Happenings
Happenings at
Hotel Drover &
the Fort Worth Stockyards
Discover unforgettable stockyards events and iconic Hotel Drover happenings, from live music and rodeos to exclusive art exhibits and seasonal celebrations.
Explore our world-class events below:
The Backyard Unplugged
The Backyard Unplugged returns to Hotel Drover for another season of live music, refreshing cocktails from Pour Horse, and legendary nights under the Texas stars. Settle into The Backyard, Hotel Drover’s creekside oasis in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
SCHEDULE
DATE: Every Saturday, Now – October 24
TIME: 7 PM – 10 PM
LOCATION: The Backyard at Hotel Drover
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Step back in time as the Grapevine Vintage Railroad rolls into Stockyards Station. This classic rail experience blends historic charm with scenic views, offering guests a nostalgic journey through North Texas. A perfect pairing of heritage and adventure, just steps from the iconic sights and sounds of the Stockyards.
DATES: Every Saturday & Sunday, Now – November 26
LOCATION: Stockyards Station
Show Your TCU Spirit
Cheer on the TCU Horned Frogs and make Hotel Drover your game day retreat. After the winning play, relax in rustic-luxe accommodations, enjoy refreshing cocktails in The Backyard, and savor seasonally-inspired flavors at 97 West Kitchen & Bar. With the vibrant Fort Worth Stockyards steps away your football weekend is set for the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
Schedule:
– October 24: TCU vs West Virginia
– October 31: TCU vs Kansas
– November 14: TCU vs Kansas State
– November 21: TCU vs Utah
LOCATION: Texas Christian University
PBR Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
Experience the enduring legacy of Black Cowboy culture at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. From exciting rodeo competition to educational showcases and community celebration, this unforgettable event honors the courage, grit, and untold stories that helped shape the West.
DATE: Saturday, October 17
LOCATION: Cowtown Coliseum
Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering
One of the largest cowboy gatherings in America returns with three Ranch Rodeos and Western music that fills every corner of the Stockyards. Authentic cowboy traditions come alive all weekend.
DATE: October 23 – 25
LOCATION: Exchange Lawns
Stockyards Treat Street
Join the family fun with trick or treating, hayrides, face painting, and the Legends of Texas Spooktacular shows. Trick-or-treating is open to kids in costume, 12 and under, at participating Stockyards Station and Mule Alley retailers.
DATE: Saturday, October 31
LOCATION: The Fort Worth Stockyards
John Wayne Grit Series Returns
The annual 5K John Wayne Grit Series run returns to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards! The course starts at the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit and weaves through the cobblestone streets of the Stockyards to Trinity Trail where you’ll take in views of the downtown Fort Worth Skyline.
DATE: November 7
LOCATION: The Fort Worth Stockyards
Texas Country Music Awards
Experience a true Texas celebration as country artists take center stage during this spirited award ceremony. Celebrate the stars of the Lone Star State as Aaron Watson receives the 2026 Trailblazers Award, alongside unforgettable live performances from rising country talent.
DATE: Sunday, November 8
LOCATION: Billy Bob’s Texas
Fort Worth Rodeo Rink
Giddy up and glide across the ice at the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo Rink, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music, and the charm of a true Western winter wonderland and make memories under the Texas sky!
DATE: November 18 – January 3
LOCATION: Exchange Lawns
Cowboy Santa's Grand Arrival Parade & Tree Lighting
Cowboy Santa and his herd bring holiday cheer to the Stockyards Parade at 11:30 AM, kicking off a day of Western wonder. The festivities continue with the Tree Lighting at 6 PM, where live music, festive shopping and the magic of the season come to life.
DATE: Friday, November 27
LOCATION: E. Exchange Ave.
Legendary Tree Lighting
Celebrate five legendary years of holiday magic at Hotel Drover during the 5th Annual Legendary Tree Lighting on Friday, November 27, from 5 PM – 9 PM. Exclusive to Hotel Drover overnight guests, this cherished tradition features our signature 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with a one-of-a-kind cowboy hat topper, appearances by Cowboy Santa, festive sweet treats, hot cocoa, fireside s’mores, and twinkling holiday displays throughout the resort.
DATE: Friday, November 27
TIME: 5 PM – 9 PM
LOCATION: Hotel Drover
Fort Worth Stockyards Photos With Cowboy Santa
Experience the Fort Worth Stockyards aglow with festive decor, discover premier Western shopping, and capture a timeless holiday memory with a special photo alongside Cowboy Santa.
DATE: November 27 – December 24
LOCATION: Fort Worth Stockyards
Polar Express Cliburn Family Concert
Celebrate the wonder and spirit of the holidays with a trip to the North Pole. Experience a special presentation featuring illustrations from Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express with musical interludes, festive narrations, and spirited surprised.
DATE: Saturday, November 28
TIME: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
LOCATION: Stockyards Station
Christmas In The Stockyards
Kick off the holidays at the 25th Annual Christmas in the Stockyards. Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards with sounds of the season, reindeer games, inspired activities, photos with Cowboy Santa, Mrs. Claus story time, and a spectacular Christmas parade.
DATE: Saturday, December 5
TIME: 11 AM – 8 PM
LOCATION: E. Exchange Ave.
12 Days of Drover
From December 11 through December 24, our guest-exclusive 12 Days of Drover experience brings holiday magic to life. From special encounters with Cowboy Santa and his live reindeer to fireside s’mores, spirited holiday cocktails, and the simple joy of mailing a letter to the North Pole. Create storybook memories that will be treasured for years to come.
DATE: December 11 – December 24
TIME: 5 PM – 8 PM
LOCATION: The Backyard at Hotel Drover
Premier Women's Rodeo
The Premier Women’s Rodeo takes over Cowtown Coliseum December 17–20 for the “Road to the Championship Shoot Out,” bringing 24 of the world’s top cowgirls to Fort Worth for four days of rodeo action. Expect barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, women’s bronc and bull riding, goat tying and more.
DATE: December 17 – 20
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Cowtown Coliseum
Legacy of The Longhorn
Experience Legacy of the Longhorn, a new 45-minute daytime activity at Cowtown Coliseum. In partnership with the Fort Worth Herd, this one-of-a-kind experience celebrates the enduring spirit of the West through authentic storytelling, live cattle, and immersive entertainment. A legendary Stockyards tradition in the making, it’s an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Experience a legendary evening in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo brings together world-class athletes, exciting competition, and time-honored Western tradition, delivering an elevated night of bulls, broncs, barrels, and unforgettable arena action.
PBR Stockyards Showcase
World-class bull riding takes center stage as PBR brings its elite athletes and global phenomenon to the historic Cowtown Coliseum, where grit, tradition, and modern Western sport collide for an unforgettable experience.
Catch a Show at Tannahill's Music Hall & Lounge
From rising artists to seasoned performers, Tannahill’s Music Hall & Lounge sets the stage for standout live music throughout the year. A thoughtfully curated lineup brings together diverse sounds, energetic performances, and an intimate concert setting that captures the creative spirit of the Fort Worth Stockyards and invites guests to discover something new with every show.
Join the Action at Dickies Arena
Just steps from Hotel Drover, Dickies Arena is Fort Worth’s premier stage for world-class entertainment. With its signature Southwest Art Deco design and state-of-the-art amenities, the arena hosts everything from iconic concerts and sporting events to the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Versatile and unforgettable, it’s where the West comes alive all year long.