This weekend in and around Fort Worth is packed full of different events, and that doesn't even count the continuing PBR World Finals at Dickies Arena. But speaking of that event, there will be a trio of big-name concerts related to it, as well as a big NASCAR weekend featuring an appearance by a country superstar, two festivals, a world premiere ballet, a celebration of a local comedy institution, and more.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, May 19
Travis Tritt in concert
During the country music boom of the 1990s, Travis Tritt stood tall among his fellow singers. His first five albums all reached the top 10 on the Billboard country charts, and he scored No. 1 hits with "Help Me Hold On," "Anymore," "Can I Trust You with My Heart," and "Foolish Pride." His career has been up and down since then, but he still knows how to bring it. This concert at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium is part of the PBR World Finals Concert Series.
Friday, May 20
NASCAR All-Star Race Weekend
The NASCAR All-Star Race, taking place on Sunday, will be the marquee event of a race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway featuring all three of NASCAR’s premier series. The SpeedyCash.com 220 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will be held on Friday and the Texas 250 Xfinity Series race on Saturday. Prior to the All-Star Race on Sunday, country star Blake Shelton will perform a one-hour concert. Each day will include a variety of other activities, including practices, qualifying races, a Fan Zone, and more.
38th Annual Main Street Fest: A Craft Brew Experience
The City of Grapevine will present their 38th Annual Main Street Fest: A Craft Brew Experience. Visitors will enjoy three fun-filled days of outdoor shows and performances, a craft brew garden and wine pavilion, live music, carnival rides, and a street fair with flair. New this year, Main Street Fest attendees will encounter a lineup of internationally renowned street performers throughout the festival grounds. The festival takes place in Historic Downtown Grapevine through Sunday.
Texas Ballet Theater presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Texas Ballet Theater will close its season with the world premiere of Ben Stevenson’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Audiences will finally see the long-awaited premiere, originally scheduled to close the 2019-20 season. Amidst a forest filled with fairies and frivolity, enchanted lovers resolve mischievous mix-ups and reunite with their intendeds. The production will have five performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Four Day Weekend presents 25th Anniversary Retrospective
The critically acclaimed improvisational comedy troupe Four Day Weekend is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a one-night-only retrospective show featuring a champagne toast and after-party with the co-founding four cast members: David Ahearn, Frank Ford, Troy Grant, and David Wilk. The show will feature legacy cast sharing stories, videos, timelines, and favorite show elements. The retrospective will also take place at the Dallas location on Saturday night.
LeAnn Rimes in concert
It's a little crazy that country singer LeAnn Rimes is only 39 years old since she's been entertaining fans for 26 years. Her breakout cover version of Patsy Cline's "Blue" in 1996 set her on a path that would find her going into pop music, returning to country, and now exploring even more unusual territory. She'll play at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium in support of her new album, God's Work. This concert is also part of the PBR World Finals Concert Series.
Hyena's presents William Lee Martin
Comedian William Lee Martin is a self-proclaimed All-American mutt, a mixed breed who doesn’t fit neatly into any single box physically, politically, or philosophically. With fresh material and hilarious new stories, he's not afraid to step on toes but still connects with folks who share his everyday problems in always changing America. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Club.
Jake Owen in concert
Country singer Jake Owen is one of those musicians who's experienced a steady stream of success without crossing the threshold over to superstardom. Since his 2006 debut album, Startin' with Me, each of his albums has reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, including his latest, 2019's Greetings from...Jake. He's had plenty of hits, including three No. 1 songs, so there will be lots of sing-alongs at this concert at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, May 21
Fort Worth Fried Chicken & Craft Beer Fest
There are no shortage of restaurants at which one can find great fried chicken, but it's not often that the American staple is celebrated at a festival. Visitors can do so at the Fort Worth Fried Chicken & Craft Beer Fest at Panther Island Pavilion, featuring tons of delicious fried chicken from Fort Worth restaurants, beer tastings from Four Corners Brewing Co, wine & spirits, country bands, vendors, and more fun. (For more of the best food and drink events this weekend, go here.)
Robert Earl Keen in concert
Robert Earl Keen has recorded 19 full-length albums, including 2015's Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions. In 2012, Keen was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame and has written songs for music superstars including George Strait, The Chicks, The Highwaymen, and Nanci Griffith. He'll play at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium. This concert is the final event in the PBR World Finals Concert Series.
Jimmie Allen in concert
There's no better indicator of the increasing stardom of country singer Jimmie Allen than the high-powered guest list on his 2020 EP, Bettie James. Among his collaborators on the seven songs are Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, the late Charley Pride, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, and Mickey Guyton. He's about to release his third album, Tulip Drive, in June, and fans will surely get a preview at this concert at Billy Bob's Texas.
The Four Day Weekend 25th Anniversary Retrospective will be on May 20.
