If these walls could talk, they’d sing.
The Longhorn Ballroom isn’t just a building - it’s a cornerstone of Texas culture. It’s seen everything from outlaw country and rockabilly to punk rock and blues. And now, it’s home to us - Howdywood - a modern brand built on the same mix of grit, soul, and creative fire that made this place famous.
A Landmark with a Legend
Built in 1950 by O.L. Nelms and first opened as Bob Wills’ Ranch House, the Longhorn Ballroom quickly became one of the most iconic venues in the South. Over the decades, legends like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles, and even the Sex Pistols took its stage. It’s a place where country met counterculture - a venue that’s never cared about labels, only authenticity.
That’s what drew us here. The Longhorn isn’t polished or pretentious. It’s real, a living piece of Texas history with dust on the floorboards and stories in the air.
Why We Chose This Ground
We could’ve opened a shop anywhere - but nowhere else felt right. The Longhorn Ballroom carries the same heartbeat as Howdywood: raw creativity, fearless individuality, and a love for Texas that runs deep.
Setting up our storefront here was about more than location. It was about honoring legacy while adding our own chapter to it. Every shirt that leaves our shop carries a bit of that energy - a mix of music, history, and attitude that can only come from this corner of Dallas.
Where Old Meets New
When you walk into our shop, you’ll see a blend of eras - vintage textures, modern prints, and a few design nods to the Ballroom’s neon history. You might hear a live band sound-checking in the distance or see tourists taking photos out front.
We like it that way. It’s a reminder that art and culture aren’t frozen in time - they keep evolving. The Longhorn has reinvented itself for generations, and Howdywood is proud to be part of its next one.
More Than a Storefront
To us, this isn’t just retail space - it’s sacred ground. It’s where history meets hustle, and where creativity gets to stretch its legs. From here, we’re building something that looks forward without forgetting where it started.
So the next time you’re in Dallas, stop by the Ballroom. Walk the halls, feel the hum of history, and say howdy. You’ll leave with more than a shirt - you’ll take home a piece of Texas soul.
Visit the Howdywood shop inside the legendary Longhorn Ballroom and experience Texas culture up close.
