New York City’s Times Square, a place more often associated with Broadway lights and the buzz of city life, transformed into a slice of Texas on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, known far and wide as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Western heritage, staged a surprise pop-up concert right in the heart of Manhattan. The star of the show? Multi-platinum country artist Russell Dickerson, who brought the spirit of the rodeo and a touch of cowboy flair to the Big Apple, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying 2026 RodeoHouston season.
According to CW39, Dickerson, who boasts five No. 1 singles on the Billboard country charts, wasn’t just there to entertain New Yorkers—he was there to announce his own upcoming performance at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Dickerson will take the stage at NRG Stadium on March 5, 2026, marking his first-ever appearance at RODEOHOUSTON. The news was met with enthusiasm by fans both in Times Square and across social media, as the event was streamed live and shared widely, bringing a taste of Texas to millions of viewers around the world.
The spectacle didn’t end with just a concert. As reported by Globe Newswire, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo orchestrated a full-scale Times Square takeover, complete with a dazzling 3D billboard—dubbed the Digital Beast—illuminating the space between 44th and 45th streets. The billboard, active until January 18, 2026, showcased the RODEOHOUSTON brand to throngs of tourists and locals alike, underscoring the rodeo’s ambition to reach new audiences nationwide. Dickerson’s performance, backed by a full band and a troupe of dancers clad in boots, denim, and cowboy hats, featured his viral TikTok hit, "Happen to Me," from his album Famous Back Home. The crowd in Times Square, swept up in the infectious energy, joined in the Western-themed revelry, turning the city’s streets into a dance floor.
Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, expressed his excitement in a statement: "We are thrilled to bring a glimpse of RODEOHOUSTON to Times Square – celebrating our rich Western heritage and positioning the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a must-attend event. We’re proud to continuously showcase rising country stars and invite fans across the nation to make this an annual tradition." It’s a sentiment that resonates with the rodeo’s mission to blend tradition with innovation, drawing in both longtime fans and newcomers.
The pop-up concert wasn’t just a flashy marketing move—it was the official confirmation of Dickerson’s spot as the second entertainer announced for the 2026 RODEOHOUSTON lineup. The rest of the highly anticipated concert series, which runs from March 2 to March 22, 2026, at NRG Stadium, is set to be unveiled on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. Central Time. Fans can catch the announcement live across all RODEOHOUSTON social channels, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as on local Houston media outlets KHOU 11+ and KPRC 2, both of which will offer live reactions and commentary.
As the Houston Chronicle noted, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has a storied history of attracting top-tier talent from across the musical spectrum. Since Gene Autry, "The Singing Cowboy," first graced the stage in 1942, the rodeo has welcomed legends like Dolly Parton, Selena, ZZ Top, Beyoncé, Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Willie Nelson. In more recent years, the event has expanded to include a broader range of genres, with artists like Post Malone joining the lineup. This tradition of musical excellence continues in 2026, with Dickerson set to perform during one of the event’s 14 country-centered concerts.
But Dickerson isn’t the only big name already on the bill. Country singer Cody Johnson, another fan favorite, will close out RodeoHouston with a concert-only performance on Sunday, March 22, 2026. According to CW39, Johnson’s show will feature opening acts Jon Pardi and Randy Houser, ensuring that the rodeo’s grand finale will be a can’t-miss event. Tickets for Johnson’s concert, as well as for the entire rodeo series, will go on sale in two waves on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. via rodeohouston.com. Fans eager to secure their seats are advised to act quickly, as demand is expected to be high.
For those curious about how to catch the lineup reveal, local media is making it easy. KHOU 11+ will host a special pre-show at 6:30 p.m. Central Time, followed by the official announcement at 7 p.m. Fans can tune in via the KHOU 11+ app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV, ensuring that no one misses out on the excitement—no matter where they are.
Beyond the concerts, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo remains deeply committed to its roots. As highlighted in the Globe Newswire release, the organization has invested more than $660 million in Texas youth and education since its founding in 1932. The annual event is not just a showcase of Western culture and music but also a major force for community support and agricultural education. The 2026 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, a beloved tradition in its own right, is scheduled to kick off the festivities from February 26 to 28.
Russell Dickerson’s inclusion in the 2026 lineup is a testament to his rising star power. Known for hits like "Yours" (3X Platinum), "Blue Tacoma" (2X Platinum), and "God Gave Me a Girl," Dickerson has racked up more than 3 billion career streams and industry-wide accolades. His latest album, Famous Back Home, and his sold-out RUSSELLMANIA TOUR, now extended through 2026, have cemented his reputation as both a heartfelt songwriter and a dynamic live performer. As Dickerson himself continues to blend country, soul, and pop influences, his RodeoHouston debut is set to be a highlight of the season.
With the full entertainer lineup just hours away from being revealed, anticipation is at a fever pitch. Will the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continue its tradition of booking music legends and crowd-pleasers? If the Times Square takeover is any indication, organizers are pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event one for the history books. For now, fans can relive the excitement of Dickerson’s New York performance on YouTube and keep their eyes peeled for the next big announcement.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s bold move to launch its season in Times Square is a clear signal: Western heritage is alive, well, and ready to take center stage—both in Texas and beyond.