With its Texas-sized turkey legs, wide variety of fried treats, class-act performances, giant Ferris wheel and the most entertaining mutton bustin’, it is undeniable that the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the best in the nation, according to the Academy of Country Music (ACM).  

Roping in its second win, Rodeo Houston took home the title of “Rodeo of the Year,” over other major fair and rodeos including the Auburn Rodeo in Alabama and Florida’s Strawberry Festival. 

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the big news earlier this week in a short video shared through ACM, saying “we are so thankful to have such an incredible event in Houston every year…this award is well-deserved.” 

This esteemed award is selected by a panel of expert judges, in which candidates must meet the requirements of having a minimum of one country music artist as a headliner, be in good standing with all professional vendors and help promote country ticket sales. 

This year, the Houston Rodeo reached record-breaking numbers with nearly 2.5 million visitors, the most its seen since 2017. Additionally, the organization hosted over 1 million concert goers, with the highest paid performances from country artists Luke Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours, Brad Paisley, Cody Johnson and the legendary Houston rapper, Bun B. 

Having an incredible lineup of some of the nation's most beloved country artists is not the only factor that makes the Houston Rodeo "Rodeo of the Year." The organization also actively works to bolster the region's education system, offering scholarships, grants, educational programs and lending support to students that participate in Texas 4-H and FFA. 

Since its establishment in 1932, the Houston Rodeo has committed more than $575 million to the youth of Texas and education. This year, the organization made an educational commitment of more than $22 million. This commitment will award more than 800 scholarships valued at $14.2 million, more than $5 million to junior show exhibitors, more than $2.5 million in educational program grants and more than $464,000 toward graduate assistantship programs.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be celebrated during the 16th Academy of Country Music Honors on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 

Learn more about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.