Rodeo season in Houston brings a certain kind of momentum. The boots come out, the live music gets louder, and gatherings start to stretch a little later into the evening. It’s a time when food and community take center stage — and this year, that energy kicks off at Truth BBQ.
On February 28, we’re hosting the G&G Rodeo Smoke Show in partnership with Garden & Gun, presented by Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The evening brings together smoked meats, bourbon cocktails, live music and a curated makers market, all under one roof. It’s designed as a spirited start to rodeo season — not a formal tasting or a sit-down dinner, but a celebration that feels distinctly Texan. Here’s what to expect.
The Key Details
WHEN:
Saturday, February 28, 2026
6:00 pm CST
WHERE:
TRUTH BBQ
110 S Heights Blvd
Houston, TX, 77007
TICKET PRICE:
VIP: $115
GENERAL ADMISSION: $85
The Food: Lone Star Cooking From Texas Chefs
At the center of the Rodeo Smokeshow is what we do best here at Truth: barbecue that’s steady, intentional and built on fire and time. For this event, we’re expanding that foundation into a collaborative evening of cooking with some of Houston’s most respected chefs. Our very own Chef Leonard Botello will be joined by:
- Ryan LaChaine of State of Grace
- Bobby Matos of La Lucha
- Seth Siegel Gardner of Local Foods and Milton’s
Together, we’ll serve a lineup of Lone Star-inspired dishes throughout the evening. Guests can expect:
- Smoked meats that anchor the menu, from brisket to other pit-driven cuts
- A blend of classic barbecue sides and creative interpretations from each chef
- Indulgent desserts designed for a celebratory night
Remember, this isn’t a plated dinner with assigned seating. It’s an opportunity to move through the space, taste different dishes and experience how each chef approaches Texas ingredients and flavors.
Bourbon and Signature Cocktails
A proper rodeo kickoff calls for something strong in the glass. Presented by Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the Smoke Show will feature signature bourbon cocktails crafted for the occasion (including the Old-Fashioned Paloma) along with pours for guests who prefer to sip it neat.
The caramel and oak notes of Kentucky straight bourbon pair naturally with smoked meats, cutting through richness and amplifying the depth of the barbecue. Whether enjoyed alongside brisket or on its own between bites, the bourbon element is woven into the evening rather than treated as an afterthought.
Expect thoughtfully built cocktails, steady pours and plenty of room to raise a glass as rodeo season gets underway.
Live Music and a Makers Market Rooted in Texas Craft
The Smoke Show isn’t built around food alone. Throughout the evening, live music will shape the atmosphere, giving the event the easy rhythm of a rodeo-season gathering rather than a formal dinner. You can drift between the pits, the bar and the retail displays, creating your own pace for the night.
Alongside the music, a curated makers market brings together Western and Texas-based artisans whose work reflects the same attention to craft that defines great barbecue. Guests can browse and shop throughout the celebration.
Featured vendors include:
- Christina Greene Jewelry
- Colores Collective
- Cowboy House
- Fieldshop by G&G
- Hibiscus Linens
- Lucchese
- Manready Mercantile
- Modern MARLA
- MOLYAN
- Natalie Lindsey Vintage/ NAN Collective
- Topped Hats
- Turtlebox Audio
From handcrafted jewelry and custom hats to boots, home goods and audio equipment built for the outdoors, the market adds another layer to the evening. It gives guests a chance to engage with Texas makers in the same way they engage with the food: directly, personally and with an appreciation for the work behind it.
Event Details and How to Attend
The G&G Rodeo Smokeshow takes place at 6:00 pm CST on February 28 at Truth BBQ in Houston, located at 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX, 77007.
VIP Admission: Early Entry and Exclusive Access
We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance, as events tied to rodeo season tend to fill quickly. For full event details and ticket information, visit the official event page through Garden & Gun.
For guests who want a deeper experience, VIP admission offers a few added layers to the night.
For $115 (plus applicable taxes and fees), VIP ticket holders receive early entry before general admission begins, allowing them to explore the space with a little more room and time. They’ll also gain access to secret menu selections prepared specifically for VIP guests — dishes not available during general admission — along with a curated gift bag featuring items from select vendors.
NOTE: VIP tickets are currently sold out.
It’s designed for those who want to experience the Smoke Show at a slightly different pace, with first access to the food, bourbon and market.
General admission tickets are $85 each, plus applicable taxes and fees.
You can purchase tickets here.
If rodeo season marks the start of something special in Houston each year, this is where it begins — with smoke in the air, bourbon in hand, and a crowd ready to celebrate.
Kick Off Rodeo Season the Right Way
Rodeo season only comes around once a year, and the G&G Rodeo Smokeshow is designed to start it with intention. Whether you’re coming for the brisket, the cocktails, the shopping or the atmosphere, this is an opportunity to experience Truth in a different way — shoulder to shoulder with fellow guests, moving between food, music and conversation.
Secure your tickets, gather your crew and join us on February 28 to celebrate the start of rodeo season the way Houston does best.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send an email to events@gardenandgun.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the G&G Rodeo Smokeshow taking place?
The event will be held at Truth BBQ, located at 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007. Guests should plan to arrive during their designated ticket window, as this is a timed, ticketed event with limited capacity.
2. How much do tickets cost?
Ticket pricing varies by tier. General Admission tickets are $85 per person, while VIP Admission tickets are $125 per person. VIP admission includes early entry, access to exclusive menu selections and a curated gift bag from featured vendors. We recommend confirming final pricing and availability on the official event page, as tickets may sell out in advance.
3. What does my ticket include?
Both General Admission and VIP tickets include access to smoked meats and Lone Star-inspired dishes prepared by participating chefs, signature bourbon cocktails presented by Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, live music and the curated makers market. VIP guests will also receive early entry and access to select off-menu items created specifically for that tier.
4. What should I expect at the event?
Guests can expect a lively, walk-around celebration rather than a seated dinner. The evening is designed for movement and interaction, with food stations, cocktail bars, live music and artisan vendors throughout the space. The atmosphere reflects the start of Houston’s rodeo season, making it social, energetic and distinctly Texan. Rodeo-ready or Western-inspired attire will feel right at home.
5. How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available through the official event page hosted by Garden & Gun. Because space is limited and rodeo season events tend to sell out quickly, purchasing in advance is strongly recommended.