The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is one of the most iconic and deeply rooted Western sporting and cultural events in the United States. Held annually in Fort Worth, Texas, this legendary show blends elite professional rodeo competition, world-class livestock exhibitions, Western heritage celebrations, and family-friendly entertainment into a multi-week festival that defines Texas tradition.

For visitors planning to attend on January 18–19, the event offers a peak-experience window: weekend rodeo performances, full livestock barns, bustling vendor areas, and the unmistakable energy that comes when Fort Worth embraces its cowboy identity in full stride.

Event Overview

Event Name: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
Dates Highlighted: January 18–19, 2026
Overall Event Dates: Mid-January through early February
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Primary Venues: Dickies Arena & Will Rogers Memorial Center
Duration: Multi-week Western sports and livestock exhibition
Audience: Rodeo fans, ranchers, families, equestrian professionals, tourists, and Western culture enthusiasts

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is not a single competition—it is a living showcase of American ranching heritage and modern professional rodeo sport, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

A Historic Texas Tradition

First held in 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is among the oldest continuously running livestock shows and rodeos in the country. Over more than a century, it has evolved into a nationally respected event that supports youth agriculture, celebrates ranching excellence, and hosts some of the most competitive rodeo action on the PRCA circuit.

Unlike many modern sporting events, this rodeo maintains a strong educational and community mission. Proceeds from the Stock Show fund scholarships for students pursuing agricultural and equine careers, reinforcing its role as both a cultural and economic cornerstone of Texas.

January 18–19: Why These Dates Matter

The weekend of January 18–19 represents one of the most active and engaging periods of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Weekend dates bring larger crowds, expanded rodeo schedules, and the fullest range of attractions operating simultaneously.

During these two days, visitors can expect:

• Prime-time professional rodeo performances
• Full livestock show schedules across multiple species
• Active youth and junior exhibitor competitions
• Packed vendor halls and food courts
• Family-oriented activities running throughout the day

For first-time attendees, January 18–19 offers a complete, immersive Stock Show experience without needing to attend multiple weeks.

World-Class Rodeo Competition at Dickies Arena

At the heart of the event is the professional rodeo held inside Dickies Arena, one of the most modern and spectator-friendly rodeo venues in the United States.

Rodeo Events You’ll See

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo features full PRCA-sanctioned competition, including:

• Bull Riding
• Bareback Riding
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Tie-Down Roping
• Team Roping
• Steer Wrestling
• Barrel Racing

January 18–19 performances often feature top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing for major payouts and season-opening momentum. The arena atmosphere combines elite athleticism with dramatic lighting, professional production, and traditional Western pageantry.

Livestock Shows & Agricultural Excellence

Beyond the rodeo, the livestock exhibitions are the backbone of the event. Held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, these shows represent the highest standards of animal husbandry and breeding in North America.

Livestock Highlights

• Beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, and swine
• National-level breed competitions
• Junior and youth livestock shows
• Livestock auctions and sales
• Educational exhibits on animal science and agriculture

On January 18–19, barns are fully active, making it an ideal time for spectators to see animals up close and learn directly from breeders and exhibitors.

Horse Shows & Equine Events

Horses play a central role in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, reflecting Texas’s deep equestrian heritage.

Equine programming includes:

• Stock horse competitions
• Ranch riding and working cow horse classes
• Youth and amateur horse divisions
• Breed-specific and open shows

For equestrian fans, January 18–19 offers a rare chance to experience rodeo, ranch horse sport, and livestock exhibition in one location—something few events in the world can match.

Spectator Experience & Atmosphere

One of the defining qualities of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is its accessibility. Whether you are a lifelong rancher or a first-time visitor, the event is designed to be welcoming and engaging.

What Spectators Can Expect

• Clearly marked venues and walkable grounds
• Indoor and outdoor seating options
• Family-friendly programming throughout the day
• Interactive agricultural exhibits
• Professional photography and media coverage

The atmosphere on January 18–19 is vibrant and celebratory, with Fort Worth locals and visitors alike embracing Western dress, live music, and shared traditions.

Food, Vendors & Western Shopping

No visit to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is complete without exploring its extensive vendor areas.

Highlights Include

• Authentic Texas barbecue and fair favorites
• Western wear, boots, hats, and tack
• Handmade crafts and ranch goods
• Agricultural equipment and lifestyle brands

During the January 18–19 weekend, vendor areas are at full capacity, making it one of the best times to shop and sample everything the Stock Show offers.

Event Format & Daily Flow

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo operates on a carefully structured schedule that allows visitors to experience multiple attractions in a single day.

Typical January 18–19 Schedule Flow

• Morning: Livestock judging and barn activities
• Midday: Horse shows and youth competitions
• Afternoon: Vendor browsing and educational exhibits
• Evening: Major rodeo performances at Dickies Arena

This layered schedule allows families and groups to tailor their visit based on interests and energy levels.

Tickets, Admission & Access

Rodeo tickets are required for entry into Dickies Arena performances and are best purchased in advance, especially for weekend dates like January 18–19.

General grounds access, including livestock barns and many exhibits, is available through Stock Show admission, with several activities offered free to the public.

Parking is available around the Will Rogers Memorial Center complex, with shuttle options operating during peak times.

Why You Should Attend on January 18–19

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo offers something rare: a living, breathing connection between sport, agriculture, and culture.

Top Reasons to Attend

• Experience elite professional rodeo in a world-class arena
• See championship-level livestock and horses up close
• Enjoy one of Texas’s most authentic cultural celebrations
• Learn about agriculture, ranching, and animal care
• Share a family-friendly event with deep educational value

For visitors with limited time, January 18–19 delivers the most complete snapshot of what makes the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo legendary.

Event Organizer & Legacy

The event is organized by the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Western heritage, supporting youth education, and promoting excellence in livestock and rodeo sport.

Through scholarships, competitions, and community engagement, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues to shape the future of agriculture while honoring its past.

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo on January 18–19 in Fort Worth, Texas is more than a weekend event—it is a celebration of identity, tradition, and top-level Western sport. From the thunder of hooves in Dickies Arena to the quiet focus of livestock judging in the barns, every corner of the grounds tells a story rooted in hard work, heritage, and pride.

For anyone seeking the ultimate Texas rodeo experience, these two days stand among the very best times to attend.