The Dallas/Forth Worth metroplex has a lot to offer. Check out the must visit list of attractions, shopping and entertainment in the DFW area during the National Finals Rodeo.
Compiled by Kailey Sullins
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
- What: PRCA and WPRA’s top 15 battle it out for top honors.
- Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
- Hours: 6:45 p.m.
- More info: www.nfrexperience.com/nfr2020/
Trade Shows and Shopping:
Cowboy Christmas
- Where: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas
- When: December 3-12 FREE
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
- More info: www.nfrexperience.com/cowboychristmas/
- Find Western Horseman and Barrel Horse News here
Stetson Cowtown Christmas
- Where: Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth, Texas
- When: December 3-12 FREE
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
- More info: www.cowtownchristmas.info/
- Find Barrel Horse News here
Stetson Country Christmas and Roper Cowboy Marketplace
- Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas
- When: December 3-12 FREE
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- More info: www.countrychristmas.vegas/
Events and Entertainment:
Jr. World Finals
- Where: Cowtown Coliseum
- When: Dec. 3-12
NCHA Futurity Championship
- Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center
- When: Nov. 19-Dec.13 (overlapping with WNFR, not a WNFR event)
All-In Barrel Race
- Where: Stephenville
- When: Nov. 19-Dec.13 (overlapping with WNFR, not a WNFR event)
Billy Bob’s Texas:
- What: concerts at Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards
- Where: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, Texas, 76164
- When: Travis Tritt – December 3, Bellamy Brothers –December 4, Stoney LaRue – December 5, Cody Johnson with The Rockin CJB Unplugged – December 6, Justin Moore – December 7, Cody Johnson December 8-9 (Sold Out), Pat Green – December 10-11, Wade Bowen – December 12.
- More info: billybobstexas.com
Fort Worth Cultural District
The Fort Worth Cultural District features five internationally-recognized museums in a beautiful, park-like setting that are all acclaimed for their architecture, the quality of their collections and the programs they offer. Museums and attractions include: Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Kimbell Art Museum, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and more.
Where to Eat & Drink:
Texas Live!
- What: Arlington’s entertainment district’s 250,000 square foot multiplex complete with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues galore. Texas Live! features restaurants from local icons like Troy’s, from legendary Dallas Cowboy Troy Aikman, Pudge’s Pizza by Texas Rangers hall of fame catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez as well as Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint. Enjoy Texas-themed hot spots such as the world’s largest Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) bar and the Texas Rangers-centric Sports and Social.
- Where: 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington, Texas, 76011
- More info: www.arlington.org/things-to-do/attractions/texas-live-entertainment-complex/
Urban Union:
- What: Arlington’s walkable, mixed-used district of converted industrial buildings near the heart of downtown is a great place to spend free time. Local favorite vendors include Legal Draft Beer Company, Division Brewing, Sugar Bee Sweets, 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge, The Tipsy Oak Ice House, Hurtado Barbecue (and soon to be opened Hayter’s taco lounge), Wild West Comics, and Cane Rosso – a Texas favorite for authentic wood-fired pizza.
- Where: between Abram and Division streets in downtown Arlington, Texas.
- More info: www.arlington.org/plan/blog/post/the-beginners-guide-to-arlingtons-urban-union/
Margarita Mile – Dallas
- What: Dallas has staked its claim as the Official Home fo the Frozen Margarita. From classics, to hand-crafted they left no bottle of tequila unturned in search for the most sought-after margaritas in Dallas.
- Where: 14 locations surrounding the Arts District and Downtown in Dallas. Download the app for directions.
- More info: www.visitdallas.com/campaigns/margarita-mile/index.html
Fort Worth Districts:
Stockyards
- Once home to cowboys, cattlemen and outlaws, today the Stockyards National Historic District is one of the most popular attractions in Texas. Day and night, visitors come to the Stockyards to get a taste of the true American West.
- Where to eat: Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, Cattlemen’s Fort Worth Steak House, Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ, Hunter Brothers’ H3 Ranch, Riscky’s Barbeque and Riscky’s Steakhouse, and more.
- Where to drink: Cantina Cadillac, Longhorn Saloon, Billy Bob’s Texas, White Elaphant Saloon, and more.
West 7th
- Bridging downtown and the Fort Worth Cultural District, West 7th has quickly become one of the hottest entertainment scenes in the city. A five-block urban village, this area offers high-concept dining, specialty fashion retailers, and entertainment venues.
- Where to eat: Chimy’s Cerveceria, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Fred’s Texas Café, Rodeo Goat, Blue Sushi, Chuy’s
- Where to drink: Magnolia Motor Lounge, World of Beer, Landmark Bar and Kitchen,
Sundance Square & Downtown
- The heart of downtown is Sundance Square, a 35-block shopping and entertainment district where charming, beautifully restored buildings stand alongside glittering skyscrapers. Here, you’ll find locals, restaurants, shops, galleries, the Sid Richardson Museum and performance venues.
- Where to eat: Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Buffalo Bros., Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House and Del Frisco’s Grille, Mi Cocina, Piranha Killer Sushi, Razzioo’s Cajun Café, Reata Restaurant, Texas De Brazil, and more.
- Where to drink: Acre Distilling and Coffee Co., Hyena’s Comedy Club, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, The Brass Tap and more.
DFW Resource Guide:
Find out more about each city, entertainment and attractions, as well as their COVID-19 guidelines with these links:
- Fort Worth: www.fortworth.com
- Dallas: www.visitdallas.com
- Arlington: www.arlington.org
- Grapevine: www.grapevinetexasusa.com
