Weekend Event Planner

These are the 9 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend

There will be a festival atmosphere in and around Fort Worth this weekend, with no fewer than four big events giving guests lots to do. Choices include a chance to witness pro football players being drafted, an annual presentation of opera, a fest touting both beer and airplanes, and the return of Fort Worth's newest music event.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, April 26

2018 NFL Draft and Draft Experience
The 83rd NFL Draft will take place AT&T Stadium in Arlington, marking the first time in history that it will be held at an NFL stadium. If you're not one of the lucky few who won tickets to view the draft in person, you can still participate in the free NFL Draft Experience directly outside the stadium. Fans can participate in football drills, enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions, and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. And you can still win a chance to get in the draft, going on through Saturday, by downloading the NFL Draft Fan Mobile Pass.

The Cliburn presents Emanuel Ax
Emanuel Ax is in the top rank of international piano stars, with a career that has taken him to every major venue and orchestra in the world. In his return to Fort Worth at the Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion, Ax will play a trio of selections from classical music masters, including Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 15, Liszt's Tre Sonetti del Petrarca, and Bach's Partita No. 5.

Friday, April 27

Magnolia at the Modern: Final Portrait
Paris, 1964: Alberto Giacometti (Geoffrey Rush) bumps into his old friend, the American critic James Lord (Armie Hammer), and begs that he sit for a portrait because he has an interesting face. Lord is flattered by the request and as the days go by and turn into weeks and weeks seemingly with no end in sight, he realizes his entire life has been hijacked by this erratic genius. The film will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The Roadhouse
The Roadhouse is a fundraising concert event benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, featuring performances by country singers Josh Weathers and Zac Wilkerson. The Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth provides a home away from home for families of critically ill children receiving treatment in area hospitals. The concert will be at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Casa Mañana presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. Casa Mañana presents a condensed version of the Broadway musical through May 13.

Fort Worth Opera Festival
The end of April means opera season in Fort Worth once again, as the Fort Worth Opera Festival will take place over the next two weekends. This year's festival features Maria de Buenos Aires (April 27 and May 5 at Bass Hall), Don Pasquale (April 28 and May 4 at Bass Hall), and Brief Encounters (April 29-May 1 at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Lecture Hall).

Saturday, April 28

Fort Worth Aviation Museum presents Hops and Props Festival
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum will celebrate its fourth annual Hops and Props, which will coincide with the museum’s 20th anniversary. The airplane and beer fest is dedicated to recognizing veterans while serving local craft beers and providing live music, food and family-friendly fun. This year’s theme is “Top Gun,” and will include a dedication of a F-14 “Tomcat” and F-5 “Tiger II,” along with other activities.

2018 Fortress Festival
The second annual Fortress Festival will once again bring two days of great music to Fort Worth. The festival, taking place at Will Rogers Memorial Center and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on Saturday and Sunday, will include performances by Father John Misty, Chromeo, Courtney Barnett, De La Soul, RZA (feat. Stone Mecca), Chicano Batman, tUnE-yArDs, Rapsody, Shabazz Palaces, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Jay Som, The Texas Gentlemen, Vandoliers, and six local acts.

Clint Black in concert
There are few more noteworthy country musicians in the past 30 years than Clint Black. The first four singles of his career each went to No. 1 on the country charts, and only three of his first 32 songs failed to reach the top 10. Black rewards fans for their dedication with a concert at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2015 album, On Purpose.

Clint Black will play at Billy Bob's Texas on April 28.

Clint Black/Facebook

Clint Black will play at Billy Bob's Texas on April 28.

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Pickleball News

Dill Dinkers brings first indoor pickleball facility to Crowley

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Dill Dinkers pickleball

An indoor pickleball court, ideal for year-round playing, is coming to Crowley: Called Dill Dinkers, it will be located at 320 E. Main St., next door to the trampoline park House of Air, and will be the first pickleball facility in Crowley, beyond the Crowley Rec Center.

According to a release, this will be the first Dill Dinkers location in North Texas and it's opening in October.

Dill Dinkers is a family-friendly indoor pickleball club company, featuring eight fenced-in courts, a pickleball court reservation system, pro shop, ball machine, and private event space for up to 20 people.

Founded by Will and Denise Richards in Columbia, Maryland, Dill Dinkers first opened in November 2022 as a space for players of all ages and skill levels. There are currently six locations open in Maryland and Virginia. The company launched its nationwide franchise program in September 2023.

(It's no relation to Dinkers Pickleball Club in Denton; a dink is a controlled shot in the sport of pickleball.)

The 21,000-square-foot Crowley location will provide several leagues for members and visitors providing players to improve their pickleball skills and meet other players, such as clinics and lessons that typically run about two hours. There are even opportunities to play with pickleball pros in small groups of three.

Some of the other lessons guests can expect include couples' lessons, kids lessons for two-eight kids, and private group lessons. Open play, which is an open court for all ages to play, is typically $10.50.

They also offer a monthly individual membership for $59 and an annual membership for $400.

Leading the Crowley franchise is Justin Goehring, Dill Dinkers' Regional Developer who was previously running private distribution at Verizon and oversaw the growth of multiple retail locations in Pennsylvania. He later discovered the world of franchising, becoming the franchisor of Texas-based Bazooka Charlie’s Barber Company.

Goehring shared his excitement with expanding the indoor pickleball concept in a statement.

“This club has been thoughtfully designed to create an environment where players of all ages and skill levels can come together and enjoy the game of pickleball," Goehring says. "With its prime location and state-of-the-art amenities, I am confident that Dill Dinkers will become a welcoming and inclusive spot for the local pickleball community and those who are interested in learning more about this growing sport.”

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