Weekend Event Planner

These are the 8 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend

This weekend in and around Fort Worth will be a fun one, especially if you're a movie lover. Among the events on tap are a celebration of a Fort Worth comedy institution, screenings of a very recent Oscar-winning film, a concert featuring movie music, a festival dedicated to getting the most out of the Trinity River, and more.

Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, March 9

Fort Worth Opera presents Noches de Ópera: History of Mariachi Lecture
Part academic lecture, part musical journey, this event of sight and sound at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth explores the birth of mariachi during the 19th century, as it developed throughout the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacán, who all claim its origin. Dr. Donna T. Emmanuel of the University of North Texas delves into the history and the evolution of Mariachi tradition, alongside curated audio selections and thrilling live performances from JP Elder Middle School Mariachi.

Stage West Theatre presents Deer
In the latest production from Stage West, Ken and Cynthia have been married for 30 years. Ken and Cynthia drive to their vacation home for the weekend. Ken and Cynthia hit a deer. Ken just wants to spend the weekend alone with his wife, but Cynthia will not abandon their lifeless, bloody new pet. As the carcass begins to take over their lives, secrets surface, sanity slips, and someone may not be quite as dead as they should be. The play runs through April 9.

Four Day Weekend’s 20th Anniversary Show
For 20 years, Four Day Weekend has entertained more than a half million people in its 212-seat theater in downtown Fort Worth. They are upgrading a bit for their 20th Anniversary Show, being held at Bass Performance Hall, but the show still features the award-winning comedy troupe doing what it does best: performing hilarious scenes and sketches created from audience suggestions. The show also includes trips down memory lane. Expect cameo appearances by recognizable characters from the troupe’s earlier years, along with the members’ own stories and anecdotes about their 20-year journey.

Cliburn Sessions: Sybarite5
The string quintet Sybarite5 has changed the perception of chamber music, with an eclectic repertoire that includes selections from Mozart to Radiohead. Outliers is a program of pieces written by the group’s favorite composers, mixed with works from the friends they’ve made traveling the world performing the music they love. The concert takes place at Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge.

Friday, March 10

Magnolia at the Modern presents The Salesman
The Salesman is now an Oscar winner, claiming the trophy for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2017 Academy Awards. Forced to leave their apartment due to a dangerous construction project in a neighboring building, a young Iranian couple moves to the center of Tehran, where they become embroiled in a life-altering situation involving the previous tenant. Director Asghar Farhadi also helmed the Oscar-winning feature A Separation. Rated PG-13 and in Persian with English subtitles, the film screens six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies
At this concert, taking place at Bass Performance Hall through Sunday, guests can see remastered clips from the great movie musicals of Rodgers & Hammerstein, together with original vocals and a live soundtrack. Movies like Oklahoma!, The King and I, South Pacific, and Carousel are featured, including songs like “Shall We Dance,” “If I Loved You,” and “Some Enchanted Evening,” sung by the original stars and accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. The concert has three performances through Sunday.

Saturday, March 11

TRWD Flyfest
The Tarrant Regional Water District is partnering with Fort Worth’s urban angling community for TRWD Flyfest. The festival is a family-friendly day of fly fishing, food, wine, and craft beer along the rippling waters of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. The main event is the Big Trout Contest, where anglers compete to catch the biggest trout or the most fish in the time allotted. There's also live music and a host of children’s activities, including a mini stocked tank for fishing. The event takes place at Acme Brick Headquarters.

Sunday, March 12

Lone Star Film Society presents Sunday Cinema Series: The Hudsucker Proxy
For the second offering in its Sunday Cinema Series, the Lone Star Film Society presents the Coen Brothers' classic, The Hudsucker Proxy. Tim Robbins plays a business newbie who inadvertently gets promoted to president of his company as part of a stock scam. The film screens at Four Day Weekend Theater.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies, playing at Bass Performance Hall March 10-12.

