This weekend across Fort Worth brings events that are almost all different from each other. Choices include a Smurf experience, comedy from a rapper-turned-comedian, a rodeo competition, a new art exhibition, a concert from a huge star (complete with pre-game party), screenings of a new film, a new local theater production, two country concerts, and a concert blending symphony music with art.
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, May 8
The Smurf Experience
The Smurf Experience is an immersive attraction that lets guests transform into a Smurf with a mission to save the planet from the evil wizard, Gargamel. Traveling through Smurf Village, the Enchanted Forest, and Gargamel’s lair, The Smurf Experience includes scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters, and more. The event will continue through at least August 11 at Esports Stadium Arlington.
Improv Arlington presents Tip Harris
Rapper Tip Harris is known by T.I., Tip, or TIP, but you may not know that he's also a comedian. In addition to his 11 hit albums, multiple Grammys, Billboard, BET, and American Music Awards, blockbuster movies, and top-rated television shows, he's also been growing his stand-up act, which he'll demonstrate in six shows through Saturday at Improv Arlington.
Professional Bull Riders World Finals: Eliminations
Professional Bull Riders World Finals - Eliminations is the crucial first phase in any rider's quest to being crowned the 2025 PBR World Champion. During Eliminations, each of the 45 competing riders will get on one bull daily. When the dust settles, the Top 15 in the world standings, and Top 5 in the event not already advancing, will earn a direct berth to the Championship, taking place on May 17 and 18 at AT&T Stadium. The Eliminations phase takes place through Sunday at Cowtown Coliseum.
Friday, May 9
Arlington Museum of Art presents Alicia Eggert and The de la Torre Brothers: "Your Magic is Real and Sub(liminal)" opening day
The Arlington Museum of Art presents "Your Magic is Real and Sub(liminal)," an exhibition featuring Alicia Eggert, and Einar and Jamex de la Torre, three profound artists whose practice explores languages, encounters, and participation in this present moment. Eggert’s participatory project Your Magic Is Real and the de la Torre brothers’ installation Sub(liminal) encourage visitors, especially in today's politically charged climate, to physically connect through touch and shared experiences, symbolizing the vital importance of cooperation and empathy in overcoming systemic alienation. The exhibition will remain on display through June 1.
Post Malone's Travelin' Tailgate
It's a big enough deal that Post Malone is bringing his F-1 Trillion tour to AT&T Stadium on Friday, where he'll be joined by Jelly Roll and Sierra Ferrell, but it will be preceded by the Travelin’ Tailgate, a free event that's open to anyone, regardless of whether you have a concert ticket or not. Running from 12-6 pm outside the stadium, it will feature live music, food, beer, merch, carnival games, photo opportunities, and tattoos by Posty’s personal tattoo artists.
Magnolia at the Modern: Lilly
The new movie Lilly is based on the remarkable true story of working-class hero Lilly Ledbetter (Patricia Clarkson), a hard-working Alabama tire factory supervisor who endures a work environment plagued by pervasive harassment for the sake of the best paycheck in the county. As retirement approaches, Lilly discovers that her employer has been paying her half of what the men with the same jobs are earning. Outraged, Lilly fights this injustice in the halls of Congress, the Supreme Court, and eventually, The White House. The film screens seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Theatre Arlington presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery, but his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. The production runs through May 25 at Theatre Arlington.
The SteelDrivers in concert
It's a little weird that bluegrass group The SteelDrivers got more popular after their original lead singer (and current country superstar) Chris Stapleton left, but the facts are the facts. After releasing two albums with Stapleton, both of which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts, the group's next three albums each made it all the way to No. 1. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, May 10
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Picasso Symphony"
“Picasso Symphony” is an innovative film-orchestral experience that will make its U.S. debut with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. An exploration and homage to the prolific genius of Pablo Picasso, “Picasso Symphony” blends visuals with a curated arrangement of live orchestral music telling the story of Picasso's life journey. The multimedia presentation features all of Picasso’s works, including films, paintings, photography, prints, illustrations, ceramics, sculptures, stage designs, and more. The concert takes place at Will Rogers Auditorium.
David Nail in concert
Country singer David Nail had such success in the early days of his career that it's a wonder why he hasn't gotten even bigger. His 2009 debut album, I'm About to Come Alive, made the top 20 on the Billboard Country charts, and each of his subsequent three albums went even higher, culminating with 2016's Fighter going to No. 3. He has put out a series of EPs since then, but has yet to release a fifth album. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Photo courtesy of Picasso Symphony
