The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo is the Valley’s largest single event bringing in over 400,000 visitors to the Mercedes community annually. From 1939 to 2024, 85 years of historical amazing history has been made right here in the Rio Grande Valley. The event hosts over 7,000 exhibitor entries by 4H and FFA members from across the Rio Grande Valley and from across the state.
The 2024 event is bringing some new additions to expand the scope of experiences for everyone. Families from Brownsville to Roma to Raymondville and from outside the RGV can expect fun, food and new entertainment that will be second to none. The 11-day event will feature one of the best carnivals in the nation, and local and national food vendors that bring unique flavors, both sweet and savory.
This year the PRCA Rodeo will bring in two Xtreme Bull Riding Shows beginning Tuesday and Wednesday, March 12, and March 13. The PRCA will also bring three days of Rodeo March 14 through March 16 with a full schedule of steer wrestling, bull riding, tie down roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, calf scramble and mutton bustin’. For the first time in 85 years all rodeos will be part of the Pro-Rodeo Series tour which means that the top professional cowboys from across the country will be right here in Mercedes. In doing so, all rodeos will be nationally televised on the Cowboy & Cowgirl Networks.
The show also boasts a full lineup of musical acts at its featured brand-new music pavilion targeting rock, country, Tejano, and pop artist performances that are crowd favorites. All music performances are free with admission to the show. The lineup includes the following performances as well as popular local artists to open all shows:
Thursday, March 7, The Ranch Road Band (Country); Friday, March 8, Doo Wah Riders (Country); Saturday, March 9, Marcos Orozco (Spanish); Sunday, March 10, Spazzmatics (Rock); Monday, March 11, Neil McCoy (Country); Tuesday, March 12, William Beckmann (Country); Wednesday, March 13, Tribute to Taylor Swift “Red” (Pop); Thursday, March 14, Gary P. Nunn (Country); Friday, March 15, Tribute to George Strait “Derek Spence” (Country); Saturday, March 16, Ram Herrera (Spanish); Sunday, March 17, Horsemen Jam (Country).
The family event is truly the most comprehensive and diverse event in South Texas. Between rodeos, carnivals, world-class livestock, food from around the country, music, entertainment, over 150 merchandise and food vendors from the east to the west coast, this event has something for everyone. This event also hosts a parade that will take place on Saturday, March 9, beginning at 10 a.m. The show kicks off with the crowning of their annual “Cover Girl” at the annual Cover Girl Pageant that takes place on Saturday March 2, beginning at 6 p.m.
“Our 85th Annual Show will be the best show we have ever had! There are so many new things happening this year that we just know that everyone will have a great experience." Luis Saldana, executive director and general manager.
With over 600 volunteers that make this event possible, the show is truly a Diamond. Celebrating its Diamond Anniversary will bring a fresh new event with something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and “It’s Rodeo Time RGV!”
Tickets are on sale online now at www.rgvls.com.
