A Weekend at the Rodeo: 48 Hours in Fort Worth, Texas

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Fort Worth, Texas, is the epicenter of all things Western, earning the name “Cow Town” for more than a century and wearing it as a badge of honor—especially during the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, which has been going on since 1896.

If you’re heading to Fort Worth any weekend between January 17th and February 8th, 2025, our 2-day itinerary will help you get the most out of your time there. In addition to all the events surrounding this legendary festival, you can enjoy classic Texas-style BBQ, craft beer, live jazz, shopping, and more.

Day 1: Parades, Tex-Mex and Buckin’ Broncos

Morning

If you arrive near the start of the event (on January 18th), Saturday’s festivities kick off with the Stock Show “All Western” Parade at 11 am. Of course, that means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a hearty Texas breakfast before diving into the parade and other events.

The Paris Coffee Shop is a 99-year-old diner that takes you back in time, where you can enjoy classic Southern breakfasts like pancakes, eggs, and biscuits with thick gravy. And if it’s not too early for dessert, you can ask your server about the day’s selection of fresh-baked pies—or swing by late that afternoon for a sweet treat!

Another local breakfast gem is the Ol’ South Pancake House, where you can try traditional pancakes or explore their signature tangy-sweet German pancake, filled with lemon juice, powdered sugar, and butter.

Once you’re all fueled up, you can head downtown to hit the parade and enjoy stunning floats, marching bands, and professional horse riders. It’s a family-friendly, time-honored tradition celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

Afternoon

When it comes to lunch, you can choose between two longstanding Texas favorites. Joe T. Garcia’s is a Tex-Mex hotspot that’s been around since 1935 and offers sizzling fajitas, enchiladas in rich sauces, and cool, refreshing margaritas. Or you can explore some classic Texas tastes at Heim BBQ, known for its savory brisket and famed bacon-burnt ends.

After lunch, you can explore the Fort Worth Stockyards, shop for cowboy gear, and watch the daily Fortworth Cattle Drive at 4 PM. You can also stick around for the Stockyards Rodeo, the world’s only year-round rodeo. It’s a traditional rodeo competition that takes place at 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday nights.

Evening

Fort Worth has a range of southwestern-themed dining options. If you’re looking for a rooftop view of Sundance Square, visit Reata Restaurant and explore some of its signature dishes, like tenderloin tamales and pan-seared pepper-crusted tenderloin.

You could also go a bit more exotic with Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, where you can try things like rabbit-rattlesnake sausage or elk. The rustic ambiance feels like a southwestern saloon from bygone days.

During the Stock Show & Rodeo, the city showcases seven different rodeo events. The Best of the West Ranch Rodeo celebration takes place on January 17th and 18th (Friday and Saturday) only. However, there are a whole bunch of different rodeos throughout the event, so don’t worry if your dates don’t line up for the Best of the West.

You can take a look at some of the other rodeos, like the Mustang Magic and Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo Qualifier, which take place at other times throughout the event. Check out the full rodeo schedule to learn more.

You can also skip the rodeo and head to the world’s largest Honky Tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas, for some live country music in the Fort Worth Stockyards. There, you’ll find dining, concerts, bull riding, and more.

Day 2: Parks, History and Farm-to-Table Eats

Morning

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, puts a creative spin on breakfast in a fun, lively atmosphere with unique treats like pineapple upside-down pancakes and mashed avocado eggs benedict. Yolk is another fun breakfast spot, popular for its indulgent omelets, fluffy pancakes, and a variety of fresh-squeezed juices.

After breakfast, you can explore the Fort Worth Zoo, which is regularly ranked among the nation’s best animal sanctuaries. Home to thousands of critters, from lions to penguins, you and your family can explore interactive exhibits like the Country Carousel and wander through lush pathways showcasing diverse habitats.

You could also embrace a dash of nature in Trinity Park, walking or biking along the scenic Trinity River—an oasis of green that features plenty of benches to relax, playgrounds for kids, and picnic spots, all with views of the Fort Worth skyline.

Afternoon

At lunchtime, you can choose between Brewed, a gastropub offering an array of craft beers and high-quality farm-to-table meals, and Velvet Taco, an eclectic taco spot with innovative fillings like spicey tikka chicken or beer-battered cauliflower.

Afterwards, you can get back to your Western-themed adventures by exploring the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, where you’ll learn about the women pioneers of Texas, both Mexican and American, from centuries past. You’ll explore their daily lives, what they wore, the tools they used, and how they survived in that sparsely populated land.

Of course, if you want to take a break from cowboys and cowgirls, you can go window-shopping at Sundance Square in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Its pedestrian-friendly streets feature boutique shops, art galleries, and much more.

Evening

Fort Worth offers a range of dinner options, starting with fine dining at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, with its vast selection of premium steaks and top-shelf wines.

Meanwhile, Ellerbe Fine Foods offers fresh, farm-to-table cuisine in a converted gas station—but don’t let its humble roots fool you! This fine dining experience delivers a variety of southern delicacies, from housemade rabbit rillette to roasted winter beets, and it was a semi-finalist in the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards.

For evening fun, you can celebrate Mexican culture at Best of Mexico Celebración at 7:30 PM, which showcases the artistry of charros (traditional Mexican horsemen), the lively footwork of folklórico dancers, and the strings of mariachi bands.

Jazz lovers can check out the speakeasy-style Scat Jazz Lounge, which is tucked away in an old-fashioned elevator. Order cocktails and sink into a velvet-upholstered chair while you lose yourself in a sea of live saxophones and sultry vocals from another era.

Something for Everyone in Fort Worth

Fort Worth is a modern city that hasn’t forgotten its cowboy roots. With family fun, fine dining, museums, and a wide array of cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this modern metropolis just 30 minutes outside of Dallas. And despite its population of nearly 1 million, this “cow town” still celebrates its rich history.

Now, if you want to stay more than a weekend in the great state of Texas, you can take a ghost-hunting road trip across the state, explore the Blue Bonnet wine trail, or visit Austin on any budget.

Discover the Lone Star State, or check out our many other travel guides to explore exciting destinations across the United States.

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