Olaf Growald
With rodeo's biggest event in town (well, at Globe Life Field in Arlington), Fort Worth has its own slate of festivities celebrating the NFR. Here's everything happening from the Stockyards to downtown to Will Rogers Memorial Center.
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
Junior World Finals: Dec. 3 – 12
Cowboys and cowgirls ages seven to 19 will compete in the Junior World Finals, presented by Yeti, at Cowtown Coliseum.
Hooey Fest Watch Party: Dec. 3 – 12
A 30-foot screen will be set up inside Cowtown Coliseum each night following the Junior World Finals competitions from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., streaming real-time NFR action. Live concerts will occur nightly beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Cowtown Christmas Marketplace: Dec. 3 – 12
Held daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Mule Alley, 350-plus exhibitors will sell Texas-made arts, crafts, and more. Event is free.
Cowboy Carnival: Dec. 3 – 13
Family-friendly activities take place throughout the Fort Worth Stockyards daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., including a 65-foot Ferris wheel, carousel, petting corral, the Stockyards Cattle Pen Maze, and a mechanical bull.
The Cowboy Channel Tailgate: Dec. 3 – 12
The Cowboy Channel will host this event at its studio located at 130 E. Exchange from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. In addition to tailgate-friendly party elements like chuck wagon cooking demos and cowboy cocktails, the event features a live broadcast from 2 – 5 p.m. daily. Sponsored by Visit Fort Worth.
The Cowboy Channel Championship Mutton Bustin’: Dec. 3 – 12
Young cowboys and cowgirls compete from 3 – 4 p.m. inside Cowtown Coliseum. Limited seating capacity. Tickets sold on site.
Bullfighters Only World Finals: Dec. 8 – 12
Bullfighting event held daily at Cowtown Coliseum. Tickets sold on site.
Billy Bob’s Texas Concerts
Country music performances by artists like Travis Tritt, The Bellamy Brothers, Stoney LaRue, Justin Moore, Pat Green, and Wade Bowen. Concert info here.
DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH
Adobe Stock
Downtown Fort Worth
Downtown Roundup: Dec. 3 – 12
A free welcome area called the Downtown Roundup will be set up in General Worth Square in downtown Fort Worth every day from 4 – 8 p.m. Vendor displays include Hesston by Massey Ferguson, Bloomer Trailers from Paramount's Yellowstone, and a large HD display streaming The Cowboy Channel's NFR rodeo action. Local music will take the stage between 4 – 8 p.m., and bar service featuring TX Whiskey will be available Dec. 3 – 5 and 11 – 12.
Cowboy Christmas: Dec. 3 – 12
Occurring daily at the Fort Worth Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the market spans more than 250,000 square feet and features 250 exhibitors from across the country. Products will include custom-made jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts, and home goods. Admission is free and open to the public.
Daily shows occurring on the Rodeo Live Stage, presented by RMEF as part of Cowboy Christmas, include Cowboy Revival with Shane Minor from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. and Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen from noon – 1 p.m.
WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER & FACILITIES
Stetson Country Christmas and Cowboy Marketplace: Dec. 3 – 12
Will Rogers Memorial Center will host the Stetson Country Christmas at its Round Up Inn. The shopping showcase will host vendors selling western lifestyle gifts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to live music performances, Anthony Lucia will host his RIDE TV show "Live with Lucia" daily from the event. Full schedule of entertainment here. Admission is free and open to the public.
Cowboys & Caballos: Dec. 3 – 12
Cowboys & Caballos brings the history of the Spanish Vaquero, the Charros of Mexico, and the American cowboy of today to life. This first-of-its-kind presentation showcases the best in horsemanship, trick roping, gun spinning, whip cracking, and more.
Ultimate Bullfighters Championship: Dec. 3 – 12
Ultimate Bullfighters will host the first-ever Fort Worth championship as part of the Stetson Country Christmas and Cowboy Marketplace. Performances start at 2 p.m. and will feature the top athletes and the most dangerous fighting bulls in the world.
