Every year, the Houston Rodeo at NRG Stadium transforms the city into a cultural celebration of Texan music, culture and competition. 

With 21 of the world’s most popular artists, livestock shows and a carnival, all packed into a 20-day period, the event draws almost 2.5 million attendees and fans, according to rodeohouston.com, the official site of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

This solidifies the Houston Rodeo as one of the largest events in the world, attracting visitors from across the country and showcasing the scale of Texas entertainment and tradition.

Although this event adds a major boost to Texas’ economy, it also provides a sense of pride. Sometimes Texas culture may be picked on, with people saying “Do you ride a horse to school?” or things like “yee-haw, ya’ll.” However, Texans have remained proud of all the state’s culture, the Houston Rodeo being part of it. 

This year, the rodeo is hosting Meagan Moroney, a rising country star from Georgia known for her authentic storytelling, distinct voice, and cowgirl style. Moroney transitioned from studying accounting at the University of Georgia to a music career. 

After discovering her passion for songwriting in college, she wrote “Tennessee Orange,” which was a groundbreaking hit that launched her into a successful music career. 

Kinkaid sophomore Madison Schmulen plans to attend Moroney’s concert at the 2026 rodeo, and she said she is “most excited to hear her music live and not through [her] car speakers.” 

Moroney’s music has grown rapidly over the past three years, with her most popular album being Lucky.

Coincidentally, another attendee of this year’s rodeo, sophomore Shelby Cruse expressed excitement about Moroney’s performance, “I am most excited to hear Megan play ‘I’m not pretty’ at the Rodeo,” Cruse said. With so many fans relating to and loving Moroney’s music, within minutes, this year’s rodeo concert staged on March 10, 2026, sold out completely.