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 Duke’s birthday, May 26. This year, John Wayne: An American Experience in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards will celebrate the 118th anniversary of Wayne’s birth all weekend long.
From left, John Wayne’s son Ethan Wayne, granddaughter Anita LaCava Swift, daughter Marissa Wayne and son Patrick Wayne.
On Saturday, May 24, guests can play games including corn hole and dummy roping, have chain-stitching done on items purchased at John Wayne Stock & Supply, and enjoy samples from Gold Handle Coffee and Duke Spirits. Regular museum admission applies to those visiting the exhibits; ticket purchases come with a 15% discount at John Wayne Stock & Supply. The fun runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At 4 p.m., a special VIP event will take place. Guests can join the Wayne family for a birthday celebration featuring hat branding, chain-stitching, Gold Handle Coffee and Duke Spirits tastings, book signings and photo opportunities with members of the Wayne family. When purchasing tickets, select May 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to attend. Tickets are $69.95 for adults, $22.95 for kids, include museum admission.
On Sunday, May 25, join Wayne family members for a John Wayne Family Estates Wine Dinner at Los Vaqueros. Come to the museum before dinner and tour the exhibits beginning at 4:30 p.m. At 6, head over to Los Vaqueros to meet the Wayne family and enjoy live entertainment by Moses and a special art exhibit by Buck Taylor. Los Vaqueros has thoughtfully created a Duke-inspired menu to pair with the John Wayne Family Estates wine collection. Dessert will be served with freshly brewed Gold Handle Coffee. Tickets are $150, include the museum tour, wine dinner and 15% off your purchase at John Wayne Stock & Supply.
On John Wayne’s actual birthday, May 26, which this year falls on Memorial Day, have Coffee with the Waynes from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Start your Memorial Day with an intimate morning where members of the Wayne family will share personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights about John Wayne’s life. Ask questions over freshly brewed Gold Handle Coffee and pastries. This session is a heartfelt tribute to the Duke’s legacy. Tickets, $49.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids, include museum admission and 15% off your purchase at John Wayne Stock & Supply.
Tickets to all of the above events can be purchased at johnwayneae.com.
For those who want to get a head start on John Wayne Day celebrations, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is hosting a 95th anniversary screening of The Big Trail on Thursday, May 22. This is the movie that introduced Marion Robert Morrison to the world as a movie star named John Wayne. The Big Trail paints a larger-than-life portrait of the trek across the Oregon Trail on an early widescreen format using 70mm film, decades before similar formats became the norm. Patrick Wayne will be in attendance, courtesy of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. The screening, hosted by Ryan Bijan Jeri, creative director of Cowtown Movie Classics, takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to the event are $5.
John Wayne: An American Experience 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 Duke’s legacy. Museum patrons 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.
Donations to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation can be made at John Wayne Stock & Supply and at johnwayne.org.
WHAT: John Wayne Day Events
WHEN:
- Daytime Museum Visit & Celebration Activations: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24
- Evening VIP Experience: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 24
- Wayne Family Estates Wine Dinner: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 25 (museum tour begins at 4:30 p.m.)
- Memorial Day Coffee with the Waynes: 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 26
- The Big Trail 95th Anniversary Celebration, Museum of Modern Art, Fort Worth: 6:30 p.m. May 22
WHERE:
John Wayne: An American Experience
Fort Worth Stockyards
Historic Exhibits Building
2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Wayne Family Estates Wine Dinner
Los Vaqueros
2513 Rodeo Plaza
Fort Worth, TX 76164
The Big Trail 95th Anniversary Screening
Museum of Modern Art, Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St.,
Fort Worth, TX 76107
TICKETS:
- Daytime Museum Visit & Celebration Activations: $22.95 for adults, $20.95 for seniors 65+, students with college ID and military with ID, and $17.95 for kids 6-12
- Evening VIP Experience: $69.95 adults, $22.95 kids
- Wayne Family Estates Wine Dinner: $150 (adults only)
- Memorial Day Coffee with the Waynes: $49.95 adults, $19.95 kids
- The Big Trail 95th Anniversary Celebration, Museum of Modern Art, Fort Worth: $5, Tickets can be purchased here.
INFO AND TICKET PURCHASES: johnwayneae.com
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. For more information, please visit www.johnwayne.com.