Giddy up, y’all — Cowtown is preparing for the 20th Annual National Day of the American Cowboy on Saturday, July 25. The fourth Saturday of July honors the hardworking heritage + cowboy culture of the American West. The special commemoration was started by US Sen. Craig Thomas in 2005, but it wasn’t until 2018 that the US Senate officially recognized the day as a national holiday.

Voted "Best Cowboy Tribute Event" in the US by American Cowboy magazine, the Stockyards’ National Day of the American Cowboy celebration has become an iconic Fort Worth tradition. Celebrate with live concerts, quirky contests + cowboy-themed activities from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Start planning the day with these highlights:

Buck up — it’s gonna be a wild ride. | Photo by @gator_glass_photography

Exchange Main Stage 🎻

Fiddle Showcase | 10-11:15 a.m.
Cowtown Ramblers | 11 a.m. + 3 p.m.
Cowtown Opry | 12:30 p.m. + 1 p.m.
Buttermilk Junction | 2-3 p.m.

Exchange Entertainment Plaza 🐂

Armadillo Races | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cow Milking Contest | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Roll-O-Roper | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cowtown Coliseum Entertainment Plaza 🐮

Rodeo Matinee | 1:30 p.m. | Must reserve tickets
Salt Creek Band | 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Rodeo | 7:30 p.m. | Must reserve tickets

Stockyards Station ✨

Cowboy Celebration Parade | 11:30 a.m. | Parade route: East to West Exchange Avenue
Old West Comedy Gun Fight Shows | 12-4:30 p.m.

Don’t miss the fan favorite — Riscky’s BBQ Rib-Eating Contest kicks off at 11 a.m. at 140 E. Exchange Ave and is free for spectators. Find more family-friendly festivities, like cowboy poetry, face painting + glitter tattoos here.

Can’t get enough of the cowboy culture? Check out some local museums showcasing Western heritage all year long, like the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum (2029 N. Main St.), National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame (1720 Gendy St.), and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2515 Rodeo Plaza).

Bonus activitiy

Boot-scoot into John Wayne: An American Experience, wearing a cowboy hat to get $5 off admission.

The original article was authored by FTWtoday intern Hailey Lyon.