It's a big weekend in and around Fort Worth, and that doesn't even include the State Fair of Texas, which starts in Dallas on Friday. On the home front will be a visit from a country superstar and his friends, an Oktoberfest event, a celebration of classic cars, the start of Halloween events, an appearance by a well-known comedian, an art museum celebration, and more.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend.
Thursday, September 23
Oktoberfest Fort Worth
At Oktoberfest Fort Worth, taking place through Saturday at Panther Island Pavilion, visitors can enjoy authentic German food, music, dancing, games, biergartens, dachshund races, and Spaten and other fall and Oktoberfest craft beers from around the country. For anyone who wants to earn their indulgences, there will also be the Oktoberfest Fort Worth Run Und Ride, featuring two cycling and two running events on Saturday.
Amphibian Stage presents Jasmine Ellis
Jasmine Ellis is a stand-up comedian, entertainment journalist, and podcast host. Her debut comedy album, Trashbaby, went No. 1 on iTunes, she was honored as a “Comedian to Watch” on the Whohaha women in comedy forum, and her Dry Bar comedy special, Nobody’s Queen, is available on the Drybar comedy app. She'll perform three times through Saturday at Amphibian Stage.
Friday, September 24
Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals
The Goodguys 28th Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals, taking place through Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, will feature over 2,500 rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, and trucks. The event will also include the opportunity to cruise the Texas Motor Speedway track in your vehicle, vendor and manufacturer exhibits, a giant swap meet, live music, and more.
Sweet Tooth Motel - The Foundry District Pop Up closing weekend
This will be the final weekend to check out the Sweet Tooth Motel - The Foundry District Pop Up. Guests can expect an exterior reminiscent of their favorite roadside vintage motel, with an interior featuring an entry filled with fantastical desserts, through which guests will have to find their way into a glowing Sunset Lounge filled with radiating, ring pop laden cacti. The event closes on Sunday.
Magnolia at the Modern: Language Lessons
When Adam (Mark Duplass) is surprised with weekly Spanish lessons by his husband, he's unsure about where or how this new element will fit into his already structured life. But when tragedy strikes, his Spanish teacher, Cariño (Natalie Morales), becomes a lifeline he didn't know he needed. Bittersweet, honest, and at times darkly funny, Language Lessons is a disarmingly moving exploration of platonic love. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Halloween events
Even though Halloween is over a month away, now is the time when Halloween events get their start. Among the events available this weekend are Howell Farms' Pumpkin Nights in Arlington, a family-friendly option featuring over 5,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins; and Six Flags Over Texas' Fright Fest, featuring different levels of thrills depending on the time of day you visit. More haunted attractions will open next weekend.
Improv Arlington presents Jay Pharoah
During his tenure on Saturday Night Live, Jay Pharoah proved himself to be one of the show's most talented and popular cast members, mostly thanks to his uncanny impressions of Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Stephen A. Smith, Kanye West, and Chris Tucker. Since his unceremonious firing from that show, he's stayed extremely busy, with parts in multiple movies and TV shows. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Saturday, September 25
Amon Carter Museum of American Art openings
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art will open two new exhibitions on Saturday. Anila Quayyum Agha: "A Beautiful Despair" will feature an immersive, site-specific sculptural installation by the artist and related drawings informed by her multicultural experience. "Imagined Realism: Scott and Stuart Gentling" is the first-ever comprehensive retrospective of the brothers’ work, exploring their distinct style that defied the movements of their times. Both exhibitions will remain on display through January 9, 2022.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art 60th Birthday Bash
Those two openings coincide with the date the museum has chosen to celebrate its 60th birthday. There will be six hours of art-inspired activities and live music from DJ Ronnie Heart and Shakey Graves. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show on the Carter’s lawn. Local food trucks will be on-site serving a variety of dining options for purchase.
Blake Shelton in concert
Just after the premiere of season 21 of The Voice on NBC, country superstar/Voice coach Blake Shelton comes back to Fort Worth as part of his Friends and Heroes Tour in support of his new album, Body Language. The tour is aptly named, as Shelton will be joined by special guest Lindsay Ell, with special appearances by Martina McBride, Tracy Byrd, and Trace Adkins. The concert will be at Dickies Arena.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents "Dancing Beyond Borders-West"
Dallas Black Dance Theatre kicks off the season in Fort Worth with "Dancing Beyond Borders-West," featuring DBDT: Encore! dancers in Opaque, a mysterious and majestic work choreographed by Nycole Ray; and Nineteenth, another Ray showpiece in which the dancers portray a historical tug-of-war for power. I. M. Terrell Academy for STEM & Visual Performing Arts Dance Ensemble from Fort Worth ISD will be the guest artist for the evening.
Oak Ridge Boys in concert
The Oak Ridge Boys, who have sold over 41 million units worldwide, are one of the most recognizable groups in country music history. Their top singles include chart-toppers “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God for Kids,” “American Made,” and “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” among dozens more. The five-time Grammy Award winners will play at Arlington Music Hall.
Blake Shelton will perform at Dickies Arena on September 25.
Goldee's BBQ got some love from Michelin.Photo courtesy of Goldee's