Going Strong: Los Fresnos Rodeo Returns for its 36th Year
- Abigail Muniz-Garcia
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and was featured in the February 2026 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Polish your boots and get your hats ready because the Los Fresnos Rodeo is set to begin Friday, February 20. Not only has it become a staple event in the PRCA Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit, but it has put Los Fresnos on the map. It boosts business and the city’s economy with people flocking from all over the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and beyond to experience what the rodeo has to offer.
Rodeo committee chairman Larry Cantu, and a dedicated group of volunteers along with the other committee members, put in the work to bring this event together every year, finding ways to continue to improve it while honoring its traditions. They have also found a way to give back. The rodeo awards scholarships to students every year.
“It’s something we do for the community and to help raise funds to give scholarships, not only for kids in Los Fresnos, but graduating seniors located in Cameron County,” Cantu, a Los Fresnos native, said.
New this year to kick off the rodeo is a Thursday night concert. Fans can catch Braxton Keith on stage February 19 at 8:30 pm with general admission opening at 7 pm.
“We hope to have a good crowd because it’s the first time we are going to do that,” Cantu said. “It should be a really good time.”
There will be different shows throughout the rodeo including in the midway area– there isn’t a charge to enter that space. Visitors can enjoy attractions like a magic and juggling show by Pat Davidson & Tess, a variety act by Pistol Packin’ Paula, a magic and clown act by Tintin Campa, and more. Local bands will also perform on stage in the midway area.
Like other years, the Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show will also be going on, which gives students the opportunity to show their livestock. The Heart of America Carnival will also be set up and ready to go by Thursday at 6 pm, offering carnival rides and games with the purchase of wristbands.
Cantu is proud of the caliber of cowboys that make the journey to South Texas from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and all over the United States.
“We are very fortunate. We get a lot of the good cowboys show up,” he said. “We get some of the top cowboys because we have some of the top stock.”
The rodeo will start at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 3 pm on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday after the rodeo ends with a fireworks show, there will be concerts. Annie Bosko will perform on Friday and Randall King will end the night on Saturday.
“It’s all family-oriented entertainment,” Cantu said. “People from all ages can come and enjoy. And we encourage people to get there early for the rodeo.”
For more information about the schedule of events, to become a rodeo sponsor, or to purchase tickets to the rodeo and concerts, please visit www.lfrodeo.com.
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