Every January, Fort Worth slips into its most authentic skin — boots scuffed, hats tipped low — as the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo takes over town, radiating from Dickies Arena and the Stockyards into hotel bars, kitchens, concert stages, and dance floors across the city. What begins with livestock judging and bronc busting quickly becomes a monthlong celebration of Western culture, and January is when Fort Worth sounds, eats, and dresses like itself.
With the FWSSR officially kicking off Friday, Jan. 16, and running through Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Dickies Arena — expect rodeo nights, livestock shows, carnival midway, and more.
Where the Rodeo Crowd Checks In: Bowie House, Auberge Collection
Bowie House is fully leaning into rodeo season with a slate of Western-forward programming that blends Fort Worth heritage with polished hospitality, with curated moments built around the Stock Show schedule.
The Bowie House FWSSR Experience, available Sunday–Thursday beginning Jan. 18, delivers a true insider’s take on rodeo night — a behind-the-scenes tour at Dickies Arena, premium seating, pre-show reservations at The Bar, round-trip transportation, and a welcome Blade & Bow cocktail.
The season kicks off with the Rodeo Launch Celebration on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5–8 p.m., featuring live music, bourbon tastings, and specialty cocktails. From Jan. 17 through Feb. 8, the nightly Rodeo Social from 4–6 p.m. offers pre-rodeo bites and signature Western hospitality, while Bowie House Records brings live musicians to The Bar on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6–9 p.m. An intimate culinary conversation with Perini Ranch founders Tom and Lisa Perini takes place Sunday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m.
Oh yeah, and for you “Landman” fans, you can also take a few selfies in the same places Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore stood in the second season of the hit Paramount+ series.
Where to Eat Before or After the Chutes Open
Rodeo days demand serious fuel, and some of Fort Worth’s best kitchens are within striking distance of Dickies Arena.
Clay Pigeon Food & Drink, less than two miles from Dickies Arena, shifts to seven-day service during the rodeo and delivers refined, wood-fired comfort rooted in a Texas sensibility. Standouts include the oak-grilled duck breast and the oak-grilled prime steaks that let top-tier ingredients shine.
In the Stockyards, Provender Hall Bar & Grill blends ranch-inspired flavors with polished execution. The Rodeo Burger — beef patty with bacon, jalapeño, American cheese, and house sauce — is a perfect counterpoint to an ice-cold beer.
For unapologetic Texas comfort, Fred’s Texas Cafe – Camp Bowie remains a Fort Worth staple. The Texas Red Chili — boldly seasoned and bean-free — and the green chili lamb stew deliver hearty portions, perfect after a night at the rodeo.
Rodeo Season Wellness: The Crescent and Canyon Ranch
For those balancing late nights with early mornings, The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth and Canyon Ranch Fort Worth Wellness Club + Spa offer rodeo‑season programming that blends celebration with recovery.
The Rodeo Kickoff Party at The Crescent on Friday, Jan. 16, from 4–7 p.m. features a Texas-inspired BBQ buffet, live music, interactive activations, and branded experiences — with shuttle service to the rodeo later that evening.
From Jan. 16 through Feb. 7, Canyon Ranch offers recovery options like Hydrafacials, restorative yoga, red light therapy, and sauna pod sessions for guests looking to recharge between rodeo nights.
136 Years of the Stockyards Keeping Western Tradition Alive
As rodeo week unfolds, the Fort Worth Stockyards are celebrating their 136th anniversary from Jan. 16 through Feb. 8 with a Western Fashion Round Up featuring more than 30 brands showcasing trunk shows, happy hours, and rodeo‑season specials.
Kids 12 and under receive free admission to select Cowtown Coliseum rodeo shows with a paid adult bronze star ticket when they sign up for the Stockyards Heritage Club, and those who download the Stockyards app receive a free commemorative bandana or a Busch Light.
The setting is historic for a reason. Once the largest livestock‑trading center in the Southwest, the Stockyards still hosts twice-daily cattle drives, houses the first indoor rodeo arena in the U.S. at Cowtown Coliseum, and continues to anchor Fort Worth’s Western legacy.
January in Fort Worth doesn’t try to impress; instead, it just shows up fully formed, reminding everyone why this city wears its “Cowtown” identity with pride.