(Texas Independent Trail Riders in Midtown 2025)
Rodeo season is back in Houston—and Midtown is celebrating in full color.
From February 24 through March 25, Midtown Houston will unveil a new sign wrap installation at Bagby Park: Rodeo Days, Midtown Days, created by Venezuelan-born, Houston-based artist and educator Johnny Laín. The wrap transforms the iconic Midtown letters into a bold visual story that captures the energy, tradition, and shared memories that make the Houston Rodeo such a beloved part of the city.
A Visual Tribute to Rodeo Season in Midtown
For this installation, Laín began with research,diving into rodeo history, traditions, and the activities people enjoy most,so the design would feel authentic, community-connected, and familiar to the families who return to rodeo season year after year.
From there, he planned each letter intentionally, designing the wrap to feel engaging from a distance while rewarding visitors up close with details and meaning. His goal wasn’t just to decorate the sign—it was to turn it into a visual narrative that celebrates culture, tradition, and the unique energy Midtown carries during rodeo season.
(Rodeo Days, Midtown Days by Johnny Lain)
What Each Letter Represents
Each letter of MIDTOWN highlights a different part of the rodeo experience—together forming a tribute to the Houston Rodeo as a living story made of people, animals, music, hard work, laughter, and family fun.
LAIN
- M- celebrates music, concerts, and the fun side of the rodeo—the excitement that brings people together.
- I- features a horse rising on two legs, representing strength, movement, and the powerful spirit of rodeo animals.
- D- honors the cowboy, symbolizing tradition, hard work, and the history of rodeo life.
- T –highlights a cowgirl set against a Houston sunset, recognizing the strength, grace, and courage of women in rodeo culture.
- O –shows a cowboy resting with his horse, reflecting dedication, partnership, and respect between people and animals.
- W –spotlights rodeo clowns and barrelmen, including imagery inspired by “Barrel of Laughs,” and tributes to legendary figures like Lecile Harris and Leon Coffee for their impact and long service to the rodeo community.
- N- celebrates the rides and activities kids love, capturing family fun and the next generation of rodeo fans.
Meet the Artist: Johnny Laín
Midtown is proud to welcome Johnny Laín back for another public art installation. As a previous Midtown artist, Laín brings a thoughtful, story-driven approach to creating work that resonates with the community, turning public space into a place to reflect, connect, and celebrate together.
Visit the Installation at Bagby Park
We invite you to experience Rodeo Days, Midtown Days at Bagby Park during its run from February 24 through March 25. Whether you stop by for a quick photo, a closer look at the details in each letter, or a moment to take in the full story, this installation is a must-see for rodeo season in Midtown.
Want to make a full night of it? Visit the installation on March 21 during Sounds of Midtown: Boots on Bagby, a high-energy evening of country and Zydeco music that taps into Houston’s Rodeo season and invites the community to two-step, dance, and celebrate Texas roots at Bagby Park. Visit the Midtown Events Calendar to RSVP.
Visit Bagby Park (415 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002) to see the wrap in person.
