In December 2020, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced that it would return for its annual festivities from May 4-23. However, the rodeo revealed that plans for this year have been cancelled and the event will return in 2022.
“While we were optimistic that moving our Rodeo to May would provide a better opportunity to host our annual community event that Rodeo fans have come to love and expect, unfortunately, it has become evident that the current health situation has not improved to the degree necessary to host our event,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “While this is an extremely heartbreaking decision for our Rodeo volunteers and the larger Rodeo community, we believe this decision is in the best interest of the health and well-being of our community.
“Throughout these uncertain times, we have remained committed to upholding our mission and our support of Texas youth and education,” Boleman continued. “We are proud to host Texas 4-H and FFA members, as well as the Horse Show exhibitors, who will all be participating this March. And, thanks to the support of our 35,000 dedicated volunteers, we were able to commit nearly $21.7 million in 2021 educational support.”
The decision came as a response to keeping staff, attendees and others safe during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
There have been no dates announced for the 2022 Houston Rodeo.
The 2020 rodeo was cancelled halfway through its run when the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Before the closure however, Houston fans were treated to a show from Maren Morris, who hit the stage near the end of her pregnancy with son Hayes. Scheduled 2020 performers included Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown, Gwen Stefani, Dierks Bentley and more.