Since the 4th of July falls on a Friday this year, there are not as many other events to choose from in and around Fort Worth. But aside from the patriotic celebrations, you can still enjoy a new theater production, a classical music festival, three country concerts, a comedian, and screenings of a new documentary about a well-known actress.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, July 3
Independence Day Eve events
As is tradition, many cities put on Independence Day events the day before the 4th of July. You can find events in North Richland Hills, Southlake, Denton, Hurst, Keller, Arlington, and Mansfield.
Mid Cities Arts Collective presents Kilroy Was Here
Mid Cities Arts Collective will salute the brave men and women serving in the military with the patriotic comedy Kilroy Was Here. The setting is a U.S.O. club in Brooklyn in 1942. Enter Private Joe Kilroy, a young soldier who draws a curious cartoon face everywhere he goes. He’s the only one who knows where the next Allied convoy will converge. The enemy agents are stopping at nothing to learn his secret. The action builds to an exciting finale during a wild radio broadcast. The musical runs through July 12 at Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst.
Mimir Chamber Music Festival
The Mimir Chamber Music Festival includes a lineup of celebrated professional musicians and internationally renowned concert artists. Mimir also features four groups of up-and-coming musicians, selected by audition, as the 2025 Mimir Emerging Artists. All performances in the festival, taking place through July 11, will be at PepsiCo Recital Hall on the TCU campus except for the July 6 concert, which will be in the Renzo Piano Pavilion at Kimbell Art Museum.
Kin Faux in concert
Texas country music band Kin Faux has been racking up the accolades at the Texas County Music Awards in recent years, winning band of the year in 2021, single of the year in 2022, and Entertainer of the Year in 2023. The band has released three albums in their career, most recently Cheaper Than the Truth in 2023. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Friday, July 4
4th of July events
For traditionalists who like to wait until the actual day to celebrate the 4th of July, there will naturally be events all over the place, including Granbury, Arlington, Flower Mound, Northlake, Bedford, Fort Worth, Burleson, and Grapevine.
Improv Arlington presents Benji Brown
Benji Brown began his career in radio while honing his skills as a stand-up comedian with a unique voice and hilarious characters. He became a key fixture on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and went on to work with such A-list headliners as Smiley, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, and Monique. He's also appeared in a number of TV specials and commercials. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Silverada in concert
After 16 years as Mike and The Moonpies, the country/Americana band made the decision to change to Silverada in 2024, as they thought the former name "was hindering their progress." They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas for the second time under their new name in support of their 2024 album, also called Silverada.
Saturday, July 5
Magnolia at the Modern: Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Like roughly 95 percent of people who are deaf, actress Marlee Matlin was born into a hearing family. Growing up in Illinois, she faced episodes of isolation and abuse, but found joy in performing at a local Deaf theater. In 1987, Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at the age of 21. Not Alone Anymore explores the complexities of what it means to be a trailblazer. The film weaves together Matlin’s first-person account with interviews from those who know her best. There will be five screenings through Sunday at Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Randall King in concert
A throwback to classic country, Randall King formed an Americana group in college called the Randall King Band, which released an album called Old Dirt Road before splitting. He then debuted as a solo artist in 2016 with the EP Another Bullet before releasing his first self-titled album in 2018. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2024 album, Into the Neon.
Photo courtesy of City of Hurst