The video above walks through 10 different spots for country dancing in Fort Worth, covering everything from the big Stockyards honky tonks to a couple of off-the-beaten-path options. If you've been wondering where to go country dancing in Fort Worth, this is a solid rundown — it covers which nights to show up, which bands draw dancers to the floor, and what the general crowd looks like at each place. David Bridwell breaks it all down from firsthand experience, including a few honest takes on places that might not live up to the hype.
What are the best places to go country dancing in Fort Worth?
Most of the action is concentrated in the Fort Worth Stockyards, but there are a few spots outside that area worth knowing about. Here's what's covered in the video:
- Billy Bob's Texas — A massive indoor honky tonk with multiple stages, bull riding, pool tables, and a gift shop. Thursday is college night and draws a big crowd by 10:30 p.m. Dancers are also out in force during and after ticketed events. The Red Clay Strays show is one example where the dance floor stayed active even while the main act played.
- White Elephant Saloon — Live music seven nights a week. Sundays with John Hope and Wednesdays with the Chickee Dicks are the best nights for dancing without dealing with weekend Stockyards crowds.
- Rhinestone Saloon — Sits at the top of the hill in the Stockyards. One of the better options for a Friday or Saturday night since there's decent space even when it's packed. The Trent Walker Band played a set heavy on classic country that had real dance energy.
- Rodeo Exchange — Saturday nights draw an older crowd. They offer line dancing lessons and shuffle lessons, including the Fort Worth Shuffle (also called the double two-step), a local style that reportedly grew out of the Garth Brooks era.
- Longhorn Saloon (Little Reds) — A smaller spot where Landon Dodd plays on Wednesdays. Talented, danceable music and an older crowd that knows what they're doing on the floor.
- Filthy McNasty's — Has a dance floor and a party atmosphere. The Shane Rogers Band leans more toward rock, but people find a way to dance to it anyway.
- Cadillac — Only open a few nights a week, mostly weekends. Extremely crowded when it is open. Three-dollar cover. Best suited for people who don't mind tight quarters.
- PR's — Known for drawing a younger crowd. Don't expect many experienced dancers here — most of the crowd is there to hang out rather than two-step.
- Guitars and Cadillacs — A nightclub-style spot off the Stockyards strip with a large dance floor. Friday is the busiest night. The crowd skews older early and younger as the night goes on.
- Stagecoach Ballroom — Sunday afternoons from four to seven are the time to go, when the Coachmen play. They have a loyal following of dancers, and it's a different feel from the late-night Stockyards scene.
Which nights are best for dancing in the Fort Worth Stockyards?
Weekends in the Stockyards get packed, which can make actual dancing difficult at some venues. Midweek nights tend to be better for getting real floor time. Thursdays at Billy Bob's, Wednesdays at the White Elephant or Longhorn Saloon, and Sundays at the Stagecoach Ballroom are all strong picks if you want to actually dance rather than just stand around in a crowd.
The Fort Worth Shuffle
One thing that makes the Fort Worth dancing scene distinct is the Fort Worth Shuffle, sometimes called the double two-step. As explained in the video, this style became popular alongside the rise of Garth Brooks — his music didn't quite fit the traditional two-step pattern, so dancers in Fort Worth developed their own way of moving to it. Rodeo Exchange is one place where you can take lessons and see it in action.