A guide to Fort Worth

Horned Frog Family Week

By Madyson Buchanan

Members of the TCU cheering team celebrate a score against Kansas in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 27-17. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Members of the TCU cheering team celebrate a score against Kansas in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 27-17. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

TCU’s annual tradition is back and bigger than ever

After a year's hiatus due to COVID-19, TCU family weekend - now Horned Frog Family Week - is back.

Virtual events made available for families unable to attend started Monday. In-person events start Friday and run through the weekend.

16,578 people registered for in-person activities and 2,188 for virtual activities, said Kim Turner, the executive director of Student Governance & Traditions at TCU.

Making up for lost time

SMU cornerback Richard Crawford (16)walks away as TCU wide receiver Bart Johnson (6) and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, center right, celebrate as quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks on during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

SMU cornerback Richard Crawford (16)walks away as TCU wide receiver Bart Johnson (6) and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, center right, celebrate as quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks on during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The pandemic was not only responsible for the cancellation of last year’s activity but also the much-anticipated game against crosstown rival SMU. Students and families are treated to the events coinciding this year.

Kick-off is at 11 a.m. in Amon G. Carter Stadium where the "Battle for the Iron Skillet," will begin.

For students with family in town, Fort Worth offers plenty of options for dining and entertainment.

Below is a weekend itinerary for Frogs to use that will give family and friends a taste of TCU and Fort Worth and will leave them thinking you’re a full-blown local.

Friday

Kick-off the weekend right and walk to Dutch’s to meet your family for lunch.

The burger joint is a campus staple of nearly 15 years and got its name from legendary TCU football coach Leo Robert “Dutch” Meyer, who inspired the famous saying, “Fight ‘em like hell until hell freezes over. Then fight ‘em on the ice!”

After enjoying delicious burgers and hand-cut fries, walk to the TCU Campus Store to get your gear for Saturday’s white-out game and shop for plenty of TCU mom, dad and alumni merchandise.

It is best to make your visit to the store a priority sooner rather than later. Family weekend is one of the busiest times of the year at TCU.

“Don't wait until a little bit before the game to drop in because it is typically extremely busy,” said Jason Smith, the store’s director.

After your purchase at the Campus Store, head to the BLUU Auditorium for free family pictures from 1-5 p.m.

Friday Evening

A visit to Fort Worth is not complete without visiting Joe T. Garcia's, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that has been in Fort Worth for nearly 90 years.

The restaurant offers only two entrees, enchiladas or fajitas, but don't be discouraged by the lack of options. The cooking style and original recipes are the reason the lines wrap around the block. Be sure to get there early!

While you are in the area, head to the Stockyards and take on the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas.

"The stockyards are synonymous with Fort Worth, so coming to the stockyards you have to visit Billy Bob's," said Terran Fleenor, director of marketing.

Wear purple and get in for free to experience the iconic venue with your family or delight in the country music and buy tickets for the Read Southall Band concert.

Pay $6 in addition to your concert ticket to watch professional bull-riding.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price sits atop a horse as she poses for a photo with TCU alumni Lyndsay Mojica during a tailgate party before an NCAA college football game between TCU and Kansas State, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price sits atop a horse as she poses for a photo with TCU alumni Lyndsay Mojica during a tailgate party before an NCAA college football game between TCU and Kansas State, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Saturday

Wake up early Saturday morning and have breakfast at Yogi's Deli and Grill. The eclectic diner-style restaurant has been around for 21 years and serves breakfast all day.

The local hotspot is a favorite among college students and was voted for Best Bagels by the Fort Worth Weekly and Best Breakfast by Fort Worth Magazine.

Or, if you planned and purchased a meal ticket from TCU Parents Association, then head to the Kelly Center lawn to pick up breakfast and begin tailgating.

Walk to Frog Alley on Stadium Drive for music, food, drinks, sponsor booths and TCU Band and Spirit appearances.

Make sure at 8:30 a.m. you're ready to show your support for our Frogs and cheer on TCU football as the team arrives at the stadium. Take this opportunity to take pictures with Super Frog and watch the parade.

Get to your seats at 10:30 a.m. so you can watch the pregame show and prepare yourself to watch our Frogs win the Iron Skillet.

Saturday Evening

The perfect way to celebrate TCU beating SMU is by treating yourself to some classic Texas barbeque.

Hit up Railhead Smokehouse BBQ for some live music and mouthwatering ribs and brisket.

From there, a stop at Cavender's is a necessity if you plan on looking like a true Texan in the Stockyards.

The store native to Texas is the premier Western clothing store for the American South and Southwest and carries "more merchandise than anybody else. Not to mention, we're huge TCU people," said Mike Luskey, store manager at the Stockyards location.

After you and your family are fitted with cowboy hats and boots, it's time to rodeo! Get tickets to the Cavender's Turquoise Trophy PRCA Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum.

Cowtown Coliseum is home to events like concerts, ropings, bull riding and wrestling. Since 1922 it has been home to the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, the world’s only indoor rodeo that happens every week all year.

The historic venue encapsulates everything that is Fort Worth and is the perfect way to close out your guide to the city.

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