Photo courtesy of NSO

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies, playing at Bass Performance Hall March 10-12.

event-planner

Merry and Bright

Where to see the most stunning Christmas lights in Fort Worth for 2024

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

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Fort Worth is decked out and dazzling with Christmas lights for the 2024 holiday season. They're no longer just light "displays," but full on "attractions" - animated drive-thrus, immersive walk-through experiences, fun parades, and more.

Here is our guide to the most spectacular Christmas lights of 2024 all around Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Bookmark this list and check back often; like a holiday gift list, it will grow and grow as more events are unveiled through the season. And for a list of best lights in Dallas, head here.

Immersive and walk-through experiences

Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 22-January 5
For the third year, Lightscape illuminates the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with newly reimagined light displays and installations along the longest path yet. New features include a Texas section complete with the Texas Flag, Texas Nutcrackers, Gingerbread Walk, Christmas Cacti, and even more Bluebonnets, as well as the international debut of installations including a Fountain Show, Night Birds, Lampshade Bouquets, Floraison, and “Airquairium” Fish Sculptures. Open on select nights, entry from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tickets vary by day: $12-$26. Parking: $25.

Christmas at Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, November 15-January 5
The Gaylord throws a Texas-sized holiday extravaganza that includes larger- than-life holiday décor and state-of-the-art light elements, a 54-foot-tall rotating Christmas tree, and 15,000 sparkling ornaments. Plus snow tubing down frozen slides, a Cirque holiday show, ice skating, gingerbread features, and more. The Grapevine resort’s signature ICE! Experience will feature 2 million pounds of ice carved into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed sculptures (adults $28.99; kids, $19.99). For a complete rundown of events, scheduling, tickets, and more, visit the website.

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, November 22-December 29
A new immersive event from the creators of the popular "Enchant" light maze illuminates 55,000 square feet of holiday light sculptures featuring larger-than-life, interactive Coca-Cola-inspired vignettes to walk through and explore; plus ice skating, a snow slide, falling snow, visits with Santa, caroling, seasonal treats, special themed nights, and more. Open select nights, as early as 4:30 pm and as late as 11:30 pm; check the calendar for hours. Tickets: $14-$35; free for kids up to 3.

$Coca-Cola\u2019s Classic Christmas, Enchant$ Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas is destined to be the Instagrammiest destination of the holiday season. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas

Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 24-December 31
Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, festive shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.

Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 28-January 5
Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, kid-friendly Christmas Town, Christmas light maze, and more. Guests are welcome to get out, explore, take photos with Santa, and eat — Daystar’s Scratch Café will be serving holiday treats on certain days throughout the season. The whole event is free and runs 6-11 pm nightly; for schedule and more information, visit the website.

Tianyu Lights Festival, Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie, November 8-January 19
A new immersive lantern and lights festival tells the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy as he explores the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. As guests wander through the light show, they can piece together Koda’s adventure, capture photographs, uncover clues, and win prizes. The experience includes 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures that depict vibrant plants and animals, crafted from metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans. There are also nightly performances by acrobats and folk performers, food, beverages, and souvenirs for sale. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30-10:00 pm. Tickets: $16-$35.

Drive-thru attractions

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 28-January 5
Texas Motor Speedway hosts its annual drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The 45-minute experience includes over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights and displays. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Hours: 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $35-$60 per vehicle (buses, limos, RVs welcome).

The Light Park, Arlington, November 1-January 5
A mile-long, drive-thru spectacular that takes guests through millions of lights – including “the longest light tunnel in the world” - synchronized to a music mix by DJ Polar Ice. Two DFW locations: Riders Field in Frisco and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. 5:30-10 pm (weekdays), and 5:30-11 (weekends). Admission per vehicle: starting at $29. Unlimited season pass: $159.

