Saddle up to celebrate the spirit of the Old West on July 26 for National Day of the Cowboy, a tribute to the men and women who blazed trails across Texas. What better place to celebrate than at the true epicenter of Western culture and history, the Fort Worth Stockyards?

Embrace the cowboy way of life at the Stockyards, where there will be family-friendly events in honor of the day.

The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning with free activities, including a fiddle showcase, cow milking contests, roll-o-roping, live music, cowboy poetry, the Legends of Texas Old West comedy gun fight shows, Riscky’s BBQ Rib Eating Contest, face painting and armadillo races.

A highlight is the Cowboy Celebration Parade, which takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Exchange Avenue. Watch cattle and cowboys mosey down the street while showing off their belt buckles and boots.

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In the afternoon, a matinee rodeo at 1:30 p.m. and another rodeo at 7:30 p.m. will showcase real-life cowboys competing in the Stockyards Championship Rodeo. Competitors will compete in timed events like tie-down roping, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and bronco riding.

Details: July 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fort Worth Stockyards, 131 E Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Prices vary depending on activity.

Here are three more ways to celebrate National Day of the Cowboy in Fort Worth. Also, make sure to check out the Go See DFW calendar as new events are often added.

  • John Wayne: An American Experience, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth. Tickets range from $17.95 to $22.95. Wear a cowboy hat and receive $2 off admission.
  • National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. at 1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth. Tickets range from $4 to $10.
  • Stockyards Trail Rides, Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 157 E Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Tickets are $75.

The Go See DFW calendar is a partnership between KERA and The Dallas Morning News.

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