Cody Johnson Revealed as RodeoHouston 2026's Closer

Source: Cody Johnson performs with the Cody Johnson Band during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Stadium on Friday, March 15, 2019, in Houston. (Brett Comer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

HOUSTON –– Welcome to the show! Less than two weeks after the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo closed, RodeoHouston teased a 21st day of rodeo with a full-length concert, in addition to announcing the 2026 rodeo’s dates. On Wednesday, the organization revealed Cody Johnson will have the honor of closing down next year’s rodeo with a full-length show.

This will be Johnson’s sixth time headlining at the rodeo. While he last headlined on March 17, 2023, he made a surprise appearance during Jelly Roll‘s rodeo debut on March 6, 2024, where they performed their duet, Whiskey Bent. The announcement fittingly coincides with the country star’s birthday.

On April 3, RodeoHouston dropped a tease for Johnson’s involvement in next year’s festivities:

“Oh, y’all want to know who’s comin’,” RodeoHouston said in a caption on their Instagram post. “Inspired by the King of Country, #21 is…”

Johnson has drawn comparisons to George Strait, the “King of Country,” due to their shared style of music. Johnson has even talked about how Strait has had an influence on his style and sound, looking up to the fellow Texan.

The 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will begin on Monday, March 2, 2026 and conclude on Sunday, March 22, 2026. This will be the first 21-day rodeo since 2022. The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, will take place from Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.