The video above is a Saturday night tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards, filmed between 9 PM and midnight on Labor Day weekend — arguably the busiest night you could pick. If you've been wondering what's going on at the Fort Worth Stockyards at night, this is a solid look at the live music, bars, and general scene along Exchange Street. David Bridwell had played an afternoon gig at Panther Island Brewing Company earlier that day and headed over to the Stockyards once it got dark, covering a 2½-block stretch from the Stockyards sign up the hill to Ellis Avenue.
What live music venues are open at the Fort Worth Stockyards at night?
Along that short stretch of Exchange Street, there are several bars with live music on a Saturday night. Here's what was open and playing during this visit:
- White Elephant Saloon — Fort Worth's self-proclaimed oldest and most iconic saloon. This is where they filmed scenes for Walker, Texas Ranger, calling it CD's Bar and Grill in the show. The bar originally operated in a rougher part of Fort Worth known as Hell's Half Acre. There was a $10 cover on this night, and Bubba Wesley was on stage. Good dance floor.
- Filthy McNasty's — No cover charge, which apparently meant the crowd spent their money on extra shots instead. The band Jack Waters was playing, and despite a somewhat inattentive crowd, the music was really good. Expect solid people-watching here — the bouncer had his hands full keeping folks off the chairs.
- Cantina Cadillac — This one had been closed for a while after catching fire, and honestly it didn't seem like it would come back. But it's reopened and was up and running on this night.
- Billy Bob's Texas — Located nearby and widely known as the world's largest honky tonk, though it wasn't part of this particular walk.
- Longhorn Saloon (Love Red's Longhorn Saloon) — Most locals just call it Longhorn Saloon. This was the last stop of the night and the one worth settling into. It draws a regular local crowd that skews a bit older — less drinking, more back pain, as the saying goes. The State Line Band was playing, a really talented group that's been seen around the Austin area. The vibe was cool, comfortable, and easy to stay a while.
More than just bars on Exchange Street
The Stockyards at night aren't only about honky tonks. Along this same stretch you'll find barbecue and steak restaurants, western wear shopping, and a couple of notable places to stay. Miss Molly's Hotel is a famously haunted spot that used to be a brothel. The Stockyards Hotel has a room where Bonnie and Clyde once stayed. And the people-watching alone is worth the trip — couples arguing on the sidewalk at midnight is practically a spectator sport down here.
If you're planning a Saturday night out at the Stockyards, you can realistically hit multiple venues in one evening without ever needing to call a rideshare. Everything is within walking distance, cover charges range from free to $20, and there's live music pouring out of nearly every door.