With Year of the Horse Theme and Star-Studded Lineup, Cotton Q Club Rides Back in Style

Zinat Ahmed at The Gold Pony Club (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

By Jeff Gremillion

The always memorable Cotton Q Club returned in grand fashion this year, transforming into the hottest tent at the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and kicking off the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in true Texas style.

Presented by Cotton Holdings as title sponsor, the invite-only event once again delivered championship barbecue, elevated hospitality, and unforgettable entertainment for Houston’s best. From February 26–28 at NRG Park, the Cotton Q Club lived up to its legendary reputation with a high-energy weekend that perfectly blended culinary excellence, standout musical performances, and distinctive design touches. The powerhouse stage lineup featured Gabby Barrett headlining Thursday night, Sammy Kershaw opening Friday, followed by a show-stopping set from Josh Turner, and Braxton Keith closing out the weekend on Saturday with pure country flair.

Cotton Culinary kept the flavors flowing with a dynamic, themed menu: Thursday’s steak night, Friday’s fajitas, and Saturday’s full barbecue spread, each evening capped with desserts designed to match the theme. Guests raised their glasses with premium beverages and spirits from Constellation Brands, Whistle Pig, Dripping Springs Distillery, and Republic National Distributing Company.

In honor of the Year of the Horse, the main tent dazzled with striking red rose horses suspended across the ceiling — a bold, artful contrast to the classic green décor that symbolized agility, strength, and the spirited values at the heart of Cotton Holdings. Tucked inside the tent, the coveted speakeasy known as The Gold Pony Club made its triumphant return as a hidden, high-style escape.

Guests were greeted by The Stirrup martini bar, presented by Sophie, serving three signature martinis and caviar-stuffed olives in a refined ranch setting. Kinetic art pieces by artist Sneha Merchant adorned the emerald-green walls, while specialty cocktails like the Cotton Signature Sour and Spicy Gold Pony flowed alongside offerings from Casa Dragones, Simple Spirits, Ace of Spades, and DR Delicacy caviar. 1932 Cattleman’s Club provided exclusive bites and desserts, and on Friday night, Bun B surprised the crowd with his famous Trill Burgers.

Leading the weekend were Cotton Holdings executives including Founder and Chairman Pete Bell, Chief Marketing Officer Zinat Ahmed, President and Co-CEO Johnny Slaughter and his wife Debra, and Co-CEO Chris Sneck and his wife Margaret. Notable attendees included Mayor John Whitmire, Dr. Chris Boleman, Pat Mann Phillips, Jeff Hildebrand, Bun B, Andre Johnson, Blake Feritta, Tony Bradfield, James Scaife, Kevin Freeman, Russell and Stacey White, Jeff and Kristen Erler, Dawn and Ed Buckingham, Elizabeth Kurpis, Tara Martin, Heather Almond, Morgan Hale, Teressa Foglia, Ty Hays, Lyndsey Zorich, Ceron, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, Hailey and Jacob Daniels, Kailey and Paul Fletcher, Suzanne Droese, and Marc and Whitney Lawson.