The iconic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is saddling up for its 2026 run, bringing a 130-year tradition of western heritage, economic impact, and entertainment to North Texas for over three weeks of festivities.
From January 16 to February 7, more than 1.2 million visitors are expected to descend upon Cowtown for the nation’s oldest continuously running livestock show and rodeo. The event, which has been a fixture since 1896, is projected to generate between $120 million and $142 million for the local economy.
“People come here for the tradition. They come here to celebrate the western way of life,” says Matt Brockman, spokesman for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “But they also want to see something new, unique and so we always try to keep it fresh,” he told FOX 4.
Parade Kicks Off Festivities
The All-Western Parade will thunder through downtown Fort Worth on Saturday, January 17, starting at 11 a.m. The parade features over 3,000 horses and 70 riding clubs following a two-mile route that begins near the Tarrant County Courthouse. It’s a spectacle that has become one of the event’s most beloved traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to line the streets each year.
Want horses without the parade pomp? The 69th annual quarter horse select sale begins at 10 a.m. the same day, showcasing approximately 30 quarter horses, including a three-year-old gelding named L.J.
“It’s almost like checking into a hotel,” said Aaron Alaniz, L.J.’s owner. “They’ve been very welcoming, like you said, helped us in every way,” he explained to reporters.
A Storied History
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has only been cancelled twice in its storied history — during World War II and again during the recent pandemic. That remarkable consistency speaks to both its cultural importance and economic impact on the region.
How significant is this event to Fort Worth’s identity? Many locals mark their calendars years in advance, with the Stock Show serving as a cornerstone of the city’s winter social season and a living monument to the area’s western heritage.
Visitors looking to experience this Texas tradition can purchase general admission tickets for $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-16, while children 5 and under get in free, according to information from CBS News. The stock show grounds will welcome visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Beyond Bulls and Broncs
While rodeo performances remain the headline attraction — held at Dickies Arena throughout the run — the Stock Show offers much more than bucking broncs and bull riders. The 2026 edition will feature over 70 musical performances, including Colter Wall with Hayden Redwine on January 23-24 at 7:30 p.m.
Most musical performances are accessible with a standard grounds pass, making them an exceptional value for visitors, CultureMap Fort Worth notes.
The rodeo performances themselves will run the full duration of the event at Dickies Arena, with tickets available through Ticketmaster, by phone, or at the venue’s box office, according to the arena’s website.
For many Texans, the Stock Show & Rodeo isn’t just an event — it’s a pilgrimage that connects them to the state’s ranching roots while showcasing the evolution of western industries and entertainment. In a rapidly changing Texas, this three-week celebration offers a chance to experience traditions that have defined the region for generations, even as they continue to adapt for the future.
