Houston rodeo to hold carnival day with fewer lights and sounds for guests with sensitivities

In an effort to accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo carnival will hold a special “sensory friendly” day this year. 

The special day, announced by organizers this week, is a first of its kind for the annual event.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, select areas of the Houston carnival will have fewer lights and sounds and volunteers from the Special Children’s Committee will be available to guide guests. According to the release, more than 40 carnival rides will be part of the experience for “guests with sensory processing differences.”

The rodeo has been an iconic Texas event for decades, evolving from an original event in the 1930s that aimed to preserve the cattle industry. Over the years it has grown to include a rodeo, carnival and live concerts, with past performers including Gene Autry, Elvis Presley and Beyoncé.

It has also drawn political guests, such as former President George H.W. Bush, who attended in the ’90s as president, and former President Obama, who attended as a White House candidate in 2008.

The announcement comes after the Ohio State Fair held a similar event last year and more large community events look to make their experiences accessible to people with different needs. 

The Ohio State Fair also offered rides without lights or sounds as well as a quiet room for guests who needed a break. 

Similarly, Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., is working to adopt more sensory-friendly practices. Visitors to the stadium now have access to a dedicated quiet room, weighted lap pads and sensory bags, which consist of noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards.