Lola Hardisty
There’s something about the Fort Worth Stockyards — the way the air smells of leather and dust, the steady clop of hooves echoing down Exchange Avenue, and the flicker of neon signs promising cold beer and live music. It’s a place where the past isn’t just remembered; it’s lived. And now, this legendary slice of Texas is celebrating its 135th Anniversary in a way only the Stockyards can — with grit, charm, and a whole lot of heart.
Here is a list of a few events taking place in honor of this anniversary:
- Kids Free at Cowtown Coliseum (Jan. 2 - Feb. 6) Already under way
Rodeo dust is best kicked up young. From now until February 6, kids 12 and under get in free with every paid adult ticket to the PBR Bull Riding and Ultimate Bullfighting shows at Cowtown Coliseum. It’s a front-row seat to the kind of fearless fun that made the West wild in the first place.
- Happy Trail Giveaways (Jan. 17 - Feb. 9)
Download the Fort Worth Stockyards App and you’ll score more than just directions—you’ll snag a commemorative 135th-anniversary bandana. But that’s just the start. Rounds of beer, historic tours, rodeo tickets—they’re all up for grabs. Because nothing says celebration like free stuff and a cold one.
- Western Fashion Round-Up (Jan. 17 - Feb. 9)
If the Stockyards had a dress code, it would read: bold, rugged, and unapologetically Western. Over 30 retailers are bringing the heat with trunk shows, happy hours, and exclusive sales. Brands like Lucchese, Ariat, and Double D Ranch are turning heads and turning up the style—this is where cowhide meets couture.
Spotlight on Stockyards Shops:
- John Wayne Stock & Supply is blending grit and grace with its Hats + Art Exhibit, featuring milliner Teressa Foglia and artist Ty Hayes. And for a smoother kind of spirit, don’t miss the John Wayne Family Estates wine tastings on February 1 and 8.
- Kemo Sabe is serving up exclusive trunk shows with Lindsey Thornberg Jackets, Love Tokens Jewelry, and Jake 2 Jake Knives — crafted from ancient materials, no less. Drinks, bites, and a toast to rodeo season.
- King Ranch Saddle Shop turns shopping into a social affair with weekly Sip and Shop events every Friday through February 7.
This place has stories to tell. The Stockyards once ruled as the largest livestock-trading hub in the Southwest. Bonnie and Clyde once checked in at the Stockyards Hotel. The twice-daily cattle drives? They aren’t just for show — they’re living history. And Cowtown Coliseum? First indoor rodeo arena in the U.S. That’s not just trivia; that’s legacy.
And let’s not forget Billy Bob’s Texas — the world’s largest honky-tonk — where country legends and rowdy crowds have made memories since 1981. The Stockyards have always been a favorite on the big and small screens too, starring in hits like “1883,” “Landman,” and “Pure Country” to name a few big ones.
For 135 years, the Fort Worth Stockyards have been a place where legends are made — and this anniversary is writing the next chapter. Whether it’s rodeo thrills, whiskey sips, or fashion finds, the Stockyards is throwing a party you won’t want to miss.
So dust off your boots, tip your hat, and get ready — because the Stockyards is calling. And it doesn’t whisper. It hollers.
