Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Cheat Sheet
Fort Worth’s favorite season is back for another three weeks of Western-infused fun. First held in 1896, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is the oldest continuously running livestock show and rodeo and a definitive nod to Cowtown culture. In short, it’s a staple of Fort Worth living — though it draws attendees and participants from across the globe. It’s also a wonderful community event that brings Fort Worth together.
And whether you attend for the stock show, rodeo, or fan-favorite mutton bustin’, it’s the ideal — dare we say essential — way to experience the best of Fort Worth. For locals and visitors alike, we’ve scouted the best of this year’s offerings, including helpful hints, things to know before you go, and, of course, what to wear.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
First time at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo? Welcome! Here are a few helpful hints for a seamless experience.
TICKETS // If you purchase tickets online, be sure to look for those that have access to Reliant or Ariat Clubs! With a market-style selection of quick, delicious gourmet food and beverages, the Reliant Club is the perfect space to elevate your group’s experience before, during, and after the rodeo. Bonus points for its location: directly above rodeo chutes. With access granted to suite, loge box and founders rodeo box holders, the Ariat Club is the most exclusive premium space available at Dickies Arena.
WHEN TO GO // Go early and stay late! Beyond the rodeo, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. All events are a blast, but Bulls’ Night Out is a local favorite. Events typically start around 8:00 am and grounds close at 10:30 pm. The majority of performances begin at 7:30 pm, but there are matinee performances on January 16th, 22nd, 27th, 28th, and 29th starting at 2:00 pm. The Bud Light Roadhouse will remain open a minimum of one hour after each rodeo performance.
Be sure to arrive on time to take in the historical “Grand Entry,” featuring local celebs, notable city officials, and rodeo royalty — all decked in Western Couture, of course. The event includes a parade rich in pageantry, the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer.
HOW TO GET THERE // Parking credentials make ingress and egress easy, but if you can’t score them, stick with a ride share, which will drop off and pick up on the west side of Dickies arena (off Montgomery). Note: ride share services do not have access to the Stock Show grounds and cannot drop off or pick up at alternative locations.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR // Bob Tillman, of course! He’s the official voice of FWSSR and one of the finest professional rodeo announcers around the country!
THE HISTORY
Formerly called the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo was first held in March of 1896 along Marine Creek. The efforts of local ranchers hoping to encourage interest in their cattle, the show was a success and hosted again in October of the same year. It became a popular community event and, well, the rest is history.
And it’s a rich history! The event’s tagline, This Thing is Legendary, is no exaggeration, with staples of rodeo and livestock culture originating at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Steer wrestling and forerunners of 4-H clubs — among many other stock show and rodeo staples and firsts — can be traced to FWSSR. Read the full history…
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
All Western Parade kicks off FWSSR on Saturday, January 14th at 11:00 am. With over 10,000 attendees and thousands of horses, equestrian troops, stagecoaches, and marching bands to parade through Downtown, it’s considered the world’s largest All-Western Parade. Purchase a parade seat ticket. Reserved seating options are available in Sundance Square for $25 and in the Convention Center for $15.
