1. Sample barbecue at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
   Feb. 21-23

This annual three-day barbecue cook-off kicks off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with live music, food and carnival fun. More than 250 barbecue teams will compete during the contest, and results will be announced Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets include a complimentary sliced barbecue beef sandwich plate and admission to concerts at the Miller Lite Stage at The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, the Chuck Wagon and the carnival. Children age 2 and younger receive free admission. 5-11 p.m. (Feb. 21), noon-11 p.m. (Feb. 22), 9 a.m.-11 p.m. (Feb. 23). $5-$20. NRG Center, 1 NRG Park, Houston.

For more information about the 2019 World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, click here.

2. Watch the 2019 trail riders make their way through Houston
Feb. 22
More than 2,000 trail riders participate in 12 different trail rides in this annual tradition to recreate the Old West and travel from around the Greater Houston area before convening at Memorial Park. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Drive, Houston.

For more information about the 2019 Trail Rides, click here.

3. Participate in the annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run
Feb. 23
More than 8,900 individuals participate in the annual Rodeo Run, which includes a wheelchair race, 10K race and 5K fun run/walk. Proceeds from the event benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and packets can be picked up at the Kroger located at 1035 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston, from 10 a.m.-7 pm. on Feb. 21-22. The race begins at the corner of Walker and Bagby streets and ends with a postrace party near Eleanor Tinsley Park. 6:30-8:30 a.m. (race day packet pickup), 9:10-10 a.m. (Rodeo Run). $30-$35 per participant. Eleanor Tinsley Park, 18-38-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston.

For more information about the 2019 ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, click here.

4. Watch Deshaun Watson lead the Downtown Rodeo Parade
Feb. 23
Thousands of men and women ride horseback among decorative floats and marching bands throughout downtown Houston to mark the beginning of the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This year’s parade grand marshal is Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. The parade begins at Bagby and Walker streets and ends at Lamar and Bagby streets. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free. Locations vary.

For more information about the 2019 Downtown Rodeo Parade, click here.

5. Enjoy champion wine at the annual Rodeo Uncorked! dinner and auction
Feb. 24
This wine-centric event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, seated dinner with courses paired with champion wines and a live auction. 5 p.m. (reception), 6 p.m. (dinner), 7 p.m. (auction). $6,000-$25,000 (per auction table of 10 seats). NRG Center, second floor, 1 NRG Park, Houston.

For more information about the 2019 Champion Wine Auction & Dinner, click here.