The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 2026 officially runs from February 12 through March 1, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center fairgrounds. This legendary 18-day celebration transforms East San Antonio into one of the 15 best things to do in San Antonio for sports enthusiasts and live music fans.
Key Takeaways
- The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 2026 runs daily from February 12 through March 1, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center fairgrounds in San Antonio, Texas.
- General fairgrounds admission costs $12 online and $15 at the gate for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 65 and older, and free for active military personnel with valid identification.
- Purchasing a PRCA rodeo arena ticket automatically includes full same-day fairgrounds admission, livestock barn access, and the nightly headline concert.
- Thrifty Thursday discount days on February 19 and February 26 feature $3 grounds admission, $3 carnival rides, and $5 select food specials.
- The Frost Bank Center enforces a strict cashless payment policy and a maximum bag size limit of 12 by 12 by 6 inches for all attendees.
At-a-Glance Comparison: San Antonio Rodeo Ticket Options and Passes
San Antonio Rodeo admission is split between fairgrounds-only day passes and all-inclusive arena rodeo tickets. A standard rodeo arena ticket covers the PRCA tournament, the headline concert, and complete access to the fairgrounds, livestock barns, and carnival midway.
| Ticket Type / Pass | Online Price | Gate Price | Includes Arena Concert? | Fairgrounds Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Fairgrounds Admission | $12 | $15 | No (Fairgrounds Only) | Full Day Access | Midway rides, shopping, and livestock barns |
| Child Fairgrounds (Ages 3–12) | $5 | $5 | No (Fairgrounds Only) | Full Day Access | Budget family outings and Little Buckaroo Farms |
| Senior Fairgrounds (Ages 65+) | $5 | $5 | No (Fairgrounds Only) | Full Day Access | Daytime agricultural viewing and exhibit halls |
| Standard PRCA Rodeo & Concert | From $9 | Varies (Box Office) | Yes (Reserved Arena Seat) | Full Day Included | Complete evening experience and top-tier concerts |
| Thrifty Thursday Promo Pass | $3 | $3 | No (Fairgrounds Only) | Full Day Included | High-value family savings on Feb 19 and 26 |
| Rodeo Star VIP Experience | $215–$240 | Advance Only | Yes (Premium Floor/Lower) | Full Day + VIP Lounge | Dedicated hospitality, private bar, and catered dinner |
Reviewing pass inclusions ahead of time prevents buying duplicate tickets. Guests holding arena seats never need to pay extra for outdoor fairgrounds entry.
When is the San Antonio Rodeo 2026? Official Dates and Schedule
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 2026 officially runs from February 12 through March 1, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center fairgrounds. The 18-day celebration features daily livestock judging, afternoon carnival action, and evening PRCA rodeo competitions followed by major concerts.
For travelers asking when is the san antonio rodeo, the event anchors the South Texas late-winter travel season. The grounds open every morning at 10:00 AM, allowing attendees to explore barns and craft booths well before arena gates open.
The organization operates as a non-profit educational charity. Since its founding in 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo has awarded more than $255 million in college scholarships, youth endowments, and agricultural grants to Texas students.
The event attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually across its 18-day span. Regional business studies confirm that the gathering produces an estimated $288 million annual economic impact for Bexar County, rivaling other large-scale annual festivals celebrated in Texas.
When is the rodeo in san antonio during the daily cycle? Weekday arena performances commence at 7:00 PM, while weekend schedules provide two separate performances at 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
[!TIP] Arrive by 4:00 PM on weeknights to explore the livestock barns and commercial halls before arena crowds converge at 6:30 PM.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Lineup: Concerts and Performers
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 2026 lineup delivers 18 consecutive days of live musical entertainment following the PRCA rodeo performances. The roster features country legends, contemporary chart-toppers, rock artists, and hip-hop stars performing on the center-stage turntable in the Frost Bank Center arena.
The San Antonio Rodeo concert schedule pairs world-class athletes with multi-platinum recording artists. Concert performances run approximately 75 to 90 minutes immediately after the final bull riding event finishes.
