessible or general parking lot.
NRG Park Teal Lot
Location: Entrance is Gate 14 off Murworth
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to close
Pricing: $25 per car
NRG Park Yellow Lot
Location: The primary route to the Yellow Lot is 610 to Main Street, enter Gate 16 off Main Street
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to close
Pricing: $25 per car
The carnival is available for people to enjoy throughout the day and night.
