Every day is a good day to explore the unexpected sites, flavors and sounds of Fort Worth. But 817 Day, August 17th, is dedicated to celebrating what makes our city unique. Where else can you explore five world-renowned museums – one of which includes the only Michelangelo in the U.S. – in the morning, then witness a cattle drive and rodeo in the afternoon?
Experience western heritage, art exhibits, live music, incredible cuisine and the friendly ambiance our city is known for. Find your Fort Worth groove and visit one or all of these spots on 817 Day!
Amplify 817 Showcase at Fort Brewery
Celebrate music from the 8-1-7 on August 17th at Fort Brewery & Pizza! The Public Library’s 3rd Annual Amplify 817 Showcase is a free event from 6-10pm. Enjoy good times, great food and live, local music that’ll make you want to dance. Learn more.
Listen to Live Music
The Fort Worth Music scene is thriving, and it’s almost too easy to find local musicians showcasing their talent and music in venues across the city. The sounds of Fort Worth create a symphony inspired by several genres such as jazz, R&B, blues, country and folk, representing the diversity of Fort Worth’s musicians. From country cover bands at Stockyard’s saloons Basement Bar and White Elephant Saloon, jazz legends at Scat Jazz Lounge, iconic country music artists and Billy Bob’s Texas and white-hot newcomers at Tulips FTW, there is something for fans of every genre under the sun.
Fort Worth Stockyards
The Stockyards is where the west is fun! Don’t miss the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive, at 11:30 and 4pm, where authentically dressed drovers lead a herd of cattle up East Exchange Ave. Check out the weekly rodeos at Cowtown Coliseum. The sounds of Fort Worth are everywhere in the Stockyards. Local musicians play at Second Rodeo Brewing, Tannahill’s Tavern, Billy Bob’s Texas and scores of saloons around the area. Try ranch-inspired cuisine at restaurants like Lonesome Dove, 97 West Kitchen + Bar and Provender Hall.
Cowtown Coliseum
Cowtown Coliseum hosts weekly rodeos, where rodeo stars showcase their talent in events like steer wrestling, bronc riding and, of course, bull riding. Coincidentally, August 17th is also the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the longest running Black rodeo in the U.S. Founded in 1984, it provides Black cowboys a platform to perform their skills and develop the next generation of rodeo stars. Get tickets.
Downtown / Sundance Square
Fort Worth’s vibrant, walkable downtown is full of shopping, dining, art galleries and history. Stop for a spell in Sundance Square Plaza, where you’ll be mesmerized by the Chisholm Trail Mural and hear live music from the plaza stage Thursdays through Sundays. Find classic Fort Worth dining downtown at Reata Restaurant, Riscky’s BBQ or Wicked Butcher. For theater enthusiasts, the funny, feel-good musical Sister Act is playing at Bass Performance Hall on August 17th. It is presented in part by Jubilee Theater, the original home of African American Theater in North Texas. Get tickets here.
Cultural District
Fort Worth has the heart of a cowboy and the soul of an artist. Explore the artistic wonders of the Cultural District, with five museums built by world-renowned architects. Masterpieces abound in this park-like setting, easily walkable between museums. Click here to start planning your day in the Cultural District.
Fort Worth Zoo
Established in 1909, the Fort Worth Zoo is about as “Fort Worth” as you can get. Take the whole family to enjoy Safari Splash, a water play area open in the summer. See various habitats with over 540 species of animals, including Elephant Springs, Predators of Asia & Africa and the Museum of Living Art (MOLA).
Near Southside
South of downtown, you’ll find the quirky, fun neighborhood of Near Southside. Filled with galleries, restaurants, activities for all ages and festivals throughout the year, this area is a great place to walk around and pop into local shops and restaurants. Find vintage items, specialty shops, dive bars and coffee shops. Fine dining restaurants range from vegan, seafood, steak, global cuisines and everything in between.
Dickies Arena
Dickies Arena, Fort Worth’s premier venue for concerts and events, is a versatile space and has hosted global super stars such as George Strait, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. On 817 Day, you can catch the American rock band Kings of Leon belting out fan favorites to a packed crowd.
Sporting events at Dickies have included US Gymnastics Championships and the 2024 CrossFit Games. It is the home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and boasts beautiful public art that exhibits the heritage and diversity of Fort Worth. Get tickets to Kings of Leon (or see Dickies’ lineup of more concerts and events) here.