- Feb 12: Russell Dickerson (Opening Night)
- Feb 13: Hank Williams Jr. (Friday Night Country)
- Feb 14: Ty Myers (Noon Matinee) & Midland (Evening Valentine’s Show)
- Feb 15: Pat Green (Noon Matinee) & Brad Paisley (Evening Performance)
- Feb 16: Shenandoah (Retro Rodeo Heritage Night)
- Feb 17: Hudson Westbrook (Rising Texas Country)
- Feb 18: Miranda Lambert (Wednesday Arena Spotlight)
- Feb 19: Robert Earl Keen (Ranch Rodeo Special)
- Feb 20: Gary Allan (Friday Classic Country)
- Feb 23: Terri Clark (Country Tradition Night)
- Feb 26: Sheryl Crow (Rock and Pop Headliner)
- Feb 27: Ludacris (PRCA Semi-Finals Night 1)
- Feb 28: Shane Smith & The Saints (PRCA Semi-Finals Night 2)
- Mar 1: Championship Finals Headliner (Grand Finale Round)
The rotating central turntable allows performers to play in the round, ensuring 360-degree visibility for spectators in both lower and upper arena bowls. Tickets for high-demand artists like Miranda Lambert and Hank Williams Jr. frequently sell out weeks ahead of opening day.
All concert tickets must be presented digitally via mobile wallet apps. Event staff scan tickets directly from smartphone screens at Frost Bank Center turnstiles.
San Antonio Rodeo Ticket Prices and Admission Passes
San Antonio Rodeo ticket prices start at $12 online for fairgrounds adult admission and $15 at the physical gate. PRCA rodeo and concert combo tickets start at $9 for upper balcony seats on select weeknights and include full fairgrounds access.
Purchasing fairgrounds passes online through the Official San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Ticket Portal saves $3 per adult pass compared to gate box-office transactions. Digital tickets download directly to smartphone wallets, bypassing long afternoon queue lines.
- Adult Fairgrounds Admission (Ages 13–64): $12 online or $15 at the physical gate.
- Child Admission (Ages 3–12): $5 online and at the gate; children 2 and younger enter free.
- Senior Admission (Ages 65+): $5 online and at the gate with photo identification.
- Military Personnel: Free fairgrounds admission daily for active-duty servicemembers presenting military ID.
- PRCA Rodeo & Concert Arena Tickets: $9 to $180+ depending on tier, performer popularity, and seat location.
- Rodeo Star Hospitality: $215 to $240, including lower-level arena seats, catered dining, and two complimentary beverage tokens.
Budget-conscious visitors who only want to experience the carnival midway, livestock shows, and shopping can purchase fairgrounds-only passes without buying arena tickets. Families wanting the full evening rodeo spectacle should purchase arena seats, which automatically include fairgrounds entry.
The Budget Traveler’s Guide: $3 Thrifty Thursdays and Discounts
Budget travelers can attend the San Antonio Rodeo for just $3 on Thrifty Thursdays, scheduled for February 19 and February 26, 2026. These special dates offer $3 fairgrounds admission, $3 carnival rides, and $5 food specials across the midway.
Taking advantage of Thrifty Thursdays San Antonio Rodeo promotions reduces entertainment expenses dramatically for large groups. A family of four visiting on a Thursday pays $12 in gate admission, saving over $40 compared to standard Saturday gate prices.
College students can secure complimentary fairgrounds entry on select promotional days by showing a current university student card at ticket booths. Active military personnel and their immediate dependents qualify for complimentary grounds access throughout all 18 days of the rodeo.
Midway concessionaires participate in Thrifty Thursday specials by discounting select menu staples. Items like sausage wraps, corn dogs, and sodas drop to $5 at designated carnival kiosks.
Value-pack bundles sold online prior to opening week offer discounted carnival ride wristbands paired with entry vouchers. Planning your visit around these designated promotional dates delivers substantial savings without cutting activities.
Frost Bank Center Bag Policy and Security Regulations
The Frost Bank Center bag policy limits all bags to dimensions of 12 by 12 by 6 inches or smaller to enter the arena and grounds. All guests pass through magnetometer scanners, and the venue operates on a completely cashless payment model.
