The Fort Worth Stockyards offers visitors an authentic glimpse of the city’s rich cattle and ranching history thanks to twice-daily cattle drives, weekly rodeo competitions and multiple western heritage events.  The experience doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Here’s a highlight of 10 popular Stockyards destinations (in no particular order) that keep the area’s nightlife vibrant.

Lil’ Red’s Longhorn Saloon

The Longhorn Saloon is brightly lit and bustling with crowds of mixed ages. The venue offers regular live music acts and drinks in a buzzy atmosphere that's sure to sweep you off your feet in no time. 

The Cantina Cadillac

Dangling above Cantina Cadillac’s modest dance floor is a disco ball set inside a massive stirrup, itself encased in rhinestones. The mashup of traditional and country images is a good metaphor for the fun bar that blends pool tables and large TVs (typical of sports bars) with great customer service and wall-to-wall images of rodeos and famous cowboys, including more than a few portraits of “The Duke.”

White Elephant Saloon

The White Elephant Saloon is always a good time. While waiting for the band to start, you can grab a picnic table, order a beer, and enjoy a bite from Tim Love's Love Shack next door. The Saloon has one of the quirkier bar decor layouts with dozens of cowboy hats lining the ceiling along with the famous (former) owners' names. White porcelain elephants line the back wall. Get here early, though. This spot fills up quickly most evenings.

Whiskey Girl Saloon

Toward the west side of the Stockyard’s area is another hotspot, Whiskey Girl Saloon. Like the White Elephant Saloon, the draw here is the music. Whiskey Girl is light on decor and heavy on the dance space, which makes it one of the better spaces to boot scootin’ boogie. Whiskey Girl offers live entertainment nearly every night.

Billy Bob’s Texas

Fort Worth’s most famous destination for music is Billy Bob's Texas, crowned the world’s largest honky-tonk. That’s not just boasting. With a capacity of 6,000, 30+ bar stations, two music stages, and an arcade and billiards tables, there’s little left to want from the Billy Bob’s experience. Nearly every big name country act has performed here, and continue to do so, but can also listen to local and regional acts.

Thirsty Armadillo

Memorable name aside, being thirsty is the least of your problems at this popular bar thanks to a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks. Thistys, as the regulars call it, has hosted numerous famous country music acts over the years, including the Eli Young Band and Casey Donahew, and the venue is always looking for the next rising star.

Neon Moon Saloon

One of Fort Worth’s most popular 18-and-up nightclubs, Neon Moon Saloon, blends dance music, new country and Top 40 hits for an unparalleled late night experience. Friday and Saturday nights you can take the stage in the Silverado Room for karaoke or enjoy the club’s three bars, DJs and bustling dance floor.

Basement Bar

Basement Bar is open seven days a week, offering choice craft brews and cocktails to a loyal following of barflies and anyone who happens by the underground pub. It’s also a great place to start the weekend with happy hour prices hovering around $2 for select beers.

Rodeo Exchange

Rodeo Exchange puts dancing first, and the crowds have followed. Friday and Saturday nights bring top-notch live music, too. Rodeo Exchange also offers dancing lessons, meaning there’s no excuse for not two-stepping the night away in this venerable bar and dance hall.

Keep exploring

This one goes to all the great bars and dancehalls (Pearl’s Dancehall, PR’s Saloon and others) that are an equally important part of the Stockyards experience. The great thing about this area is the walkability between businesses. So next time you step out of your favorite watering hole or dance hall, don’t be afraid to mosey over to somewhere new.