All Western Parade on Jan. 17 to kick off Fort Worth Stock Show with 3,000 horses

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s All Western Parade on Jan. 17 will have more than 3,000 horses, nearly 150 entries from around the country and a dozen marching bands including the TCU Horned Frogs and Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

The streets of downtown Fort Worth will be a river of cowboy hats as events kick off at 11 a.m. The All-Western Parade is the oldest non-motorized rodeo parade in the U.S., and one of the largest of its kind. About 4,000 people participate — including 70 riding clubs from across the nation — for more than 100,000 spectators.

“The All-Western Parade sets the tone for everything the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo represents,” said FWSSR chairman Philip Williamson in a statement. “For 129 years, this event has honored the traditions of the West while bringing families, youth exhibitors and visitors from around the world together in Fort Worth. It is a celebration of our history and an invitation to experience one of the most respected livestock and rodeo events in the country.”

The parade officially kicks off the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, which runs through Feb. 7. More than 13,000 youth from across Texas will compete for more than $10 million in scholarships and auction receipts.

The annual Stock Show attracts more than 1.2 million visitors.

Here’s what to know about the parade – ticket info, parade parking, routes and road closures.

How much does it cost to go to the FWSSR Parade

Watching the parade along the route is free, but you can purchase tickets ahead of time for seating.

A $20 to $25 ticket (depending on seating) also gives you general admission to the Stock Show grounds on any one day during the 23-day event.

You can buy parade tickets online, by calling 817-502-0011 or at the Dickies Arena Box Office, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1911 Montgomery St.

Parking at the All Western Parade in downtown Fort Worth

Metered parking is always free on weekends. Search for meters around the Tarrant County Courthouse or Sundance Square since that is where the parade will be.

Other downtown parking options are,

• Garages along Houston and Commerce Streets range from $3 to $24, dependent on how long one is parked for. 
• The TIF parking lease at 401 Calhoun St. (City Center Garage #2) is between $5 and $20, depending on how long one is parked for.
• The other TIF lease at 601 Commerce St. (777 Main Parking Garage) is between $5 with a maximum of $25, depending on how long one is parked for.
• If you shop at restaurants or retailers that are a part of Sundance Square, you get 2.5 hours of free parking with validation at garages located at 345 W. 3rd St. and 201 W. 6th St. Get there early for breakfast and a good seat! 
• To see downtown Fort Worth’s full list of parking locations, see their website here.

All Western Parade route

The parade route begins at the Tarrant County Courthouse on North Main Street, follows the street south to the Convention Center, and returns north up Houston Street to Weatherford Street.

What roads will be closed downtown due to the parade?

Street closures begin at 9 a.m. on Jan. 17.

• Main Street between Tarrant County Courthouse and the Convention Center. 
• All streets between Weatherford to 9th and between Main and Houston.
• Parts of West Belknap Street.