Happy Thursday,
Glimpses of the Wild West can still be found in Fort Worth through the iconic cattle drives, Western saloons and rodeo coliseums. Still, nothing illustrates the city’s past more than the cowboys regularly walking through the Stockyards.
The historic district agrees with that sentiment, so much so that it’s hosting a full-day celebration this Saturday in honor of the National Day of the American Cowboy. From parades to rib-eating contests, there will be plenty of activities for the family.
Make sure you tip your hat with respect when the cowboys march down East Exchange Avenue.
A few weeks ago, I interviewed three international visitors in Fort Worth during the World Cup to get their thoughts on the Stockyards. Spoiler alert: they all enjoyed the Western experience.
Honor the history of cowboys at Stockyards-wide celebration
The event kicks off with a fiddle showcase at 10 a.m. before the parade makes its way through the historic district at 11:30 a.m. Stick around for armadillo races and comedic gun fight shows throughout the day. Find the complete schedule here.
What: 20th Annual National Day of the American Cowboy
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 25
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards, East Exchange Avenue
Admission: Free
Explore behind-the-scenes drama of film ‘Jaws’ in comedic stage play
The play, created in 2019, explores the clashing egos of film stars Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfus and Roy Scheider as they are stuck on a boat with the broken mechanical shark “Bruce.” The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.
What: “The Shark is Broken”
When: 7:30 p.m. July 23; 8 p.m. July 24, 25; 2 p.m. July 26
Where: Amphibian Stage, 120 S. Main St., Fort Worth
Admission: $20-$60
Feel the force through your body at intergalactic museum adventure
Wear your favorite space-themed outfit at an event featuring lightsaber battles, planetarium adventures and out-of-this-world activities for all ages.
What: Space Day
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25
Where: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth
Admission: $12-$16
Listen to classical music that set the scene in iconic films
Musicians will not play movie title themes, but will perform instrumental songs heard in films, including the cello solo in “Secret Garden” and the Irish fiddling from “Titanic.” Children between the ages of 11 and 18 may attend for free, but must notify the organization to reserve seats.
What: Timeless Concerts: Classical Music in the Movies
When: 2 p.m. July 25
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth
Admission: $15-$40
Honor Peru’s Independence Day at cultural celebration
The family-friendly bilingual event features folkloric performances representing Peru’s regions, traditional Peruvian songs and food from Todo Rico Catering. Guests can enjoy other local vendors.
What: Festival Peruano 2026
When: 5-8 p.m. July 25
Where: Artes de la Rosa, 1400 N. Main St., Fort Worth
Admission: $38
Thanks for reading! Do you have a Weekend Worthy event? Add it to our community calendar.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org. The Report’s arts and culture coverage is supported in part by the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation and the Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust.
At the Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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