CELEBRATE JOHN WAYNE DAY ON MAY 26 WITH A DAY FULL OF ACTIVITIES AT JOHN WAYNE: AN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
John Wayne is an American icon, going beyond his on-screen presence and extending to the values and ideals he symbolized and communicated throughout his life.
His legend is celebrated on John Wayne Day, which takes place each year on The Duke’s birthday, May 26. This year marks the 115th anniversary of Wayne’s birth, and the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit in the Fort Worth Stockyards will host a celebration with several free activities throughout the day.
Coffee tasting with Gold Handle Coffee from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Gold Handle Coffee’s moniker commemorates the traditional gold-handled coffee mugs that John Wayne had produced for the cast and crew of each of his films.
Armadillo races from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Duke Spirits tasting from noon to 4 p.m. The premium whiskey and tequila lines were crafted based upon notes and samples left behind by Wayne and uncovered by his family members. Sales of Duke Spirits benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
Meet and greet with custom metal artist Jimmy Don, best known from HGTV’s Fixer Upper, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Sprawling over 10,000 square feet, the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit is structured to give guests an intimate tour of the life of John Wayne. Starting with his early childhood and career, each room highlights an aspect of The Duke’s legacy. For film aficionados, an extensive gallery called “Life on Screen” highlights the most iconic film props and costumes. In the “America, Why I Love Her” gallery, guests can immerse themselves in patriotism through Grammy-nominated original poems recited by John Wayne.
Patrons of the exhibit have exclusive access to never-before-seen family photos and correspondences that have been thoughtfully curated by the Wayne family to give guests a holistic view of the icon, whose values translate both on and off the silver screen.
WHAT:
John Wayne Day
WHEN:
9am to 4pm May 26th
WHERE:
John Wayne: An American Experience
Fort Worth Stockyards
Historic Exhibits Building
2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164
TICKETS:
John Wayne Day activities held in the flagship John Wayne Stock & Supply store are free. Tickets to the exhibit are $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids 6-12 at johnwayne.com/experience. Kids 5 and younger are admitted for free.
Related John Wayne Events:
Rio Bravo Takes a Bow
The 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival returns with a nod to Warner Bros. and the world-premiere restoration of a defining Wayne-led Western.
Looking Back at John Wayne in His Final Decade
In the 1970s, Duke stays close to an adoring public while continuing his work in Hollywood and cementing his status as an American icon.
From the Archives: Irish Charm
If the walls of Ashford Castle could talk, they’d tell of the day Duke dropped by while filming The Quiet Man.
About John Wayne Enterprises:
John Wayne Enterprises’ mission is to preserve and protect the name, image and likeness of John Wayne by associating the John Wayne brand with quality and timeless products and experiences that embody the spirit of John Wayne and give back to the community. To further its mission, John Wayne Enterprises enters into selective licensing or partnership agreements in merchandising, cancer research, treatment and education as well as public facilities, institutions and agencies.