The 2026 HLSR World Championship BBQ Contest at NRG Park is coming up soon! Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 26th to Saturday, February 28th 2026. Prime Time Cookers will be hosting the party, and we’ve got everything you need to know below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact form.

About HLSR

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) is the world’s largest livestock exhibition and rodeo. It supports agriculture, Texas youth, and education, having contributed over $475 million to Texas youth and education since 1932. Learn more on the HLSR website.

BBQ Contest

The HLSR World Championship BBQ Contest kicks off the Rodeo, featuring over 250 teams competing in various BBQ categories. Most teams host private parties for their guests, often with support from donors. It’s scheduled for February 26th–28th in 2026. More details on the event are available on the HLSR BBQ Contest page.

The Prime Time Cookers Team

Established in 1994, Prime Time Cookers is a non-profit group of friends and family with a focus on fun, supporting HLSR, and raising money for charity. No individual or business involved with the team receives compensation for their time & effort.

Party at Prime Time

• Thursday: Light BBQ, award winning crawfish & shrimp, and more.
• Friday & Saturday: Brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, and plenty of sides
• Drinks: A full bar for mixed drinks, all types of ice-cold beer, red & white wine, margaritas, a handful of frozen drinks, and plenty of non-alcoholic options as well.
• Fried appetizers such as fish, oysters, onion rings, fries, jalapeño poppers, corn, etc. will be served each night.
• Music: We’ve got a DJ playing all kinds of music each night, and the atmosphere shifts as the night progresses. Before 8pm things are a bit more relaxed during food service. Afterwards, the party kicks into full gear with lights dimming and music cranking up!

Prime Time Cookers Booth

• Location: Quadrant A, Spot A-400, along Kirby Drive across from the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel.
• Booth: 100ft x 40ft enclosed tent shared with friends, tables & chairs, bar high tables, fenced in front porch, private restrooms for men and women, and a hand-washing station.
• Although the booth is covered, the weather can change quickly this time of year. Please plan accordingly.
• We don’t provide secure storage, so keep your belongings with you.

Entrance, Transportation, & Parking

• We do not include general entrance into the event or parking as this is solely managed by HLSR. Please visit the HLSR webite for more info on these items.
• Visit the HLSR website for transportation options to the event such as shuttles, trains, taxis, & ride-share services.

Other Info

• 21 & over: Although minors are welcome earlier in the day, everyone must be over 21yrs old after 7pm. We do check IDs for bar service.
• Tent Hours: All tents must shut down by 11 PM each night per HLSR. 
• Security: We have police officers for security, to control tent access, and for general crowd management. 

We hope this answers all your questions. If not, just let us know, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!