In the Unexpected City, a good party is never overrated. Whether indoor or outdoor, celebrating local and regional music, good food, athletic skill, traditions, diversity, or just the ability to gather, the city hosts annual events every year that showcase the eclectic community of Fort Worth, where Y’all Means All.
Begin planning your trip to Fort Worth for one (or many) of these fun, cultural events.
Winter
January
Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
January 12-February 3, 2024
Dickies Arena
Experience the emblematic and always exciting Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, an extravaganza rich in Western heritage and tradition. Held annually at Dickies Arena, the nation’s premier facility for rodeo, the FWSSR is a treasured staple in Fort Worth, a cultural touchstone that celebrates the enduring spirit of the American cowboy.
This year’s event will be packed with rodeo action, livestock and horse shows, interactive and kid-friendly activities, fun Western shopping, an All Western Parade in downtown Fort Worth, “Moo-seum Experience” presented by Central Market, live music, an exciting carnival, great food and more. Get tickets.
39th Annual MLK Jr. Day Parade and Rally
January 15, 2024
Downtown Fort Worth
Hosted by the Greater Fort Worth Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee, the annual parade and rally will highlight community unity, the living hope of Dr. King’s Dream, and a commitment to justice for all humankind. Be a part of the community, bring your floats, classic cars and walking groups as Fort Worth celebrates Dr. King and his legacy. Learn more.
February
Fort Worth Music Festival and Conference
February 28-March 2, 2024
Fort Worth Stockyards
Experience four days of live music across multiple stages in the Stockyards National Historic District. This event will bring together established and respected live music industry executives. Featuring panel discussions, networking opportunities, workshops and live performances, the Fort Worth Music Festival and Conference will generate awareness and grow the existing energy surrounding the local music scene. It will offer an opportunity to gather with fellow music enthusiasts, discuss how to establish your place in the music industry and serve as a live showcase for up-and-coming talent. Get tickets.
Cowtown Race Weekend
February 23-25, 2024
Take part in one of the most fun race weekends in Fort Worth. With events ranging from a kids’ 5k, half marathon, full marathon and an ultra-marathon, it’s a chance to support runners and charities in Fort Worth and explore the Unexpected City. Learn more.
Spring
March
Trinity River Water District Flyfest
March 9, 2024
The Clear Fork of the Trinity River
Fort Worth’s Urban Fishing Celebration returns to the Trinity River for fishing, food and family excitement. Reel in the fun at this free community event with a Big Trout Contest, open fishing, kids activities, expert presentations, vendors and more. Learn more.
16th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling
March 16-17, 2024
This family- and pet-friendly market features the funkiest finds by local artisans selling handmade, repurposed, upcycled and vintage items for everyone. Fundraising will benefit the Saving Hope Animal Rescue and CASA of Tarrant County. This is a great shopping event that supports local, independent crafters, designers, authors and bakers in Fort Worth. Learn more.
Spring Gallery Night
March 23, 2024
Throughout Fort Worth
Support the visual arts and the cultural richness of Fort Worth at Gallery Night. Held twice a year, this free event takes place at participating galleries, museums, retail businesses and restaurants across the city and features the work of local and national artists. Explore the robust art community and connect with other art lovers throughout Fort Worth. Learn more.
April
Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival
April 4-7, 2024
Various Locations
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival is the premier food and wine event in North Texas, with local restaurants and chefs showcasing their skills at some of the best venues in the city. For three days, foodies can enjoy the distinct flavors of Fort Worth cuisine, an unexpected blend of cuisines from Mexican food to barbecue and everything in between.
The festival also serves as a fundraiser for the local culinary scene, promoting Fort Worth establishments and entrepreneur chefs, helping and sustaining chefs, restaurants and local ranching and farming communities. The festival raises funds for local grant programs and culinary scholarships. Enjoy great food and drinks, support local businesses and elevate the Fort Worth culinary scene. Get tickets.
NASCAR’s Triple-Header Weekend
April 12-14, 2024
Texas Motor Speedway
Find high-speed thrills at Texas Motor Speedway’s special weekend of NASCAR events. The weekend features the SpeedyCash.com 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race, and the Autotrader 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race. Gear up for one of the Speedway’s most exciting weekends of the year. Ticket options are available for one or all races. Get ‘em here.
