If you’re from Texas there’s a decent chance that you love country music, dancing and having a good time.
If any of these apply to you, then you NEED to know about the world’s largest honky tonk.
It’s called Billy Bob’s Texas, and it’s located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas.
And it’s not just a standard run-of-the-mill venue, so you’re going to want to read on to find out what’s so special about this place.
A Brief History of Billy Bob’s Texas
Billy Bob’s Texas opened its doors in 1981, but the building itself has a much longer history.
Originally built in 1910 as an open-air barn for cattle, the building was later enclosed and used for various purposes over the years.
This included being a department store and even an airplane factory!
In the 1980s, a group of investors saw the potential for something special, and “hey presto!” Billy Bob’s Texas was born.
Since then, Billy Bob’s has become a legendary venue, hosting some of the biggest names in country music.
Icons like Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, and Merle Haggard have all performed here.
At the venue you can check out the Wall of Fame of handprints where lots of artists over the years have left their handprints in cement.
It’s not just about the music, though.
Billy Bob’s is a place where you can experience true Texas culture.
Why You Should Visit Billy Bob’s Texas
Visiting Billy Bob’s Texas is an experience like no other and if you’re in the area you should give it a visit.
Here are some reasons why you should put this honky tonk on your must-visit list…
The Atmosphere
When you walk into Billy Bob’s on a busy night, you immediately feel the energy and excitement.
The place is huge, covering over three acres, and it can hold up to 6,000 people.
The walls are decorated with memorabilia from famous country artists, giving the whole place a nostalgic feel.
Dance the Night Away
Whether you’re into line dancing, two-stepping, or just want to freestyle, the dance floor at Billy Bob’s is the place to be.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro; the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to join in and have fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to have some fun, you’ll find plenty of people to dance with.
They even offer weekly dance lessons if you want to learn some new steps.
Food and Drinks
You can’t have a honky tonk without good food and drinks.
Billy Bob’s has more than 30 bars and a restaurant (‘The Honky Tonk Kitchen’) where you can enjoy classic Texas fare like BBQ, burgers, and Tex-Mex.
Wash it all down with a cold beer or a cocktail, and you’re set for a great night.
Reservations are accepted Monday through Thursday, 11:30am to 5pm, but no reservations will be accepted on the weekends.
You can check out the menu at the link below:
Live Music
If you love live music, Billy Bob’s is the place to be.
They have live performances almost every night, featuring both up-and-coming artists and legendary country stars.
The sound quality is top-notch, and there’s plenty of space to dance.
With a jam-packed events calendar there’s always something going on that you can look forward to.
Keep an eye on their calendar to see if any of your favorite artists are due to play there.
Bull Riding
One of the unique features of Billy Bob’s is their indoor bull riding arena.
That’s right, you can watch real bull riders in action.
It’s a thrilling experience that you won’t find at many other places.
Head to the bull riding arena and watch the pros take on some of the toughest bulls around.
If you’re a pro or semi-pro athlete with a valid rider’s card from a recognized bull riders sanctioning organization, you can take part in the bull riding at Billy Bob’s.
It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that you’ll never forget.
Oh and even if you don’t end up riding an actual bull you can still grab a fun photo with the ‘photo bull’!
💡Did you know more than 50,000 bulls have bucked in Billy Bob’s arena?!
Play Games
Billy Bob’s also has a variety of games to keep you entertained.
Try your hand at pool or test your skills on some arcade games with your friends.
There’s something for everyone.
Shop for Souvenirs
Don’t leave Billy Bob’s without picking up a souvenir or two.
Their gift shop has a wide range of items, from T-shirts and hats to unique Texas-themed gifts.
It’s the perfect way to remember your visit.
Important Visitor Information
Planning your trip to Billy Bob’s Texas?
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit…
Getting There
Billy Bob’s is located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, a historic district that’s worth exploring.
If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking available nearby.
If you’re staying in Fort Worth, some hotels even offer shuttle services to and from Billy Bob’s.
The Google Maps address is as follows:
Opening Hours
Billy Bob’s opening hours can change based on the events being held, but here’s what it says about the opening hours on the website at the time of writing (May 2024).
Admission
There’s an admission fee to enter and this varies throughout the week.
It can also change depending on what events are being held.
At the time of writing the normal admission fee is generally either $3 or $5 according to their website.
Dress Code
There’s no strict dress code at Billy Bob’s and it’s a family oriented environment so dress accordingly.
No obscene language or graphics.
Don’t expose excessive portions of the skin that might be seen as inappropriate for a family friendly place.
Just make sure you’re wearing something comfortable if you’re going to be dancing the night away.
A lot of people put on traditional cowboy hats for a bit of fun.
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