Houston’s Rodeo season is never complete without the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, and this year, the Cotton ‘Q Club once again took center stage as the most exclusive tent at the event. With top-tier entertainment, celebrity appearances, mouthwatering culinary delights, and an atmosphere dripping in elegance, Cotton Holdings, Inc. truly outdid itself for 2025’s kickoff celebration.
A Toast to the Rodeo Season
The Cotton ‘Q Club, sponsored by Cotton Holdings and Quanta Services, opened the three-day-long Cook-off in grand fashion. The excitement began with a performance from The Castellows, leading up to a champagne toast by Cotton Holdings Founder and Co-CEO Pete Bell, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Branding Zinat Ahmed, and Quanta Services CEO Duke Austin. The crowd roared as surprise guest Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson joined the stage, raising a glass of his Le Chemin du Roi Champagne, punctuated by a confetti cannon explosion of red roses. The energy only grew as Tucker Wetmore took the stage as the evening’s headlining performer.
Star-Studded Nights
Friday night, which was my night at Cotton continued the festivities with performances from MacKenzie Porter and country hitmakers Midland, who electrified the crowd with their signature sound. In a special moment, the band gave a shout-out to hip-hop icon Bun B and his wife Queenie, who were in attendance. Later in the evening, Bun B personally handed out Trill Burgers to select guests inside the ultra-exclusive Gold Pony Lounge, making it a night to remember.
The Ultimate Rodeo Party Venue
A breathtaking 20,000 red roses transformed the Cotton ‘Q Club into an opulent, Polo Bar-inspired hideaway. Designed by Flora & Eventi, roses cascaded from chandeliers, adorned the bar, and even decorated seven-foot mosaic horses. To further enhance the theme, a local artist painted red roses on the exterior of the massive 10,000-square-foot cedar-framed tent, making it a true feast for the senses.
A Culinary Experience Like No Other
The Cotton Culinary team, led by Executive Chef Wade Schindler, wowed guests with an ever-changing menu featuring Angus Ribeye with Chimichurri and Bacon Béarnaise Sauce, Cotton Brie Balls with Peach Bourbon Chutney, Hickory Smoked BBQ Brisket, and much more. VIPs in the Gold Pony Lounge enjoyed a customized caviar bar, with light bites curated by CIEL Restaurant & Lounge, while sipping on over 150 bottles of Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne, courtesy of 50 Cent.
A Who’s Who of Houston’s Elite
This year’s Cotton ‘Q Club welcomed some of the biggest names in sports, politics, and entertainment, including: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Bun B., Jim & Whitney Crane, Tilman & Lauren Fertitta, C.J. Stroud, Andre Johnson, Jalen Green, Jack McGlynn, Mayor Whitmire, Dawn Buckingham, Slim Thug, Derrick Shore & Brandon Bourque, Donna & Norman Lewis, Fady Armanious, Shelley Taylor Ludwick, Heather Almond, and Micah McDonald……and many more!
A Rodeo Tradition Like No Other
For the fourth year in a row, Cotton Holdings has continued its reign as Title Sponsor of the 51st Annual World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, making it clear that when it comes to blending Texas-sized hospitality with luxury, entertainment, and incredible BBQ, the Cotton ‘Q Club remains unmatched.
With rodeo season officially in full swing, Houston’s most anticipated party has set the bar high for 2025—proving once again that BBQ, boots, and a touch of luxury make for an unforgettable kickoff to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
Photo Credit:
Ashley Patranella / Painted Peacock Photography
Courtesy of Cotton Holdings, Inc.
