Dickies Arena has brought in a lot of big acts since it opened, but it's rarely been busier than it will be this weekend, when it hosts four different events in four days. Other choices for things to do in and around Fort Worth include early Christmas shopping, screenings of an acclaimed new film, three local theater productions, a symphony concert, and four other concerts
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, October 10
The Junior League of Fort Worth presents Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Gift Market
Yes, Christmas is over two months away, but it's never too early to get a little holiday shopping done. The 18th annual Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Gift Market, presented by the Junior League of Fort Worth, will feature an array of merchants showcasing unique gifts, home décor, jewelry, clothing, gourmet treats, and more. The market takes place at Will Rogers Memorial Center through Sunday.
Carin León in concert
The busy weekend for Dickies Arena kicks off with this concert by Carin León, a Mexican singer-songwriter who's hitting his stride. His first two albums in 2019 and 2021 didn't make much of an impact, but his last two albums, including the new Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, each made it high on both the Billboard Latin and Regional Mexican charts, which is why he's playing such a large venue.
Friday, October 11
Magnolia at the Modern: Lee
Lee tells the story of American photographer Lee Miller (Kate Winslet). Determined to document the truth of the Nazi regime despite the many challenges she faced as a female correspondent, Miller captured some of the most important images of World War II - though they came at an enormous personal price. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Casa Mañana presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, the musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, includes music, an enchanted pumpkin, and a glass slipper or two. When her wicked stepmother forbids it, Cinderella must find a way to attend the ball and meet Prince Charming; luckily, her Fairy Godmother has plenty of spells up her sleeve. The production runs through October 27 at Casa Mañana Theatre.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Schumann Cello Concerto and Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique"
At this concert, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Music Director Robert Spano serves as guide on Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, an exploration of Berlioz’s psyche, which follows Debussy’s hazy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Schumann’s Cello Concerto with FWSO Principal Cellist Allan Steele. There will be three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Lucinda Williams in concert
Lucinda Williams is one of those musicians who you know even if you don't know you know her. She's had a steady career, garnering critical acclaim with every album release dating back to her debut in 1979. Her latest, 2023's Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart, is even more impressive given the fact that she suffered a stroke in 2020. She'll play in support of that album at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, joined by special guest Kelsey Waldon.
Christian Nodal in concert
Friday at Dickies Arena brings another Mexican singer-songwriter, Christian Nodal. Unlike León, Nodal experienced success right away. His debut album, Me Dejé Llevar in 2017, went to No. 1 on the Billboard Regional Mexican chart, a feat he repeated with his next two albums. A couple of EPs, most recently Forajido 2 in 2023, have also charted well, showing that Nodal will remain a formidable force in the genre for years to come.
Experience Hendrix Tour
The Experience Hendrix Tour features a host of great artists collaborating and interpreting Jimi Hendrix's legendary songs as part of a powerhouse, three-hour concert experience. Performers at this concert, taking place at Will Rogers Auditorium, will include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Dweezil Zappa, and more.
Amphibian Stage presents The Amazing, Fabulous, and Spectacular Untruths of Juan Garcia
Juan Garcia has returned to his hometown of Oaxaca, armed with grand tales and big dreams of becoming the city’s biggest celebrity. He weaves a tapestry of tall tales and misadventures, aiming to impress (and possibly confuse) everyone, particularly the lady of his misguided affections. As bills pile up and tired servants reach their limit, the stage is set for a comedy of errors that even Juan can’t lie his way out of. The production runs through November 3 at Amphibian Stage.
Hip Pocket Theatre presents Metamorphosis
Hip Pocket Theatre's 2024 season comes to a close with Metamorphosis, a true classic from the mind of Franz Kafka. Audiences can break free from their stone-built sarcophagi, crawl amongst the carcasses, and watch restless dreams turn to waking nightmares. The production runs through November 3.
Saturday, October 12
Ryan Bingham's The Great Western
The Great Western is a new Western experience presented by singer Ryan Bingham, a one-day celebration of Western cultural heritage featuring rodeo, live music, cultural showcases, and more. Bingham will headline the evening’s main arena experience, joined by Shane Smith & The Saints, Tanya Tucker, Shaboozey, and Louie TheSinger. Athletes will compete in a showcase of rodeo skills, and the day will also include dances inspired by Native American traditions, entertainment and food on the outdoor plaza, interactive art and cultural exhibits, and more. The event takes place at - where else? - Dickies Arena.
Monte Montgomery in concert
Guitarist Monte Montgomery is a local legend in Austin, having won the award for "Best Acoustic Guitar Player" at the Austin Chronicle's Austin Music Awards seven years in a row. The blues/rock musician has released 11 albums in his career, most recently 2019's A Call to Arms. He'll play at McDavid Studio.
Casey Donahew in concert
Country singer (and Burleson native) Casey Donahew had a nice run of success on the national country music scene, charting four straight albums in the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts in the 2010s, including the No. 3 All Night Party. He's gone on to release 10 albums in his career, most recently Built Different in 2022. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Sunday, October 13
Fred Again in concert
The fourth different event in four days at Dickies Arena will stretch the venue's weekend to five days, as DJ/record producer Fred Again will perform on both Sunday and Monday. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards, he is actually on his fourth album, the recently-released Ten Days, which features appearances by everyone from fellow DJ Skrillex to rapper Anderson .Paak to country legend Emmylou Harris.