Back to JournalAre you the ultimate John Wayne fan? Are you looking for a memorable Memorial Day weekend celebration? You’re in luck. The 2025 Annual John Wayne Day Weekend Celebration runs May 24–26 and brings together fans, historians and the Wayne family to honor the life and legacy of one of America’s most enduring cultural icons.
This year’s celebration will include a special VIP experience: Coffee with the Waynes. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the Wayne family and hear their exciting behind-the-scenes stories. For Wayne’s family, this celebration is an important time to remember him and hear from the fans whom he inspired.
“When we first planned a family meet‑and‑greet in Fort Worth, I thought it was a wild idea,” said Ethan Wayne, recalling that inaugural celebration. “But the response was overwhelming. Hundreds showed up to share their memories, and the love for my dad was heartwarming. It showed me just how much he continues to inspire.”
In addition to special events like the Duke Spirits tasting—featuring whiskey and tequila inspired by Wayne’s own personal tasting notes—guests can also shop limited-edition merchandise, including gold handle coffee mugs that pay tribute to the custom mugs Wayne gifted to the cast and crew on his movies.
John Wayne Day History
John Wayne Day is a celebration that stretches back as far as 1968 and spans locations as far reaching as Arizona, Iowa, Connecticut and New York. In 2015, Texas declared May 26th officially “John Wayne Day.” This year, the celebration’s location at John Wayne: An American Experience in the Fort Worth Stockyards is especially meaningful.
“We built a museum in the Fort Worth Stockyards to recognize everything about him,” says Ethan Wayne. “John Wayne Day has become a major celebration for people who love and respect my father’s legacy and his birthday has become a gathering point for fans.”
Wayne’s Continued Legacy
John Wayne’s influence continues to extend beyond film. His legacy shapes American culture and values. His commitment to patriotism, leadership, and storytelling continues to resonate, making John Wayne Day a meaningful annual tradition with hundreds of attendees.
As for why John Wayne’s legacy continues to resonate across generations, Ethan Wayne says, “I don’t think I can answer that definitively. But I do know that he was a good man who inspired people to be better. His films reflect strong moral values—doing the right thing even when it’s hard. His characters embodied honesty and rugged individualism, which still inspire people today.”
This event is more than a gathering—it is a living tribute to The Duke’s lasting impact.