Main St. Arts Festival
April 18-21, 2024
Downtown Fort Worth
Downtown will come alive with amazing art, live music and delicious food during the 37th annual Main St. Arts Festival. Texas’s largest and most revered arts festival takes place along Main Street, centrally located in downtown Fort Worth. Visitors can peruse booths of local artists, sample food and beverages from local restaurants and enjoy live music in Sundance Square Plaza. The whole town comes out for this one, so don’t miss a chance to buy some local art and enjoy the beautiful Texas weather in one of the nation’s most walkable and lovely downtowns. Learn more.
Spring Japanese Festival
April 20-21, 2024
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Supported by the Fort Worth Japanese Society, this family-friendly weekend at the Botanic Garden is a celebration of Japanese tradition, music, dance and food. Enjoy live musical performances, vendors selling traditional Japanese artwork and jewelry and Asian food trucks set against the backdrop of the stunning Japanese Garden and Tea House. Learn more.
May
Mayfest
May 2-5, 2024
Trinity Park
Encompassing 33 acres along the Trinity River in Trinity Park, Mayfest has activities for the whole family, including live music, festival food, carnival rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, performing arts groups, paddle boats, rock-climbing, a gift market, student art contest, and much more! Mayfest is Fort Worth’s premier family-friendly festival in one of the city’s loveliest green spaces. Learn more.
Tacos and Tequila Festival
May 18, 2024
The third annual Tacos and Tequila Festival promises a day of throwbacks, with a lineup including Ludacris, Ashanti, Tech N9ne, Chamillionaire, David Banner and Trick Daddy. Enjoy a day of live performances, the best taco chefs in DFW, salsa and queso competitions, Lucha Libre wrestling and a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant on the banks of the Trinity River. Get tickets.
Charles Schwab Challenge
May 20-26, 2024
Colonial Country Club
Also known as the Colonial National Invitation, the tournament is played every May in Fort Worth at Colonial Country Club, a private country club on the banks of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. PGA’s most dynamic players come to Fort Worth to play this beautiful course. Spectators can enjoy delicious food trucks, Villages & Patio Clubs and bar stations throughout the course as you watch the pros tee it up. Get tickets.
Summer
June
Juneteenth, Opal’s Walk
June 18-19, 2024
Starts at Evans Plaza
Fort Worth is the home of Dr. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Each year, Dr. Opal has led a 2.5-mile walk around the city, the distance representative of the two and a half years it took for news of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach Texas. Dr. Opal was instrumental in the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. Opal’s Walk takes place from Evans Plaza in the Historic Southside, the district where the National Juneteenth Museum will open in 2025. Learn more.
Trinity Pride Fest: Meet Me at the Green
Magnolia Green
Every June in Fort Worth’s booming Near Southside neighborhood, join in for Trinity Pride Fest, an inclusive, supportive festival with live music, local food, vendor market and fun times celebrating the Fort Worth Queer Community. Learn more.
July
Fort Worth’s Fourth
July 4, 2024
Panther Island Pavilion
Every Fourth of July, the Tarrant Regional Water District hosts a Texas-sized fireworks show and festival, celebrating the birth of our nation. This year, the 17th annual festival along the banks of the Trinity River will feature live performances on one of the only waterfront stages in Texas. Join in for an evening of good food and drinks, kids’ activities and an eye-popping fireworks show.
National Day of the American Cowboy
July 27, 2024
Fort Worth Stockyards
The fourth Saturday in July was first designated to honor the American cowboy in 2006, and Fort Worth takes advantage of the day to celebrate the history of the American Cowboy, a figure ingrained in our city’s history. Every year, activities along East Exchange Street in the Stockyards National Historical District will honor the contributions of the cowboys and cowgirls of all ethnicities in Fort Worth. Featuring contests, exhibitions, tastings and a fun time for all ages.
