San Antonio Kicks Off Stock Show & Rodeo Season with Free Western Heritage Weekend Downtown
As February arrives in San Antonio, the city once again leans into its deep Western roots with a weekend that blends history, culture, and community connection. On February 6–8, residents and visitors are invited to downtown San Antonio for a series of free Western Heritage Weekend events that officially kick off the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo season—one of the city’s most iconic annual traditions.
Hosted across Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, and Houston Street, the weekend serves as both a celebration and a homecoming, setting the tone for the weeks ahead while spotlighting the cultural foundations that shaped San Antonio long before the modern rodeo arrived.
Honoring Vaquero History at the Heart of Downtown
Western Heritage Weekend places a special focus on the vaquero traditions that influenced ranching, horsemanship, and cowboy culture throughout South Texas and the American West. Rooted in Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous practices, vaquero heritage is inseparable from San Antonio’s early history—and this weekend brings that legacy to life in the city’s historic core.
From heritage cooking to cattle drives, the events invite families to step back in time while enjoying downtown spaces that have long served as gathering places for the community. Organizers also encourage attendees to explore the shops and studios inside Market Square and La Villita, supporting local artisans and small businesses along the way.
A Citywide Prelude to the 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Now in its second century, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo stands as one of the largest and most influential livestock shows in the nation. Since its beginnings in 1949, the event has grown into a cornerstone of Texas culture, combining world-class rodeo competition, major concerts, youth agricultural education, and millions of dollars in scholarships for Texas students.
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The 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will once again bring livestock exhibitions, professional rodeo events, carnival attractions, and live music to the Alamodome and Frost Bank Center, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. While a comprehensive guide to the 2026 rodeo has already been shared, Western Heritage Weekend offers meaningful context—reminding the community that today’s rodeo is built on generations of shared history.
Downtown San Antonio Rodeo Kickoff Events
Western Heritage Vaquero Cook-Off
Date: Friday, February 6 – Sunday, February 8 | Free
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce Street
The Vaquero Cook-Off invites guests to savor traditional flavors inspired by 19th-century ranch life. Competing teams prepare classic dishes such as chili, menudo, and arroz con pollo, all while vying for grand champion honors. The cook-off runs throughout the weekend and anchors the festivities at Market Square.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Stampede 5K Run/Walk
Date: Saturday, February 7, 9:00 a.m. | Registration required
Location: Milam Park, 201 W. Commerce Street
The Stampede 5K winds through historic downtown streets, beginning and ending at Milam Park. Participants are encouraged to stay after the race to enjoy the Vaquero Cook-Off and secure a front-row spot for the cattle drive and parade.
Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive
Date: Saturday, February 7, 10:55 a.m. | Free
Location: Houston Street, Downtown San Antonio
One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend, the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive features Texas Longhorns moving down historic Houston Street, accompanied by wagons, riders, and heritage groups. The parade officially ushers in the Stock Show & Rodeo season and celebrates the living history of Texas ranching culture.
As San Antonio prepares for another unforgettable Stock Show & Rodeo season, Western Heritage Weekend offers a chance to slow down, gather downtown, and reconnect with the traditions that continue to define the city. With free, family-friendly events and a strong sense of place, the weekend reflects why the rodeo remains not just an event—but a shared cultural legacy for generations of San Antonians.
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.