July has been a month of remarkable milestones in the histories of Dallas and Fort Worth, with events that have shaped the cultural, architectural, and entertainment landscapes of both cities. From the opening of iconic buildings like the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and the Fort Worth Stockyards Coliseum to memorable sports moments such as the Dallas Mavericks’ first NBA Championship parade, these moments have left a lasting impact.
July 1
1971: The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) officially opens, becoming one of the busiest airports in the world.
2011: The Dallas Mavericks celebrate their first NBA Championship with a parade in downtown Dallas.
July 2
1909: The original construction of the Dallas City Hall is completed.
2006: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History reopens after major renovations.
July 3
1930: The first professional baseball game is played at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth.
1996: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza opens in Dallas, dedicated to the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
July 4
1964: The first Fourth of July concert is held at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
1992: The Dallas Arboretum hosts its inaugural Fourth of July celebration.
July 5
1976: The Fort Worth Water Gardens, designed by architect Philip Johnson, officially opens.
1980: The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth adds a new pavilion, enhancing its exhibition space.
July 6
1925: The construction of the Fort Worth Stockyards Coliseum is completed.
1991: The Dallas Zoo opens its Giants of the Savanna exhibit, featuring African wildlife.
July 7
1985: The Dallas World Aquarium opens, showcasing marine life from around the world.
2018: The new Texas Rangers Globe Life Field in Arlington breaks ground.
July 8
1955: The first train runs on the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), connecting Dallas and Fort Worth.
2003: The Nasher Sculpture Center opens in the Dallas Arts District.
July 9
1921: The Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas hosts its first performance.
1986: The Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth opens a major expansion.
July 10
1967: The opening of the Dallas Market Center, one of the largest wholesale trade complexes in the world.
2004: The first Cowtown Indie Bazaar, featuring local artisans and crafters, takes place in Fort Worth.
July 11
1931: The original Dallas Morning News building is completed.
2005: The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge expands its conservation area.
July 12
1922: The first broadcast of WBAP, Fort Worth’s first radio station.
1993: The Dallas Museum of Art hosts its first annual “Late Nights at the DMA” event.
July 13
1943: The Dallas Cowboys Stadium (Cotton Bowl) hosts its first professional football game.
1982: The Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth breaks ground for construction.
July 14
1970: The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) opens its College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
1999: The Fort Worth Stockyards are designated as a National Historic District.
July 15
1989: The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center opens in Dallas.
2007: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth hosts its first summer art camp.
July 16
1966: The Dallas Public Library opens its new central library in downtown Dallas.
2002: The Fort Worth Zoo opens its Texas Wild! exhibit, highlighting native wildlife.
July 17
1963: The JFK Memorial Plaza is dedicated in Dallas.
2016: The Fort Worth Opera launches its first summer festival.
July 18
1968: The opening of the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike (now part of I-30), connecting the two cities.
2008: The Dallas Children’s Theater opens its new facility in the Lakewood neighborhood.
July 19
1946: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History opens to the public.
2013: The Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium hosts its first international soccer match.
July 20
1971: The opening of the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park.
2010: The Fort Worth Botanic Garden opens its Japanese Garden Tea House.
July 21
1934: The Texas Centennial Exposition is held at Fair Park in Dallas.
1985: The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo celebrates its 100th anniversary.
July 22
1947: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is established.
2009: The Fort Worth Opera moves to its new home at Bass Performance Hall.
July 23
1929: The original Terminal Building at Dallas Love Field Airport is completed.
2012: The Perot Museum of Nature and Science opens in Dallas.
July 24
1959: The Dallas Cowboys are founded as an NFL expansion team.
2006: The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
July 25
1980: The first Dallas Summer Musicals series is held at Fair Park.
2015: The Sundance Square in Fort Worth hosts its first outdoor movie night.
July 26
1979: The Dallas Arts District is officially designated.
2017: The Fort Worth Stockyards hosts its first weekly cattle drive.
July 27
1941: The original opening of the Fort Worth Cats baseball stadium.
1995: The Dallas Museum of Art opens its new sculpture garden.
July 28
1965: The Fort Worth Opera performs its first production at the newly opened Casa Mañana Theatre.
2001: The Dallas Farmers Market undergoes a major renovation and expansion.
July 29
1956: The first Miss Texas pageant is held in Fort Worth.
1997: The American Airlines Center in Dallas hosts its first sporting event.
July 30
1933: The Dallas Zoo opens its first reptile house.
2003: The Fort Worth Modern Art Museum opens its new Tadao Ando-designed building.
July 31
1968: The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert at the newly opened Tarrant County Convention Center.
2009: The AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas opens its doors to the public.
