The video above takes you on a ride through Justin TX, a small but fast-growing town about 30 miles north of Fort Worth that holds onto its cowboy roots even as new development rolls in. David Bridwell stopped through while he was in the Fort Worth area playing music at Hoppin, and he captured some great footage of Justin's historic old town blocks — the older buildings, restaurants, barbecue spots, a general store, a boutique, an art studio, an old gas station, and some antiques shops. It's a town with a population approaching 6,000 that could double in the next decade, so it's worth paying attention to now while it still has that rural, unhurried feel.
A Small Town with Deep Cowboy Roots and Big Growth Ahead
Justin was established in the late 1800s when the Santa Fe Railroad came through, and it was named after a railroad engineer. Farming drove the economy early on, and by the 1950s it shifted into more of a residential community. But the western heritage stuck around — this is the home of the Justin Boot and Western Wear Company, so cowboy culture isn't just a theme here, it's built into the town's identity. The Texas Motor Speedway is also located nearby, bringing in NASCAR racing and other large-scale events. There's a new development in the works called Justin Town Square that's being positioned as a shopping, dining, and gathering spot, and community events like National Night Out at Justin City Hall and the Oldtown Christmas Event — which features a parade and live music — keep things feeling connected and local.
Where Can You Find Live Music Near Justin, Texas?
Justin itself is a small town, so the live music options are limited but worth knowing about. The surrounding DFW area fills in the gaps pretty well if you're willing to drive a bit.
- Mule Barn Sports Bar and Grill — A spot right in the Justin area with a big indoor space where local Texas bands regularly play. It's the go-to for live music without leaving town.
- Hoppin (Fort Worth) — A Fort Worth hangout where David Bridwell played a set during this trip. It's a laid-back spot where you can catch musicians performing for the crowd in a casual, social setting.
The drive from Justin into Fort Worth is roughly 30 minutes, which means the entire Fort Worth live music scene is within easy reach. That's one of the real draws of living in or visiting a place like Justin — you get the open space, the quiet, and the small-town pace, but you're still connected to one of the best music cities in Texas.
What Makes Justin Worth a Visit
If you're exploring the DFW area and want to see something beyond the urban sprawl, Justin is a solid stop. The historic blocks shown in the video have real character — old buildings with barbecue joints, antique shops, and local businesses that give the area a feel you can't replicate in a strip mall. It's the kind of town where people actually care about keeping things local. With all the growth headed its way, it's a good time to check it out before it changes too much.