Reviewing the San Antonio Rodeo bag policy before arriving prevents unexpected delays at security checkpoints. Backpacks, oversized camera totes, duffel bags, and hard-sided coolers are strictly prohibited across both the arena and outdoor fairgrounds.
- Permitted Bags: Clear or opaque bags measuring 12 by 12 by 6 inches or smaller, small clutches, and wristlets.
- Exceptions: Diaper bags accompanying infants and medically necessary supply bags are allowed after manual inspection and tagging.
- Storage Lockers: On-site Binbox rental lockers cost $10 outside the East Entrance and Michelob Ultra Club gate.
- Prohibited Items: Outside food, beverages, glass bottles, metal drink tumblers, weapons, and professional camera lenses over six inches.
According to the Frost Bank Center Official Arena Policies, security personnel inspect all bags with touchless metal detectors. Leaving non-essential totes at home or in your vehicle ensures rapid passage through entry gates.
The venue operates strictly on cashless facility digital payment systems. Food concessionaires, merchandise shops, and carnival kiosks only accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
San Antonio Rodeo Parking and Shuttle Transit Options
San Antonio Rodeo on-site parking costs $25 per vehicle in the Frost Bank Center Gold Lots, with cashless payment required upon entry. Visitors can bypass highway congestion by booking VIA Metropolitan Transit Park and Ride express shuttles from designated regional hubs.
Planning San Antonio Rodeo parking and shuttle transportation in advance prevents long delays along Interstate 35 and East Houston Street. On-site lots open daily at 8:00 AM, with parking attendants accepting cards and digital mobile wallets.
- Gold Lots (On-Site): $25 per vehicle; located directly adjacent to Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum.
- VIA Park & Ride Rodeo Express: Low-cost round-trip bus express service from the AT&T Center Parkway and Crossroads transit hubs.
- Ride-Share Drop-Off Zone: Located on the north perimeter near Freeman Coliseum with dedicated pedestrian access lanes.
- Bicycle Racks: Complimentary bicycle parking racks available near the Freeman Coliseum entry gates.
Travelers looking for public transit can check schedules on the VIA Metropolitan Transit Park & Ride Special Events Portal. The express shuttle drops riders off steps from the ticket plaza, removing parking search hassles on crowded weekend evenings.
Visitors combining the rodeo with Hill Country outdoor recreation can explore nearby state natural areas managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Government Canyon State Natural Area reservation portal, located just 30 miles northwest of the arena. Those staying overnight at regional campgrounds while camping near San Antonio can reach the grounds quickly via Interstate 10 East.
PRCA Rodeo Competitions: Rules, Scoring, and Key Events
San Antonio Rodeo PRCA competitions feature elite athletes competing across eight signature disciplines including bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and saddle bronc riding. Each two-hour arena performance features world-champion cowboys and cowgirls vying for over $1.5 million in tournament prize money.
Attending a PRCA rodeo San Antonio tournament performance gives viewers insight into authentic American cowboy sport. The competition follows official guidelines established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Sanctioning Standards, matching top contestants against award-winning livestock from top-tier stock contractors.
- Bull Riding: Cowboys must ride an 1,800-pound bucking bull for eight seconds using a single hand grip. Judges award up to 50 points to the rider and 50 points to the bull for a maximum 100-point total score.
- Saddle Bronc Riding: Recognized as the classic rodeo event, riders maintain rhythm with a bucking horse while keeping spurs over the animal’s shoulders until the whistle.
- Bareback Riding: A high-impact roughstock event demanding exceptional core strength and balance with no saddle or reins.
- Steer Wrestling: The bulldogger drops from a galloping quarter horse at 30 miles per hour to wrestle a 500-pound steer to the dirt.
- Barrel Racing: Cowgirls sprint through a tight cloverleaf course around three barrels, with laser timers tracking runs to the thousandth of a second.
- Tie-Down and Team Roping: Timed events requiring precision roping, athletic horse handling, and flawless coordination between header and heeler.
The 18-day tournament uses a bracket elimination structure. Contestants advance through preliminary rounds and semi-finals, culminating in the sudden-death championship round on Sunday, March 1.
