Fort Worth is having a moment. The Texas city, also known as Cowtown, is branching out in a major way, and there’s no better time to plan a visit. Whether you’re into sporting events, standout food, live music, or shopping, there’s a reason to book a trip now.
I made my first visit to Fort Worth earlier this year, and I’m already planning a return trip. Despite its size, the city feels more like a lively town, packed with cultural experiences, entertainment, and local pride.
The Cowtown roots run deep, and residents are proud of their Western heritage. No visit is complete without a stop at the historic Stockyards. Twice a day, visitors can take in the impressive cattle drive and watch the cowhands herd longhorns down East Exchange Avenue. Nearby shopping offers everything you could want to update your Western wardrobe, from custom boots to authentic hats. Plus, the 1908 Stockyards Hotel and late-night honky-tonks will keep the energy going.
Fort Worth is Taylor Sheridan’s favorite filming location. The creator of the Yellowstone universe owns two ranches in Texas and keeps some of his projects close to home. Raised in Texas, Taylor has filmed scenes from Landman, Lioness, 1883, The Madison, and Yellowstone around town, with new projects in the works.
Beyond Taylor Sheridan’s universe, Fort Worth—specifically the Stagecoach Ballroom—proved to be the ideal backdrop for Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” music video. The smash hit song deserved an equally iconic backdrop, complete with a host of celebrity cameos.
Few experiences match Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, from the see-and-be-seen fashion moments to the incredible athletes putting their talents on display at Dickies Arena. The 23-day event returns January 15 to February 6, 2027. In the meantime, 2026 brings PGA golf and concerts from Luke Bryan and Ella Langley. This summer, the region enters the international spotlight as the FIFA World Cup comes to nearby Dallas Stadium.
For museum lovers, the Cultural District is the place to be. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art houses an impressive collection, and the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is undergoing a 16,000-square-foot expansion. I took a hardhat tour of the stunning space ahead of the November 2026 reopening, and plan to return once it’s complete.
Bring your appetite, because the Texas city goes big when it comes to dining. Joe T. Garcia’s is a landmark for a reason, and the 1,000-seat restaurant often draws a crowd—and it’s worth the wait (be sure to bring cash). For a more elevated experience, hit James Beard Award finalist Don Artemio. Taylor Sheridan is leaving his mark on the dining scene too, with his Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.
The Bowie House, a gem located near all the action, offers a refined and chic place to land during any visit. Guests will find themselves hard-pressed to leave the lobby, where delicious bites pair with carefully crafted cocktails, plus incredible people-watching (you’ll recognize the pool from Landman). It’s a popular spot before or after the rodeo. The hotel pairs award-winning hospitality and a curated art collection with a comfortable spot to recharge.
Fort Worth tastefully blends Western heritage with a surprising cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for 2026.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
