FYI: This post has been updated with 2026 details!
If you’re a Houstonian, forget Christmas, THIS is the most wonderful time of the year! Rodeo Houston is kicking off with the cook off Feb. 26-28!
New to town? Cook off is one huge party, and Houston companies/cook off teams all buy tents — big ones, little ones, it’s a mix. The tents are all private, so you’ll need a wristband to get into those, but there’s great food and drinks and music that’s open to the public to celebrate the launch of rodeo season.
PSA: Even if you have a wristband, tickets to get in are $30. Committee members can get in with a +1 for free, just like the regular rodeo.
Here’s everything you will need to know before you go!
1. You don’t need wristbands, but you’ll want them. It can be tough to get into a good tent, but you gotta just network leading up to the weekend. Radio stations do giveaways, friends will ask who’s free, etc. And, if all else fails, you can definitely have a good time in the common areas and just buy your own drinks and food. Just like the regular rodeo, everyone needs to pay to get on to the rodeo grounds — unless you’re a committee member. More deets here.
2. Bring your dancing shoes. Some tents are a party, with live music and a dance floor. Dress accordingly.
3. Do not fear the jello shot from a stranger. In any other circumstance, I’d say pass on the jello shot from the middle-aged man in the “Kiss the Cook” apron, but at cook off, I’d say it’s pretty standard practice.
4. Bring hand sanitizer and some tissues, ladies. My biggest fear is alive and well at cook off: Port-o-potties. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the evening. PS. Mask-up at your own comfort! Cannot recommend enough to be fully vaccinated and boosted before this event!
5. Parking kiiinda sucks. In theory, cook off has fewer people than a big show at the Rodeo, but, since the setup is IN the NRG Center parking lot taking up all the parking spaces that could have been, I highly recommend Uber/Lyft/Alto. Plus, it should be easier to catch a ride home since not everyone will be leaving at the exact same time (unless you close the party down!) There’s also the MetroRail!
Use code RODEO26 for 15% off first 5 rides through March 22nd. CLICK HERE!
PUBLIC PARKING
Public on-site parking is available for $20 in the following locations:Yellow Lot
- Location: The primary route to the Yellow Lot is 610 to Main St., enter Gate 16 off Main St.
- Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Pricing: $25
610 Lot
- Location: Entrance is off West Bellfort and Kirby.
- Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Pricing: $25
6. Keep your friends close. Not sure why, but one year I had AWFUL service. Don’t lose your loved ones!
7. Take a ride. Need an after party? The carnival is open, and we also have some fun recommendations here.
8. Pace yourselves. Every tent has free food and drinks, and if you’re trying to hit up a few spots, you will need to pace yourself! Don’t guzzle beer and make small plates!
9. Network. This whole cook off thing is full of business men and women from all different industries. You’ll be surprised who you’ll meet — you might be in line at the bar with a CEO or at least an SVP of a company you wanna work with/at.
10. Bring a koozie and dress accordingly. It’s a warm and cloudy one this year!
