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Rodeo News

The 86th Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo

Mercedes, Texas – The Lone Star State sure knows how to rodeo, and Mercedes is cranking up the heat this March! That’s right, Texans—get ready for the return of the one and only Rio Grande Valley Rodeo and Livestock Show! Now in its 86th year, this legendary event brings electrifying rodeo action and community fun. The Rio Grande Valley Rodeo and Livestock Show honors Mercedes, Texas’ rich agricultural heritage, fosters agriculture education and youth development within the community, and celebrates the enduring spirit and traditions that make this event a cherished staple for years to come.

Photo Courtesy of RGVLS
Photo Courtesy of RGVLS

“Our mission is to provide a safe and educational environment that promotes family, community, and volunteerism. We strive to promote the youth of South Texas through leadership development, agricultural education, and competition with a goal of creating the leaders of tomorrow.”

– RGVLS Mission Statement

A Window to the Past

Starting with humble beginnings in 1939, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Agricultural Exposition was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce and community members who passionately revere the agricultural and ranching heritage past, present, and future of Texas. Since its inception, the event has surpassed all expectations. With a permanent event center attracting hundreds of thousands of rodeo fans each year, millions of dollars allocated to 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors, and now ranking as one of the top ten Livestock Shows and Rodeos in the state, there’s no doubt that the Rio Grande Valley Rodeo and Livestock Show lives up to the famed Texas saying, “Everything’s Bigger in Texas!”

The RGVLS Rodeo 

If you like bulls, broncs, barrels, and more, then the Rio Grande Valley Rodeo is the place to be! With four days of non-stop PRCA action ahead, each day of rodeo will bring you the best of the best in high-flying, gravity-defying, speed-racing arena fun! 

Photo Courtesy of RGVLS
Photo Courtesy of RGVLS

Schedule

Saturday, March 8th
RGVLS Ranch Rodeo Prelims (Payne Auto Group Rodeo Arena) 
Gates Open | 6 pm
Event Start | 7 pm

Saturday, March 8th 
RGVLS Ranch Rodeo Prelims (Gates Open | 3 pm / Event Start | 4 pm)
Tuesday, March 11th 
“Tribute to RGVLS Volunteers Night”
PRCA XTREME Bull Riding (Gates Open | 6pm / Event Start | 7pm)

Wednesday, March 12th 
“Law Enforcement Night”
PRCA XTREME Bull Riding (Gates Open | 6 pm / Event Start | 7 pm)

Thursday, March 13th 
“Educators Night”
PRCA Slack Men’s Events (Event Start | 9 am FREE EVENT)
PRCA Rodeo (Event Start | 7 pm)

Friday, March 14th 
“Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night”
PRCA Slack Women’s Events (Event Start | 9 am FREE EVENT)
PRCA Rodeo (Event Start | 7 pm)

Saturday, March 15th
“Military Night”
PRCA Rodeo (Event Start | 7 pm)

Sunday, March 16th 
Cowboy Church Service (Event Start | 10:30 am)
RGVLS Team Penning & Ranch Sorting (Event Start | 12:30 pm / FREE EVENT)

All rodeo events will take place at the Payne Auto Group Rodeo Arena. All rodeo events are ticketed unless marked otherwise. Don’t miss your chance to purchase your tickets TODAY

The Livestock Show

The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show offers Texas youth an incredible opportunity to demonstrate their unique talents and exceptional animal husbandry skills as they present their lambs, swine, poultry, cattle, and more. With months, and even years, dedicated to raising their animals, 4-H and FFA exhibitors passionately advocate for the advancement and encouragement of youth in agriculture, inspiring a promising future for both industries.

Carnivals, Music, and More!

Live music every night? Thrilling carnival rides and games? Food, shopping, on-site vendors, and enough live entertainment to pack the entire day? Sign us up! Nothing makes a great rodeo better than the addition of various activities the entire family will enjoy. Get ready to rock out to a full roster of talented musicians ready to entertain you at the 2025 RGVLS! From country to rock n’ roll, get those dancin’ boots ready! Did we mention all 2025 RGVLS Concerts are FREE with your paid gate admission!?

RGVLS Magazine

For a full schedule of events at the 2025 Rio Grande Valley Rodeo and Livestock Show, make sure to check out the official RGVLS Magazine! 

See You in Texas this March!

Whether you’re in it for the livestock, the rodeo, the entertainment, or all three, you’re guaranteed to have a great time at the 2025 Rio Grande Valley Rodeo and Livestock Show this March 6th-16th!

CLN Community & Event Sponsor

About the Author:

Biography:

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native who has spent many hours in the rodeo arena. Having grown up barrel racing, serving as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and as a member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn is passionate about her western heritage and all things rodeo. When she’s not on horseback, Taryn can be found playing her bass guitar, painting, and performing around Phoenix with her band. Taryn is a graduate of Arizona State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Taryn is proud to combine her love of the arts with her love of rodeo and has been honored to sing The National Anthem at various rodeos across the beautiful state of Arizona. Alongside her love for art and music, preserving her western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo are just two of Taryn’s many passions. Taryn is so honored to share her love of rodeo with Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s wonderful audience.

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