The popular tradition of live turtle racing at Little Woodrow’s has officially commenced for the 2026 season, kicking off on March 5, 2026. This year, the event embraces a new and whimsical theme called TurtleVerse, offering a retro, sci-fi comic-inspired experience that promises to entertain and engage the community across several Texas cities.
Exciting New Themes and Locations
Little Woodrow’s, a cherished Texas bar chain known for creating memorable experiences since its establishment in 1995, is hosting turtle races every Thursday evening through November 19. The races occur at various locations, including:
- Midtown (Houston) – now in its 18th season
- Webster (Houston) – currently in season two
- Stone Oak (San Antonio) – celebrating its 10th season
- Lubbock – racing into its sixth season
- Southpark Meadows (Austin) – in its fourth season
- Frisco (Dallas-Fort Worth) – set to join the tradition this spring
Since its inception as a quirky Thursday night activity in Midtown Houston nearly two decades ago, turtle racing has become one of Texas’ most enduring entertainment traditions. The races continue to draw regular attendees, newcomers, and onlookers eager to support their favorite turtle racers.
Star-Studded Turtle Roster and New Loyalty Program
The 2026 TurtleVerse lineup features an array of colorful competitors with names that reflect their unique personalities, including Turtle Swift, Shellvester Stallone, Timothée Shellamet, Slow Rogan, TORTilla, Dave Shellpell, and James Franco. Each turtle boasts a backstory that adds to the excitement and competitive spirit of the races.
“Turtle Racing is our most beloved tradition, and for 2026, we wanted to take it up a notch,” said Ray Risley, President of Woody’s Brands. “There’s something about race night that taps into pure fan energy that keeps people coming back, and the TurtleVerse theme takes that a step further and hits that sweet spot between nostalgia and absurdity.”
In addition to the races, Little Woodrow’s is introducing the Turtle Journey loyalty program, aimed at encouraging repeat attendance. Patrons can check in, accumulate points, and redeem rewards throughout the season, adding more value to their experience.
For those interested in learning more about the turtle racing schedule, individual turtle profiles, and details about the loyalty program, visit littlewoodrows.com/turtle-racing.
This season’s TurtleVerse theme is set to elevate the excitement of live turtle racing, ensuring that Little Woodrow’s continues to be a favorite destination for entertainment in Texas.