Family Guide: Little Buckaroo Farms, Mutton Bustin, and Carnival Midway
Families visiting the San Antonio Rodeo will find hands-on agricultural exhibits at Little Buckaroo Farms, thrilling carnival midway rides by Wade Shows, and fan-favorite Mutton Bustin competitions. The fairgrounds include dedicated sensory quiet rooms and child-friendly dining stations.
Taking children to the rodeo ranks high among things to do in San Antonio with kids. Little Buckaroo Farms provides interactive simulated agricultural stations where children harvest mock vegetables, milk model dairy cows, and pet miniature livestock.
Mutton Bustin San Antonio Rodeo competitions draw loud cheers as young children aged four to seven test their balance atop woolly sheep. Preliminary heats run throughout the day on the fairgrounds, and top qualifiers compete in the main Frost Bank Center arena during the evening PRCA show.
- Little Buckaroo Farms: Free educational agricultural barn with petting corrals and hands-on farm equipment exhibits.
- Wade Shows Carnival Midway: Features over 50 rides, ranging from the gentle Kiddieland carousels to the high-thrill Enterprise wheel.
- Swifty Swine Pig Races: Complimentary comedic pig racing shows running multiple times daily in the Family Fair pavilion.
- Sensory Quiet Room: Air-conditioned decompression space located near Freeman Coliseum for children needing a sensory break.
Parents can load carnival ride credits onto reusable smart wristbands at digital midway kiosks. Unlimited ride wristbands offer substantial savings for children eager to ride multiple attractions in an afternoon.
Food, Shopping, and Nightlife Beyond the Arena
Beyond the arena action, visitors can browse over 250 Western apparel vendors in the Expo Halls and sample signature rodeo culinary classics like smoked turkey legs and roasted corn. Adults can unwind with live acoustic sets and Texas vintages inside the shaded Wine Garden.
The Expo Halls provide an expansive retail market featuring custom leather boots, handcrafted silver jewelry, cowboy hats, and home furnishings. Art collectors can also view student masterpieces at the Western Art Auction gallery, complementing visits to the Briscoe Western Art Museum downtown.
Rodeo culinary offerings span authentic Texas barbecue brisket, funnel cakes, chocolate-dipped cheesecakes, and spicy street tacos. Outdoor dining patios line the perimeter of the food courts, giving guests room to sit and eat between barn shows.
For visitors planning things to do in san antonio for couples, the Wine Garden and Craft Beer Pavilion offer romantic, relaxed evening settings. Couples can sample regional Hill Country wines while enjoying acoustic Texas country performers under canopy lights.
The open-air grounds remain open well past midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings. Exploring the shopping pavilions and live music patios provides hours of entertainment even without an arena rodeo seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the San Antonio Rodeo 2026?
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 2026 runs from Thursday, February 12 through Sunday, March 1, 2026. Fairgrounds open daily at 10:00 AM, with evening PRCA rodeo and concert performances beginning at 7:00 PM on weeknights.
Does a San Antonio Rodeo ticket include fairgrounds admission?
Yes, every PRCA rodeo and headline concert ticket includes full same-day fairgrounds and carnival midway access. Visitors do not need to purchase a separate fairgrounds admission pass if they hold an arena seat ticket.
What is the bag policy for the San Antonio Rodeo?
The Frost Bank Center enforces a strict bag policy where all bags must measure 12 by 12 by 6 inches or smaller. Backpacks and large luggage are prohibited, though on-site Binbox storage lockers are available for a $10 fee.
Are there $3 discount days at the San Antonio Rodeo?
Yes, the San Antonio Rodeo hosts Thrifty Thursdays on February 19 and February 26, 2026. On these promotional dates, fairgrounds admission is reduced to $3, carnival rides cost $3, and select food vendors offer $5 specials.
Where is the best place to park for the San Antonio Rodeo?
On-site parking is available in the Gold Lots for $25 per vehicle, with advance digital purchase strongly recommended. Travelers seeking to avoid traffic can utilize the VIA Metropolitan Transit Park and Ride shuttle service for affordable round-trip transport.
