Spring is in the air in Fort Worth this weekend, with a couple of outdoor events, a seasonal shopping event, and a big college basketball tournament. Other choices include two new local theater productions, a concert featuring classical jazz music, a great country singer, 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, March 10
American Athletic Conference Basketball Championships
March Madness comes to Fort Worth as the American Athletic Conference holds both its women's and men's championships at Dickies Arena. The women's tournament, which has been taking place since Monday, will culminate with the championship game on Thursday. The men start on Thursday, and with Houston holding the No. 1 seed and SMU the No. 2 seed, it's possible fans will see an all-Texas matchup for the championship on Sunday.
Upright Theatre Co. presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast
The classic story of Beauty and the Beast tells 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. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Upright Theatre Co. will present the production at Palace Arts Center in Grapevine through Sunday.
Circle Theatre presents An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf
No menu is necessary at the world’s greatest restaurant, the Café du Grand Boeuf in Paris. On a hot July night in 1961, we await the imminent arrival of Victor, the Café’s owner and sole patron. But when “Monsieur” returns from the bullfights in Madrid, disheveled and morose, his wish is simple: to die of starvation at his own table. In an effort to thwart his attempt, his loyal staff prepares a sumptuous seven-course meal served on empty plates. Will they succeed in ultimately feeding his soul? The play will run at Circle Theatre through April 2.
Friday, March 11
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents David Rogers: "Big Bugs"
For the first time, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas will present David Rogers’ "Big Bugs," an exhibit of insect sculptures on a gigantic scale. The sculptures are created using various combinations of whole trees, cut green saplings, dry branches, and other forest materials. Audiences will marvel or stand bug-eyed before the larger-than-life insect sculptures and gain an appreciation for these invaluable members of the animal kingdom. The exhibition will run through June 12.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Spirituals and Jazz: Dawson and Gershwin"
This concert by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will include George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris. The all-American program will also include Dawson's Folk Symphony, a fusion of classical styles and African-American spirituals. The concert, featuring conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya and pianist Orion Weiss, will have three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Jon Wolfe in concert
There are a lot of big-time stars who grace the stage at Billy Bob's Texas, but just as often they showcase talented and hard-working musicians with smaller but loyal fanbases. Jon Wolfe has six albums to his credit, most recently 2021's Dos Corazones, and only one of them — 2015's Natural Man — made any kind of impact on the Billboard Country charts. But you can expect the venue to be packed once again for him, as he's a regular in Fort Worth.
Saturday, March 12
Tarrant Regional Water District presents Flyfest
Flyfest is a celebration of urban fishing set along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River in Fort Worth. The festival will be a family-friendly day of fishing, expert presentations, contests, casting classes, food trucks, wine & craft beer, live music, kids activities, and more. The event takes place at the River Park Trailhead.
Funky Finds Spring Fling
The 14th annual Funky Finds Spring Fling will feature spring decor, gifts, and handmade or vintage treasures. The event, taking place on Saturday and Sunday at Will Rogers Memorial Center, highlights more than 200 vendors selling their own unique funky creations and finds. There will be a charitable raffle and other fundraising efforts during the event, with proceeds benefiting Saving Hope and CASA of Tarrant County.
Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth presents "Journeys through Deep Water"
The latest concert by the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth, "Journeys through Deep Water," includes Johannes Brahms' Piano Trio No. 2 in C Major, Louise Farrenc's Piano Quintet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 30, and Johannes Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 26. The concert at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will feature the CMSFW Ensemble — Dénes Várjon, piano; Gary Levinson, violin; Felix Olshofka, violin; Iakov Zats,viola; Bion Tsang, cello; and Brian Perry, bass.
Circle Theatre presents An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf through April 2.
