Plan Your Houston Trip Around These Major Events
Houston is one of America’s most event-rich cities, and 2026 is no exception. From the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to professional sports, cultural festivals, and holiday celebrations, there’s always something drawing visitors to the Bayou City.
If you’re planning a trip — or you own a short-term rental and want to optimize your pricing calendar — this month-by-month guide covers the events that drive the most travel demand in Houston.
January
Houston Texans NFL Playoffs — If the Texans make a postseason run, NRG Stadium fills with fans from across the region. Nearby rentals see a significant spike in demand during playoff weekends.
Houston Restaurant Weeks (Winter Edition) — Houston’s dining scene is world-class, and Restaurant Weeks draws foodies from across Texas for prix-fixe menus at top restaurants.
February
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (February 26–28) — The official kickoff to rodeo season. Hundreds of BBQ teams compete at NRG Park, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. This is one of the most booked weekends of the year for Houston vacation rentals.
Downtown Rodeo Parade (February 28) — A Houston tradition featuring trail riders, marching bands, and floats winding through downtown streets.
Mardi Gras Galveston — Just 45 minutes from Houston, Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration is one of the largest in the U.S. Many visitors stay in Houston rentals and make the day trip.
March
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (March 2–22) — The single biggest event of the year. RODEOHOUSTON draws over 2.5 million visitors across three weeks at NRG Park. The 2026 lineup features Chris Stapleton, Lizzo, Cody Johnson, Rascal Flatts, J Balvin, Creed, and many more. Weeknight rodeos start at 6:45 PM and weekend events at 2:45 PM.
This is prime time for short-term rental owners. Properties within 15 minutes of NRG Park can command 2–3x their normal nightly rate during rodeo season.
Spring Break — Families from across Texas flock to Houston for museums, the Space Center, and the zoo. Multi-bedroom vacation homes are in high demand.
April
Houston Art Car Parade — One of Houston’s most unique events, featuring 250+ elaborately decorated vehicles rolling through downtown and Montrose. It’s free, family-friendly, and draws huge crowds.
Houston Open (PGA Tour) — Memorial Park Golf Course hosts one of the PGA Tour’s premier events. Golf fans and corporate groups book well in advance.
Japan Festival Houston — Held at Hermann Park, this celebration of Japanese culture features performances, food, and activities that draw thousands.
May
Bayou City Art Festival (Memorial Park) — One of the top-rated outdoor art festivals in the nation, featuring 300+ artists and attracting over 30,000 visitors.
Comicpalooza — Houston’s premier multi-genre entertainment convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center draws fans of comics, gaming, anime, and sci-fi from across the South.
June – August (Summer)
Juneteenth National Celebration — Houston has deep roots in Juneteenth history. Events across the city honor the occasion with festivals, concerts, and community gatherings.
Houston Astros Baseball Season — Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston hosts 81 home games from April through September. Summer series against division rivals draw the biggest crowds.
Freedom Over Texas (July 4th) — Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration features live music, food, and one of the largest fireworks displays in the state at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou.
Summer Concert Tours — Major artists schedule Houston stops at NRG Stadium, Toyota Center, and 713 Music Hall throughout the summer months.
September
Houston Texans Season Opener — NFL football returns to NRG Stadium. Home game weekends consistently drive short-term rental demand, especially for prime-time and rivalry matchups.
Houston Greek Festival — A beloved annual tradition at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral featuring authentic Greek food, dancing, and culture.
October
Texas Renaissance Festival — Located about an hour northwest of Houston in Todd Mission, this is the largest Renaissance festival in the country. It runs weekends through November and drives significant rental demand in north Houston and Spring.
Bayou City Art Festival (Downtown) — The fall edition of Houston’s premier art festival, held in downtown’s Sam Houston Park.
Wings Over Houston Airshow — Military aircraft demonstrations and aerobatic performances at Ellington Airport draw aviation enthusiasts from across the region.
November
Dia de los Muertos Festival — Houston’s Latino culture shines with multiple Day of the Dead celebrations, including the large festival at Navigation Esplanade in the East End.
Houston Marathon Registration & Training Events — Runners begin arriving early for the January marathon, creating demand for month-long stays.
Thanksgiving Week — The annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade draws families downtown. Vacation rentals see strong bookings from out-of-town families visiting for the holiday.
December
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo — A seasonal favorite running nightly through early January, drawing families and tourists to Hermann Park.
Holiday Events — From the Ice at Discovery Green to the Nutcracker at Wortham Theater Center, Houston’s holiday season is packed with events that keep vacation rentals busy through New Year’s.
College Football Playoff / Bowl Games — NRG Stadium regularly hosts major bowl games and CFP matchups, bringing massive influxes of out-of-town fans.
How to Maximize Your Rental Income Around Houston Events
If you own a short-term rental in Houston — or you’re thinking about it — understanding the event calendar is essential for pricing strategy. During peak events like the Rodeo, Super Bowl weekends, or major concerts, nightly rates can increase 200–300% above baseline.
At Breezy Vacation Rentals, we use dynamic pricing tools that automatically adjust rates based on local demand, events, and seasonal trends. Our co-hosted properties across greater Houston have generated over $700K in combined annual revenue because we stay ahead of the calendar.
Learn about our co-hosting services or browse our available Houston vacation rentals for your next trip.