This weekend around Fort Worth offers a little bit of everything. There are movies for both kids and adults, concerts both indoors and outdoors, comedy performances ranging from stand-up to impressions, two local theater productions (including one with a bat boy), and two undefeated boxers going head-to-head.
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, August 4
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Modern Kids Summer Flicks: Selected Short Films
Modern Kids Summer Flicks: Selected Short Films features a selection of unique films presented by the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Guests will enjoy a range of stories that include live-action, animation, and documentary films displaying different styles of filmmaking from around the world. There will be three different screenings through Friday, after which families can experience a variety of paintings, sculptures, and photographs, including the exhibition "Women Painting Women."
Panther Island Pavilion presents Rockin' the River
Rockin’ the River is back for a 11th year of music and tubing at Panther Island Pavilion. The event features a trio of bands playing back-to-back-to-back sets beginning around 5:15 pm on the Coors Light Waterfront Stage, while attendees watch from tubes and other floaties on the Trinity River. Performers for the penultimate week of the series will include headliner Kyle Park along with Seth James and Bencjones.
The Cliburn presents Pop-Up Concert: Anna Geniushene
2022 Cliburn silver medalist Anna Geniushene returns for a special pop-up concert indoors at the Trinity Room at The Post at River East. The program will include Ravel's Selections from Miroirs, Shostakovich's Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, op. 87, no. 24, and Schumann's Faschingsschwank aus Wien, op. 26. While the performance is technically sold out, you can email kblouin@cliburn.org with your name and the number of tickets you would like to purchase to be placed on the waiting list.
Improv Arlington presents Tommy Davidson
Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range, from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments, have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show, In Living Color, his visibility has allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent. He'll perform six times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Friday, August 5
Magnolia at the Modern: Fire of Love
Fire of Love tells the story of Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of our planet by capturing the most explosive volcano imagery ever recorded. Along the way, they changed our understanding of the natural world and saved tens of thousands of lives. Previously unseen hours of pristine 16-millimeter film and thousands of photographs reveal the birth of modern volcanology through an unlikely lens — the love of its two pioneers. The film, which is in French with English subtitles, will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Dion Pride in concert
Dion Pride, the son of legendary Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride, has inherited his father's talents. With great artistic talent and an endearing personality on and off stage, Dion has been making his own way in show business after being part of his father's band for five years. He'll perform at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis.
Casa Mañana presents Bat Boy: The Musical
Based on the infamous headline in the “Weekly World News” tabloid, Bat Boy is a hilarious modern musical that tells the story of a half-human/half-bat by the name of Edgar. Discovered in a West Virginia cave, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the local veterinarian, where he’s accepted as a member of the family and taught how to act like a “normal” boy. But as the town’s cows begin to fall victim to a mysterious plague, mayhem ensues. The show, suitable for mature audiences, is part of Casa Mañana’s Apprentice Program, featuring dedicated young performers ages 14-19. There will be four performances through Sunday at Casa Mañana.
Hip Pocket Theatre presents When We Were Very Young
When We Were Very Young, the A.A. Milne classic book of musings and poems, will be brought to life for the stage by Hip Pocket Theatre through music, puppetry, and dance. The production will run through August 21.
Midland in concert
The country band Midland surprisingly didn't come out of the same-named city, but rather Dripping Springs, just outside of Austin. Named instead after the Dwight Yoakam song "Fair to Midland," the group has already made a big mark on country music, hitting No. 2 with its debut album, On the Rocks, and No. 1 with their 2019 album, Let It Roll. After playing three straight nights at Billy Bob's Texas in 2021, they'll play two more on Friday and Saturday in support of their new album, The Last Resort: Greetings From.
Saturday, August 6
Golden Boy Promotions presents Vergel Ortiz Jr. vs Michael "The Problem" McKinson
Knockout sensation and the pride of Grand Prairie, Texas, Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (18-0, 18 KOs), will make his grand return to the ring, taking on top-10 ranked, undefeated welterweight contender Michael "The Problem" McKinson (22-0, 2 KOs) in this special boxing event at Dickies Arena.
Robin: The Ultimate Robin Williams Experience
Robin: The Ultimate Robin Williams Experience is a "true" story about how the death of one man changed another man's life. The life and comedy routine of Roger Kabler, a seasoned actor, stand-up comic, and impressionist, transformed forever when comedy legend and icon Robin Williams passed away in 2014. Kabler's fast-paced show features his impression of Williams, but also includes impressions of Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Marlon Brando, and others.
Hip Pocket Theatre presents When We Were Very Young, August 5-21.