Radiance at the Ranch, Weatherford, November 22-December 28
The four-year-old drive-thru event at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse is a "cavalcade" of 2 million sparkling lights and lanterns animated to favorite holiday tunes across a two-mile path. 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford. Hours are 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets (on sale November 5): $29.95-$49.99 per vehicle.

Radiance at the Ranch: A Holiday Light Spectacular returns to Weatherford. Photo courtesy of Radiance

Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 28-December 31
Visitors drive through a dazzling 4 million lights set along two miles of path at Lynn Creek Park. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. New features for 2024 include a re-imagined animated tunnel and lighted forest, expanded light installations viewable from the line, and new themed installations along the drive. Concessions and photos with Santa are offered in the Holiday Village at the halfway point. 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie (detailed directions here). Open nightly 6-10 pm (or until park reaches capacity). Admission: $50 per car, $149 “fast pass” available on select nights. Note: Sneak-A-Peek 5K Run and 5-Mile Walk take place November 23-24.

ChristmasTime in Texas, Joshua, November 28-December 27
The 35-acre Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread a mile-and-a-half. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Open nightly, 6-10 pm. Admission: $35-$85; small motorhomes and shuttle buses allowed. (Sneak peek walk-through event: November 16; Horse and rider day: November 23.)

Commercial displays

The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 29-February 9
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth dresses up for the holiday season by illuminating the trees around their campus with twinkling lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special Dinner with the Modern Lights takes place each Friday, and First Friday at the Modern events are held every first Friday of the month.

Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Modern Lights. Photo courtesy of Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Historic Main Street, Grapevine, November 25-January 7
The Christmas Capital of Texas' historic downtown Main Street shines bright with thousands of lights and holiday events. It all kicks off with the 36th annual Carol of Lights on November 25 (see below). Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 5. In a little holiday lights twist, there are free Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Shows (December 2 and 9). For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. Consult a complete schedule of holiday events on the website.

Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, ongoing through January 2025
It's rare for a restaurant to make a "best Christmas lights" list, but this spectacle deserves a listing. Enter for the Tex-Mex food (don't miss the white queso dip), stay for the 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Clause figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains that chug around the restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait of two hours or more at peak times. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington.

Shows, parades, and special events

GM Financial Parade of Lights, November 24
The annual GM Financial Parade of Lights will brighten up the streets of Downtown Fort Worth for its 42nd year, marking the City of Fort Worth’s official kickoff to the holiday season. The parade features members of the Texas Rangers baseball team as Grand Marshal, along with floats, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, carolers, and more. Per tradition, the parade will conclude with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on the specially designed, LED-lit, grand finale float.

The annual GM Financial Parade of Lights takes place in Downtown Fort Worth on November 24. Photo courtesy of Parade of Lights

Carol of Lights, Grapevine, November 25
Grapevine - the “Christmas Capital of Texas” - will light up its Historic Downtown Main Street at the 36th annual Carol of Lights, 4-8:30 pm. Instead of their traditional tree lighting, the event will feature a Street Lighting at 5:30 pm, illuminating the entire length of Main Street into a magical holiday wonderland. The free come-and-go event will include live performances, interactive activity zones, seasonal treats, live reindeer, snow hills for sledding, and Santa’s entrance at 6:30 pm.

TCU Tree Lighting, TCU campus, Fort Worth, December 3
The lighting of TCU’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and concert performances. The free event is open to the public (note there's a clear bag policy). For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.

Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place, Fort Worth, December 7-8
The gorgeous historic homes in Ryan Place, a grand Fort Worth neighborhood, get illuminated in spectacular fashion all season, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The 40th annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December7-83, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays. Tickets to the home tour are $25-$30.

Fairmount Festivus Holiday Light Tour, Fort Worth, December 14
Homes in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth show off their holiday creativity in this decade-old tradition. Event-goers will get the Festivus map to guide them through a night of merriment. The family-friendly event is free and runs 6-9 pm, beginning 1100 Hemphill St.

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 14
Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.

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