FWSSR offers more than an 8 second ride. Make sure to experience the stock show, Auditorium Concert Series, Kool Kids Stuff (including a petting zoo and pony ride), Carnival, and more! General admission provides access to all of the many non-ticketed attractions on the FWSSR grounds. Purchase tickets…
WHAT TO WEAR
WHAT TO WEAR // By 1925, FWSSR had become the place to make a fashion statement, and high crowned wide brimmed felt hats, high heeled boots, and split riding skirts ruled. Today, we’re opting for cowboy boots, denim, and locally-sourced flair. Here’s where to shop…
WHERE TO SHOP //
b kids has a rodeo-must in mini sizes: boots! Shop the Loretta Boot (or a sparklier option) online and in-store. Shop online…
Babies on the Boulevard has the most darling Rodeo collections, including bubbles, dresses, short sets and more for littles. We also love these cute options from a Houston-based brand. Stop in to shop or call/text (817-737-7171) to purchase the goodies you see on Instagram! Shop in-store…
Bette’s is for fashion-forward Rodeo gals. Opt for this prairie-inspired top and pair with wide-leg denim. Shop online or stop by to see what’s in store! Shop online…
Birdie has darling options, like this Shrunken Denim Jacket and Yee-Haw Sweatshirt, that are made for FWSSR and beyond. P.S. These Silver Metallic Cowboy Boots also caught our eye! Stop in to shop their selections or shop online. Shop online…
C + B Collections serves up the perfect options for attending the FWSSR in a cold snap. Shop for littles or yourself, including everything from boleros to accessories, and more!. Shop online…
Chieffalo Americana is an absolute must for rodeo-wear. Expect vintage belt buckles, hats, eyewear, clothes, and more. Truly, it’s the shop of your Western and Americana-inspired dreams. Shop in-store…
City Boots crafts stunning boots for the Rodeo and beyond. And every Fort Worth local needs at least one pair. For extra flair points, pair with The Dakota Jacket. Shop online…
Clearly Handbags stocks darling clear handbag options — plus must-have accessories to spruce them up further. While there’s no clear bag policy at Dickies or Will Rogers Arenas, a clear bag will make entry a little quicker. Shop online…
Covey House has darling options for littles. From picks for little cowgirls to options for little dudes (we love this in navy), you’ll find styles for FWSSR and beyond in-store and online. Shop online…
Esther Penn serves up fashion-forward rodeo-ready looks for her you’ll wear far beyond Bulls’ Night Out. Opt for a leather dress or pair a cable knit off-the-shoulder sweater with denim and boots for an easy look. Shop online…
Hale House is a must for rodeo-themed flair with lots of color. Hale House even has a “Rodeo Ready” collection with finds from beaded earrings to graphic sweaters. We recommend shopping your favorites asap, this collection moves quickly! Shop online and in-store…
Kori Green Designs adds the final touches to any outfit, and FWSSR is no exception. And there’s quite a few new arrival necklaces (like this one) that have caught our eye. Shop online…
Lila + Hayes’ collaboration with Dallas-based lifestyle brand HONEY + HANK has delivered the most adorable, rodeo-approved pajamas. The a-ha moment in each HONEY + HANK print turns everyday design into a celebration. Look closely: Can you spot the state of Texas in each cowboy boot? Shop online…
Reads Jewelers Inc. curates and crafts the most exquisite fine jewelry that, while made for year-round wear, lends itself wonderfully to rodeo season. With intricately engraved pieces (including belt buckles) that echo western-wear to spectacular turquoise sparkles, Reads Jewelers delivers heirloom-quality rodeo pieces for generations. A stop into their Camp Bowie Boulevard store to view these stunners in person is a must. Shop online…
Squire Shop outfits Fort Worth’s gentlemen for all occasions — including Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Stop in to pick up this Fort Worth belt for FWSSR and beyond. Shop in-store…
The Best Hat Store is one of the country’s leading specialty hat stores, maintaining a year-round inventory of more than 4,000 hats in 100+ styles. Expect the best selection, quality, and shaping services for a rodeo essential. We recommend stopping in to shop, but you can also view their collection online. Shop online…
The Bow Next Door has stocked the cutest rodeo-approved bows, including darling bandana-inspired options. Shop online or in the Local Design Studios showroom on Wednesdays. Shop online…
You Are Here offers everything you need to build (or complete) your rodeo getup. From denim to fringe, jewelry to cheeky layers. Shop in-store for the full selection or online for easy access. Shop online…
LOCAL CULTURE
The Amon Carter Museum boasts a fabulous collection of FWSSR photography from years past (most available for view online), as well as collections of work that honor Americana and Western culture. Visit to view the Amon G. Carter Collection in person. Learn more…
Artspace111 always curates the most spectacular pieces and for those looking to bring rodeo flair home, options abound. Current favorites include Jo LeMay Rutledge’s “Their Stock and Their Trade” to Donna Howell-Sickles “Cowgirl Study 106.” Preview available works…
Bee Street Gallery always delights with its fabulously curated selection of artists. In fact, the gallerists turned us onto the artwork for our Volume 9 Directory, a piece by Melissa Auberty. And anything from her selection of available works would offer your home a subtle nod to our favorite Fort Worth event. As would photography by Riley Frances Boone. Preview available works…
The Junior League of Fort Worth has sold programs for FWSSR since 1957. A must-have rodeo souvenir, JLFW’s programs benefit community organizations and charitable projects around Fort Worth. Learn more…
Enjoy and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
