Rancho Texas Night

If you had told us before we settled in Lanzarote that a country and western night at an animal park would become one of the island’s favourite evenings out, we probably would have been a little surprised. Yet, after all these years, we still find ourselves happily recommending Rancho Texas Night whenever someone asks for ideas on what to do here.

It really is one of the most enjoyable evenings you can have on Lanzarote. There is a generous barbecue, plenty of drinks, live country music, line dancing, bird of prey displays, lasso tricks and a good dose of cowboy-themed fun. It has been drawing visitors for years, and for good reason.

By day, Rancho Texas is a well-loved animal and water park in Puerto del Carmen. On select evenings, though, it takes on a new life as a Wild West dinner show, welcoming families, couples, groups of friends and even the occasional stag or hen party. It is a little bit cheesy, always entertaining and excellent value. We have been many times over the years, and it never fails to put a smile on our faces.

Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park is a familiar favourite for families during the day, with its mix of animal encounters and water fun just behind Puerto del Carmen. But on certain evenings, the park transforms into something quite special. Rancho Texas Night invites you in for a lively evening of barbecue, unlimited drinks, live music and animal shows, all set in a Western-style open-air arena. The event usually runs from about 7.30pm to 11pm, on two to four nights each week depending on the time of year. It has been a fixture here for many years and is now one of the island’s most popular and well-loved evening outings.

The idea is simple and it works a treat. When you arrive, you’ll find the arena set up with long tables and benches, all dressed up with Western touches, bunting and twinkling lights. Everyone gets a cowboy hat as they come in, which always brings a smile. The barbecue is already sizzling, the bar is open, and the entertainment team is getting everyone in the mood. Over the evening, you can tuck into good food, enjoy the shows, join in the dancing, and share plenty of laughs. It’s not about being fancy or cutting-edge – it’s about honest, lively, family-friendly fun, and it’s easy to see why so many people come back year after year.

At Rancho Texas Night, you’ll find a barbecue buffet that really does not leave anyone hungry. The highlight is the selection of grilled meats, with chicken, pork ribs, sausages and burgers sizzling away over the open grills and served up in hearty portions. There’s plenty to go with it too: baked potatoes, corn on the cob, fresh salads, coleslaw, bread and all the sauces you could want, plus a few Canarian favourites like papas arrugadas and mojo. It’s not fine dining, but everything is tasty, plentiful and just right for a relaxed evening out. You are welcome to help yourself to as much as you like, and most people do go back for seconds.

If you don’t eat meat, there are salads and vegetable dishes on offer, though it’s fair to say the barbecue is mainly about the meat.

The drinks are included too, with unlimited beer, wine, sangria, soft drinks and water all part of the ticket. The beer is always cold, the wine is perfectly drinkable and the sangria is poured generously. If you fancy something stronger, spirits and cocktails are usually available from the bar for a little extra. With all the food and drink included, it’s excellent value, especially when you compare it to what you might spend on a night out in the resort. Dinner is served early, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your meal before the main entertainment starts, and the bars stay open for the rest of the evening.

What really sets Rancho Texas Night apart is its lively entertainment programme. The team here know exactly how to create a wonderful atmosphere, and the evening unfolds with a cheerful mix of live music, animal displays, and plenty of opportunities for everyone to join in. The country and western music is always a highlight, with talented musicians playing well-loved classics and line dance favourites that have the whole crowd singing along under the Lanzarote sky.

The bird of prey displays are always a real treat. Eagles, hawks, owls and even vultures glide right over your head in the open-air arena, sometimes so close you find yourself ducking instinctively. It’s a wonderful chance to see just how graceful and powerful these birds can be.

The handlers really know their stuff, and the shows are set to music for that extra bit of drama. The lasso demonstrations are always a crowd-pleaser, with skilled cowboys spinning ropes and pulling off tricks, often with a few brave volunteers from the audience. When it’s time for line dancing, everyone is encouraged to join in, no experience required. The entertainment team make sure the steps are simple and the mood is light, so you’ll see people of all ages laughing, stomping and having a go, whether they can keep the beat or not. That’s all part of the fun.

Rancho Texas Night is one of those evenings that runs smoothly from start to finish. Most guests arrive from around 7pm, and transport is usually taken care of, with coaches collecting from all the main resorts including Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise. It is a relief not to have to think about driving or taxis, and you can simply relax and enjoy the evening. When you arrive, you will be handed a cowboy hat and shown to the arena, where long rows of benches and tables set the scene for a lively, sociable meal.

The barbecue gets going early, usually around 7.30pm, and everyone is welcome to help themselves from the generous buffet stations.

The bars are open as soon as you arrive, so you can settle in with a drink while you take in the surroundings. Once most people have eaten, the entertainment begins—usually from about 8.30pm—and carries on until late in the evening. The shows are well put together, but the mood is always relaxed, with plenty of time to wander, chat, or simply soak up the atmosphere. Families are made to feel especially welcome, and there is always something to keep the younger ones entertained. At the end of the night, the coaches are waiting to take everyone safely back to their resorts.

When it comes to what to wear, comfort is key. You will be outdoors at picnic benches, so there is no need to dress up—just bring a jacket or hoodie for when the evening breeze picks up, especially in winter. If you fancy joining in with the line dancing, flat shoes are a must. It is handy to have a little cash for any extras at the bar, though most things are already included. Most importantly, come ready to join in and enjoy yourself—the more you embrace the fun, the better the night becomes.

Getting tickets for Rancho Texas Night is very straightforward, with plenty of options to suit your preference. Many visitors choose to book directly on the Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park website, but you can also arrange tickets at your hotel reception, at the various excursion kiosks dotted around the resorts, or through trusted online platforms. Prices usually fall between 40 and 55 euros for adults and 20 to 30 euros for children, depending on where you book and whether transport is included. The ticket price covers a generous barbecue buffet and unlimited standard drinks, so you can relax and enjoy a full evening of food, drink and lively entertainment without worrying about extra costs.

It’s a good idea to book your tickets a few days ahead, especially if you’re visiting between October and April, as Rancho Texas Night is very popular and can fill up quickly. If you’re booking through an excursion kiosk or agency, it’s worth taking a moment to compare prices, as they can vary. I often find that booking directly on the park’s website gives the clearest details about what’s included. Be sure to check whether coach transport from your resort is part of the package, as this isn’t always the case. If you’d rather make your own way, the park is just a short taxi ride from Puerto del Carmen, usually costing around 8 to 10 euros each way. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to arrange your own taxi home if you don’t use the organised coach, which is a little less convenient but still very manageable.

We are often asked whether Rancho Texas Night is worth experiencing, and our answer is almost always yes. It is not an evening for those seeking quiet sophistication or a refined, intimate dinner. If you prefer a peaceful meal or are not keen on lively music, communal tables or a touch of country and western, then this may not be your ideal night out. But if you are open to a relaxed, good-natured evening filled with hearty food, flowing drinks and plenty of laughter, Rancho Texas Night offers one of the most enjoyable and memorable nights out on the island. It is a place where strangers quickly become friends, and the atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as Lanzarote itself.

Rancho Texas Night is especially popular with families, as there are few evening events here that truly appeal to both children and adults. The little ones are always captivated by the animal shows, the cowboy hats and the chance to dance and explore somewhere a bit out of the ordinary after dark. Parents can unwind with a drink or two, knowing the entertainment will keep everyone happy. It is also a great choice for groups of friends or couples who want a break from the usual bar or restaurant scene. Over the years, we have brought all sorts of visitors along, from parents to friends in their twenties, and without exception, everyone has left with a smile and a story to tell.