Whenever visitors come to North Texas, the stop they can’t miss is the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s been the epicenter for cowboy culture since 1889, and this year, it celebrates its 136th birthday.
“The 136th year celebrated the Fort Worth Stockyards legacy as a symbol of Texas Western heritage and its continued evolution as a premier cultural and entertainment destination,” said Dena Newell, director of marketing and tourism for the Stockyards.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Stockyards is putting on a handful of events, many of which are family friendly.
One place to find activities commemorating 136 of Stockyards is the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, taking place at Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena until Feb. 7. The annual event is packed with rodeos, stock shows, live music and a carnival, among other activities.
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The Fort Worth Stockyards is celebrating its 136th birthday this year.
Courtesy of the Fort Worth Stock
In 1908, the Cowtown Coliseum was the first indoor rodeo arena in the U.S. In honor of the anniversary, kids 12 and under can get free admission to all PBR bull riding and Ultimate Bullfighters shows until Feb. 8.
Other anniversary events include Bandana Giveaway Days, where visitors can receive a free bandana or a Busch Light if they download the new Stockyards app and sign up for the Heritage Club.
There will also be a Western Fashion Round-Up until Feb. 8 that includes exclusive rodeo specials, happy hours and trunk shows. It will feature 30 Western-style brands, including Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, Lucchese and Pendleton.
Ross Brothers Horse and Mule Company employees stand in Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards in August 1939, alongside with mules shipped to Turkey for the war effort.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collect
“The Stockyards is a national historic district and one of the only places where the Old West is celebrated year round, making it the 136th anniversary an ideal time to come visit,” said Newell.