NICOLE FRUGé | 210SA Contributor If you’re not going to the rodeo or the rodeo concerts but you don’t want to feel left out, there’s plenty of other stuff to do.

While the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo's featured attraction is the rodeo and its multitude of high-profile concert performers, the event also features plenty of events that don't involved the rodeo or its concerts. Here are some.


12TH ANNUAL BBQ COOKOFF AND CONCERT
LOWDOWN: An unofficial rodeo kickoff of sorts, this event features more than 200 teams competing in a barbecue cookoff, which results in free food for those in attendance. Not only that, but there will be a carnival and live music from artists like Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Zack Walther & the Cronkites and Keith Davis. All proceeds from the event benefit the SALE Scholarship Fund.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-midnight, Saturday, Jan. 26
WHERE: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 15765 Lookout Road, Selma
HOW MUCH: $8-$12, free for children 12 and under
INFO: (210) 827-7988; sarodeo.com

HORSE SHOW
LOWDOWN: Barrel racing and quarter horse shows for horse enthusiasts, and donkey, mule and llama shows for the young ..... and young at heart.
WHEN: Jan. 30-Feb. 17 (see sarodeo.com for specific times and locations)
HOW MUCH: varies by event
INFO: sarodeo.com

CARNIVAL
LOWDOWN: A staple of the annual Stock Show & Rodeo, the carnival is a magnet for families, thrill seekers and those who simply like to hang out in packed public places. Among the busiest days at the carnival this rodeo season should be Fridays, considering they feature $1 rides, sodas, hot dogs and popcorn.
WHEN: Jan. 31-Feb. 17; opens at 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday
WHERE: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds, 3201 E. Houston St.
HOW MUCH: no cover (ride prices vary by day)
INFO: sarodeo.com

SHOPPING & EXHIBITS
LOWDOWN: More than 600 vendors will be on display during the two-plus weeks of the rodeo, some of which come all the way from Canada to showcase an array of furnishings, clothes and jewelry.
WHEN: Jan. 31-Feb. 17; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St.
HOW MUCH: free
INFO: sarodeo.com

FAMILY FAIR
LOWDOWN: According to sarodeo.com, the Family Fair “provides a wide variety of interactive activities and attractions geared towards family fun, education and live musical entertainment.” Unfortunately, the Family Fair doesn't provide babysitters to watch the children while parents head toward the beer tent.
WHEN: Jan. 31-Feb. 17; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
WHERE: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo grounds, 3201 E. Houston St.
HOW MUCH: free
INFO: sarodeo.com

STOCK SHOW STAMPEDE
LOWDOWN: If you're still trying to lose some of that dreaded holiday weight, this event — which features a 4-mile run and 1.6-mile walk — might be your best bet this rodeo season. Who knows — maybe this event will inspire you to exercise on a more consistent basis. Or perhaps it will turn you off of exercise altogether.
WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2
WHERE: Starts at Rodeo Satellite Parking Lot, 3201 E. Houston St.
HOW MUCH: $20-$30
INFO: (210) 225-5851; sarodeo.com

Clint Hale | 210SA