It's known as the World's Largest Honky Tonk, and now Billy Bob's Texas is becoming even more iconic.
Recent renovations have improved the sound quality and sightlines at concerts — a whopping 250 previously obstructed seats now offer great views of the stage — but there's more to Billy Bob's Texas than just world-class music performances.
Whether you're a decades-long fan or a first-timer, here's your guide to getting the most out of a visit to Billy Bob's Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Give 'em a hand
Before or after a concert, take a few minutes to browse the Wall of Fame. Artists placing their hands in cement has been a tradition at Billy Bob’s for more than two decades, and you can see the famous handprints and autographs of Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and even Ringo Starr, to name a few.
Saddle Up
You're in the Fort Worth Stockyards, so wouldn't it make sense that there are live bulls? That's right, there's real, live bull riding every Friday and Saturday night in the Pandhandle Arena, and your concert ticket grants you access to watch.
Riders enter early in the week, pay an entry fee, and take home only what they win. Rules call for the rider to hang on for eight seconds with only one hand in the braided loose rope. The riders can earn up to 50 points for the way the bull bucks and the degree of difficulty, as well as up to 50 points for the control the cowboy shows.
Because bull riding is a dangerous sport, Billy Bob’s requires competitors to be pro or semi-pro athletes with a valid rider’s card from a recognized bull riders sanctioning organization.
Line up
Break out the cowboy boots (Justin Boots is the official sponsor of Billy Bob's Texas, just so you know) and assemble for free two-step and line dancing classes. The dance floor is open every day and night, but if you arrive by 7 pm on Tuesdays you'll be treated to a free lesson before the action really starts.
There's also a free lesson Wednesdays at 7 pm, which happens to be Ladies Night so the gals get in for free. If you already have a partner, show up on Sundays for couples classes. Saturdays are an all-day affair, with a lesson at noon and 20 percent off lunch for dancers in the Honky Tonk Kitchen.
Time to chow down
Hunger pangs before the show? The Honky Tonk Kitchen is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving up everything from burgers and barbecue to chicken-fried steak and ribeyes.
Executive chef Alex Walters trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, so this isn't your typical concession stand fare. There are even vegetarian options and mouthwatering salads and bowls, if your diet is leaning a bit lighter lately.
Reservations are accepted Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am-5 pm, and can be made by emailing culinarysupport@billybobstexas.com. Keep in mind there are no reservations on the weekend, so come early as well as hungry.
Shop for souvenirs
From baseball caps to T-shirts, stickers to belt buckles, there's no shortage of swag in the Billy Bob's Texas retail store.
You can also take a trip down memory lane with the full collection of Live at Billy Bob's CDs and DVDs, plus the 40th anniversary coffee-table book. Shop both online and in-person for the latest gear.
Come visit
Head over to 2520 Rodeo Plaza for a concert, meal, and more. See the full concert lineup here.
Photo by Amanda Banda
Hungry? Stop by the Honky Tonk Kitchen.
