I have a secret: I love the rodeo.
I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s because it’s so different from what I grew up with in the middle of a cornfield in Illinois. Maybe it’s the contrast of living in one of the largest cities in the country yet stepping into something that feels so not city. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because attending the rodeo makes me feel a little more Texan.
If you’re not born and raised here, you know how hard it can be to shake the feeling of being an outsider. No matter how many years you live in Texas, if you weren’t born in the Lone Star State, it’s hard to claim full Texan status. But when I’m at the rodeo, surrounded by cowboy hats, the smell of BBQ, and the thrill of watching a rider and horse move together as one, I feel like I belong.
(Or, who knows, maybe in a past life, I was a cowgirl—something I’m strongly convinced of. Which is why horseback riding lessons are officially on my New Year’s resolutions list. Stay tuned!)
Love the Rodeo, Hate the Crowds
Now, my not-so-secret secret—something my family and friends know all too well—is that I hate crowds.
I hate waiting in endless lines, shuffling shoulder to shoulder with a million strangers, and standing still because there are too many people trying to see or do the same thing at once. (Someday, I’ll tell you about my highly disappointing trip to the Louvre or the anxiety-inducing chaos of Wurstfest.)
This has only gotten worse with age, worse after having a child, and worse with every tragedy that happens in large crowds. So naturally, I do everything I can to avoid them. But that doesn’t mean I don’t still love big events—it just means I strategize.
Which leads me to my rodeo loophole.
The Rodeo Hack I Wish I’d Known Sooner
For 12 years, I avoided the San Antonio Rodeo. I’d heard the stories—huge crowds, long lines, and over a million visitors packed into an 18-day event. But then, in first grade, my daughter Elliana had a field trip to the rodeo, and I went along as a chaperone.
And that’s when I discovered the secret of how to enjoy the San Antonio rodeo without the crowds:
💡 Go during the week. During the day.
While school field trips do mean an influx of kids, they pass through quickly. If you arrive early and have a little patience in the morning, by midday, it’s shockingly peaceful.
For those without kids or who aren’t local to San Antonio—don’t worry, you don’t need to be on a field trip to take advantage of this! The fairgrounds are open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, and weekdays are the sweet spot for avoiding crowds.
Got a 9-5? I mean… where are your priorities? 😆 Seriously, it’s worth taking a morning off, sneaking out for a long lunch, or just splurging on a full day off. Do it. Live a little. (But don’t tell your boss I said so!)
Already know you’re headed to the rodeo no matter what the crowds are like? Don’t miss my other post, 10 Free Things To Do At The San Antonio Rodeo (Kid-Approved!), for a fun list of the free things you can check out while you are there.
Will You See the Biggest Rodeo Events?
Okay, let’s be honest: If you’re hoping to see Stetson Wright ride a bull or catch Keith Urban live, this might not be the hack for you.
But if you, like me, just want to:
✅ Walk the fairgrounds without being shoulder to shoulder with a crowd
✅ See the animals up close without waiting in endless lines
✅ Take in the beauty of horsemanship without distractions
✅ Feel a little more Texan for the day
Then, this loophole might just be your ticket to a stress-free experience so you can enjoy the San Antonio Rodeo without the crowds.
(And speaking of feeling Texan—I really need to start those horseback riding lessons!)
A Parent’s Shopping Struggle & My Rodeo Shirt Solution
As a parent, I know that shopping with kids in tow is a battle. I had every intention of picking up a little something for myself at the rodeo—maybe a cute souvenir or a shirt to remember the day. But once we passed the candy maze, all bets were off. It became a full-blown mission to keep El from sugar-induced chaos. Suddenly, my shopping plans disappeared faster than a bag of Sour Patch Kids.
Which is why I designed my own rodeo shirt to commemorate the experience. No crowds, no meltdowns, just the perfect reminder of a stress-free rodeo day—created on my own terms. 🤠✨
Check it out here and grab one for yourself—no candy bribes required! 😉
Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you discover how to enjoy the San Antonio Rodeo without the crowds and have a more relaxing visit. But even if you’re not dodging crowds like I am, remember—no matter where your adventures take you, find joy in the journey!
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