Harris County Fair & Rodeo Returns October 23 with Big Fun, Youth Competitions, and Family Events in Katy
The Harris County Fair & Rodeo is making its much-anticipated return from October 23–26, 2025, promising four days of fun, education, and community celebration at the Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center in Katy. With a revitalized mission to uplift local youth, promote agricultural education, and bring families together, this year’s fair is bigger, better—and built with purpose.
This event offers something for everyone: from students competing in floral design and livestock shows to kids dressing up for the Little Rascals Rodeo. It’s a heartwarming blend of Texas tradition and family-friendly fun.
A Celebration of Youth and Agriculture
At the heart of the Harris County Fair & Rodeo is a deep commitment to the youth of Harris County—especially those involved in FFA and 4-H programs. Young exhibitors will showcase their hard work through livestock shows, creative arts displays, and agricultural mechanics competitions. The fair proudly supports students not only with awards and premium sales, but also through several scholarships, including the True Grit, Agvocate, and Rise Up awards.
The Youth Livestock Show will feature steers, goats, swine, lambs, rabbits, and more. Exhibitors can also participate in a freezer sale, where the public can support local students by purchasing market-ready meat from animals raised right here in Harris County.
A Rich History, Rebuilt for the Future
The Harris County Fair has long been a tradition for local families, first established in 1979 and held for many years at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club. It was a place where students showed their animals, families shared in the excitement of contests, and the broader community came together to celebrate agriculture and youth achievement.
But after flooding during Hurricane Harvey left the facility under 18 feet of water, just a year after a previous flood, the site was condemned. It marked the end of an era—but not the end of the fair’s story.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
In 2018, supporters who didn’t want to see the fair disappear came together to form the Harris County Fair and Rodeo Association, with the goal of not only bringing the fair back, but expanding its reach and impact across the county.
In spring 2023, that goal moved one step closer when the Association acquired 165 acres at the corner of Telge Road and the Grand Parkway in Cypress. This land will eventually serve as the new permanent home for the fair, the BBQ cook-off, and other community events throughout the year. This year’s fair continues at the Katy ISD Gerald D. Young Agricultural Science Center, keeping the tradition alive and growing.
Full Schedule of Events
From dawn to dusk, fairgoers can enjoy a packed daily schedule. Highlights include:
-
Creative Arts & Horticulture Shows with over 350 different entry classes, from fine arts to food preservation.
-
Ag Mechanics displays showcasing trailers, wildlife equipment, shop tools, and more.
-
The crowd-favorite Floral Design Challenge on October 24, where teams have one hour to craft a masterpiece using identical sets of flowers. Top entries from Harris County teams will even be entered into a silent auction.
-
A newly expanded BBQ Cook-Off on October 24–25 at the future Harris County Fairgrounds in Tomball (19311 Telge Rd). The cook-off is now a state championship, offering winners a shot at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City and the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Tennessee.
Don’t Miss the Little Rascals Rodeo
One of the most charming events of the weekend is the Little Rascals Rodeo, open to children ages 3–8, scheduled for Saturday, October 25 from 10 AM to 12 PM. This free, public event includes activities like the Stick Horse Race, Pedal Tractor Pull, Dummy Calf Roping, and even Goat Painting. A costume contest encourages creative outfits for riders and their stick horses. Ribbons will be awarded for all participants, and top competitors can win the Rascal Rodeo Champion Buckle.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Community-Focused and Family-Driven
The fair has grown significantly since its reboot in 2021. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Harris County Fair & Rodeo Association will build a permanent fairgrounds facility near Cypress, TX to host community events year-round—from cook-offs and parades to agriculture expos.
“Our mission is simple but powerful,” reads a statement from the Association. “Support youth in agriculture by giving them the opportunity to grow, learn, and shine.”
Key Info for Attendees
-
Location: Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center, 5801 Katy Hockley Cut Off Road, Katy, TX 77493
-
Fair Dates: October 23–26, 2025
- BBQ Cook-Off: October 24–25, 2025 at 19311 Telge Rd., Tomball, TX
For more information and registration, visit hcfairandrodeo.org.
Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast, a proud parent of a 4-H student, or just looking for some wholesome weekend entertainment in Katy, the Harris County Fair & Rodeo offers a truly Texan celebration of youth, agriculture, and community spirit. Come out and be part of a tradition that’s growing stronger each year—and bring the whole family.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
