Saddle up for a sensational weekend ahead! Go Texan Day is the Friday leading up to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and it’s a festive occasion where Woodands families (and local throughout Texas) get to show up and show out with their cowboy boots, country boogies, and crave-worthy BBQ—all in the spirit of celebrating the Lone Star State!
This year, Go Texan Day falls on February 27, and if you’re looking for more than a spur-of-the-moment celebration (see what I did there?), here are some ideas that’ll get you giddy all the way to your heels:
Tossin' together a getup – If you're a native and have been celebrating Go Texan Day for years now, you already know that dressing up is half the fun. Anything with denim, fringes, or stylishly patched fabric is fair game. Throw on a plaid blouse or blue jean dress, and pair it with a fringed vest. Skinny jeans might be a favorable option, but don't be too timid to kick things up a notch with a pair of bell bottoms (and maybe a jeweled belt). And now’s the time to dig out that dusty cowboy hat in the corner of your closet.
For the kids, let them don classic Western attire that’s comfortable and fun! Your child’s school might even encourage dressing up on this day. Think blue jeans, boots, and a plaid shirt or tee paired with a colorful bandana. A cowboy or cowgirl hat will seal the deal, for sure! For budget-friendly options, head to Kid to Kid on Woodlands Parkway and check out their gently used western wear for kids. (Shopping resale is a fantastic way to save money, and you’re doing your part for the environment by giving clothes a second life.)
Swing by the Market Street photo opp – Market Street (9595 Six Pine Dr) has a rodeo-themed photo opp that’ll be set up the day after Go Texan Day (Feb. 28 through March 8), but it’s still coming just in time for rodeo season. Put on your cowgirl gear and swing by the photo opp for snapshots.
Break out the BBQ – You can’t go wrong with some good ol’ Texas-style BBQ. For dinner this Friday, fire up the grill for chicken and sausage, or stop by Texas Roadhouse for baby-back ribs and mac n’ cheese, and be sure to try out their crispy Cactus Blossom (fried onion appetizer) while you’re there. Another local barbeque option I love is McKenzie's in Conroe.
Kickin' up a storm – Feeling a bit bougie? Drop in at Cavender’s for a fresh pair of embroidered boots. They’ve got rows and rows of shoes galore, and you can wear them to the rodeo. There’s a location just off the Grand Parkway.
Line dance the night away – Call up the family for a late-night line dance party in the living room. Shuffle to The Git Up, Footloose, and Cotton Eyed Joe, and get after it! If y’all are more the sit and chill type, turn on some country tunes and take an evening drive through Downtown Conroe.
Attend the Rodeo Roundup in H-Town - Go celebrate the history of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the official kick off to Rodeo season at Hermann Square in Downtown Houston! A Go Texan Day proclamation will officially kick off the event, followed by free chopped barbecue sandwiches provided by the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Committee. Enjoy live music, take your photo atop a Texas Longhorn steer and visit with Rodeo volunteers.
Whip up a batch of homemade chili - Get the kids involved in making a pot of chili! Go Texan Day and rodeo season always include chili cook-offs, so why not have some fun finding the perfect recipe to create your own flavorful batch? It’s a great way to bond and enjoy a delicious, Texas-style dish together.
Make a pecan pie (and pronounce pee-can however you choose)! The state dessert of Texas is pecan pie, and we’re far enough away from Thanksgiving to be craving one again. Recruit your live-in chefs (aka children) for a baking session, and whip up an aromatic pecan pie that’ll make for a delicious warm dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra sweetness—now that’s bound to rope in the entire family.