Rockin’ the River
Panther Island Pavilion
If you like floatin’ the river and live music, this is the party for you. The summer tubing and music series returns to Fort Worth’s Panther Island Pavilion for a series of summer fun. Rockin’ the River is a free weekly concert series at an outdoor live music venue and waterfront stage right on the Trinity River with beautiful views of downtown Fort Worth. Enjoy the show from a tube on the water or from the shore for a unique Fort Worth experience. Admission is free but parking is $10. Learn more.
August
817 Day
August 17, 2024
Throughout Fort Worth
817 Day is a day to celebrate the unique culture of Fort Worth. Past years have included concert series featuring local musicians, artists, food and heritage. It’s a chance to celebrate the creative class of our city, which provides an entryway to cultural exploration for residents and visitors.
Fall
September
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
September 26-28, 2024
Trinity Park
This three-day celebration of German culture features the best in Bavarian entertainment. It’s time to drink das bier, eat das sausage and polka till you drop. Activities include Tapping of Zie Kegs, a Dachshund Dash, Fort Wurst Corporate Night, carnival rides, games and more. Learn more.
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15, 2024
Various Locations
Discover and honor Fort Worth’s cultural richness from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This city-wide festival includes parades, festivals, special discounts on food and tickets and competitions that showcase the best of Hispanic culture. Learn more.
October
Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering
Fort Worth Stockyards
The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival is a chance to show off your inner cowboy and cowgirl in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Red Steagall, native Texan, actor, producer, musician, bull rider and cowboy has hosted the annual gathering since 1991. Featuring horsemanship clinics, Ranch Rodeo performances, live music and poetry readings, youth fiddling contests, chuckwagon cook-offs and swing dancing with Red Steagall himself. For cowboys with an artistic flair, this is an event not to be missed.
Tarrant County Harambee Festival
Harambee means “all pull together” in Swahili, and this festival celebrates unity in the community. Come together for a day of art, poetry slams, good food, live music and parades celebrating shared history, love and harmony.
November
18th Annual Lone Star Film Festival
Stockyards National Historical District
The Lone Star Film Festival showcases the best in national and international cinema, highlighting the unique voice and vision of filmmakers who have a special connection to Texas. In 2023, the Lone Star Film Festival Gala featured special guests such as Luke Wilson, Taylor Sheridan, David Oyelowo, and Charley Crockett. The festival premiered feature films, documentaries, short films and the first two episodes of the Paramount+ series, Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Fall Japanese Festival
November 2-3, 2024
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Supported by the Fort Worth Japanese Society, this family-friendly weekend at the Botanic Garden is a celebration of Japanese tradition, music, dance and food. Enjoy live musical performances, vendors selling traditional Japanese artwork and jewelry and Asian food trucks set against the backdrop of the stunning Japanese Garden and Tea House. Learn more.
Parade of Lights
November 24, 2024
Downtown Fort Worth
The annual Parade of Lights delights visitors with over 100 illuminated entries featuring community groups and supporters from around Fort Worth. Santa Claus always makes a special appearance and TCU’s Coach Sonny Dykes served as Grand Marshall in 2023. Enjoy shopping and dining downtown before and after this event, the perfect way to usher in the holiday season. Learn more.
Lightscape
November – January
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The new Fort Worth holiday tradition, Lightscape, has been a sensation since it opened in 2022. Wander the Botanic Garden, which sparkles and shines with inventive light installations and displays that promise a fun night out for the whole family. Learn more.
December
78th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sundance Square Plaza in Downtown Fort Worth
Continuing the tradition of having the tallest live Christmas tree in Texas, the tree lighting ceremony in Sundance Square Plaza features live music performances, food vendors, holiday lights and a countdown by the mayor of Fort Worth.
Christmas in the Stockyards
Stockyards National Historical District
A fantastic way to ring in the holidays, Christmas in the Stockyards features festive activities like the Rodeo Rink, sounds of the season, photos with Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, Strolling Dickens’ Carolers, Championship Rodeos and a spectacular Christmas Parade.
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Amon G. Carter Stadium
For over 20 years, this bowl game has shown support for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces with awards, a Wall of Heroes, a Fan Fest tailgate with interactive booths, military displays, pep rallies and pre-game concerts. It’s a fun, entertaining way to show your support for the military and watch a great game of football. Learn more.
