Home » Blog » Local’s Guide to the San Antonio Rodeo

Local’s Guide to the San Antonio Rodeo

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has been a tradition in south Texas since 1949.  The San Antonio Rodeo takes place in the AT&T Center for 18 days while the Spurs basketball team heads off for their “Rodeo Road Trip” and dirt moves onto the floor.  You can expect entertainment by some of the best names in the music industry and the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world competing for one of the largest regular season prize payouts.  It is definitely one of the main highlights of living in San Antonio. Here are some things you need to know to have the best time at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Check out our other lists of things to do in San Antonio Texas here.

Insiders's Guide to the San ANtonio Stock rodeo

Basic Information:

There are 2 parts to the Rodeo which can be a little confusing if you’ve never been before.  There are fair grounds which let you into the grounds to see all the livestock, carnival, and activities.  Then there is rodeo and concert. You need to purchase separate tickets for each.  You have to do both! 

The San Antonio Rodeo Fairgrounds: 

You can easily spend an entire day at the rodeo fairgrounds just participating in the cost free activities! So plan a day for the San Antonio Rodeo Fairgrounds and bring the kids! There are plenty of kid based activities.  From theLittle Buckaroos Farm to Cowboy Boot Camp to the Petting Zoo. A new activity they have this year is the Bustin in the Barn. My kids are too big for this, but it was fun to watch the children under 7 do it. Click to see the San Antonio Rodeo Family Friendly Attractions. 

We usually pack lunch and grab a few special treats along the way.  However, the San Antonio Rodeo has very fun and yummy food across the grounds. There are also special places giving away free food and samples like the Chuckwagon.  We’ve tried some yummy treats from there. Click to see the San Antonio Rodeo Food Line Up. 

The San Antonio Rodeo also has Special Days during the 18 days it is open.  You can go to church at the rodeo or participate in the Trail Ride. Both of these are included in your Fairground tickets. Then, of course, they have the carnival! Which is located in a new spot this year.  Be sure to check out the map to grab its new location.

The San Antonio Rodeo & Concert: 

This is a separate event from the fairgrounds which I don’t think most people realize. The 1st 2 hours are the rodeo then the concert follows.  We’ve taken our kids to the rodeo portion, but since they were younger we didn’t care to stay for the concert. You can do this as well. OR if you’d rather have a date night leave the kids at home and enjoy the whole thing.  If you want to skip the rodeo and only attend the concert, you can do that too. You can check out the concert lineup here

Admission: 

Fairgrounds Only, buy online or at the gate:

  • Adult – $12.00 at the gate $10.00 online 
  • Senior Citizen (ages 65 & over) – $5.00  
  • Children (3 to 12 yrs of age) – $5.00  
  • Children (2 years old and under) – FREE
  • Fairgrounds Season Pass (unlimited fairgrounds admission for 18 days) – $25.00
  • Carnival Tickets & Wristbands available.

Admission: Concert & Rodeo Seats (which includes the fairgrounds):

  • 200’s starting in the $30’s
  • 100’s are Season Ticket holders only
  • special stage side seating available

San Antonio Rodeo Discount Days: Dollar Days, $2 Tuesdays, and Military is always free. To see the dates, break out and more click here San Antonio Rodeo coupons

Parking: the average lot is $15 surrounding and at the AT&T Center, the up front parking is $25, they do have handicap parking. Via Park & Ride is available. Click here to see the schedule for 2020.

Hours of Operation:

Family Fair, Wildlife Expo & Shopping

Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.  Friday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Carnival

Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.    Friday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – Midnight

San Antonio Rodeo Mom Tips:

  • Wear closed toe comfy shoes as you will be walking a lot
  • Strollers & Wagons can be rented on site (and aren’t allowed in the AT&T center) but you can bring your own to the Fairgrounds
  • Plan your events beforehand or when you arrive so that you can make all the show, experiences and more.
  • Bring a cloth bag for all snacks and samples you will get
  • Go to the Carnival on Dollar Days.  It is more crowded, but you get deals on tickets and food.  It makes your money stretch longer. 
  • If you plan on going on a regular day, buy a ride all day wristband for the carnival.
  • Plan on getting there early to beat the crowds
  • Have fun and enjoy the day

Once you’ve visited the Rodeo check out some of the best San Antonio Parks before it gets too hot. There are plenty of family friendly parks around the area.

Pinterest Pin for the Insiders Guide to the San Antonio Rodeo

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the main highlights of the year. Here are some tips you need to know to have a great time.
Share:

 

 

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.