While many events in and around Fort Worth have either been postponed or canceled during the coronavirus pandemic, organizations have pivoted to virtual or socially-distanced events to continue offering the masses some entertainment while we need it the most.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. While not every event is out of the house, they all promise to provide a nice distraction from the everyday life. And for great things to do during spring break week, check out this story.
Thursday, March 11
American Athletic Conference Basketball Championships
The American Athletic Conference, which includes the SMU Mustangs and Houston Cougars, will bring both their Men's and Women's Basketball Championships to Dickies Arena. The Women's tournament will take place March 8-11, while the Men's tournament takes place March 11-14. All Session passes grant ticketholders access to all of both the Men's and Women's games. The Women's games will be general admission seating, while the Men's games will be assigned seating.
Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Dixie's Happy Hour
Performing Arts Fort Worth will present Dixie's Happy Hour, a brand-new digital streaming show from the creators of Dixie's Tupperware Party. Almost everybody loves a cocktail, and who better to share one with than America’s favorite bar hopper. She’ll be mixing drinks with the four basic food groups — rum, gin, vodka, and tequila — while sharing new stories that prove happiness is not only found at the bottom of a margarita glass. There will be virtual performances on various dates through March 28.
Friday, March 12
Sundance Head in concert
Country singer Sundance Head, who hails from the small town of Porter, Texas, is a veteran of not one but two singing competitions. He made it to the semifinals of season 6 of American Idol in 2007, but bowed out before the live shows. He went on to release two albums before competing on NBC's The Voice in 2016, where he won the whole thing. He'll play at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis in support of his 2019 album, Stained Glass and Neon.
Theatre Wesleyan presents Bibliophilia, or The Orature Festival
In Bibliophilia, a book club comes together for their annual Orature Festival where they perform stories for each other. The production is a Senior BFA Project production for Lauren Garza (stage manager), Darin Martin (director), and Ryan Simón (composter/lyricist/writer). The production, which is 90 minutes without an intermission, will have three performances through Sunday at Thad Smotherman Theatre on the Texas Wesleyan campus. The actors will wear masks during the performance.
Amphibian Stage Productions presents Packrat
Set deep in the Sagebrush Desert, Packrat is a visually stunning puppet-forward play that contemplates humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Puppetry, projections, and an original score elegantly come together to create many layers of meaning and emotions. The production from Concrete Temple Theatre is a poignant account of Bud’s journey to find his place in the world, and his ultimate realization that the interconnectedness of life rules the day. This is a screening of a previously recorded live production; it is not a live event. There will be showings on both Friday and Saturday.
Aaron Lewis in concert
It's been quite the career transition for Aaron Lewis. Formerly the lead singer of the rock band Staind, Lewis moved into country music in 2012 and has stayed there throughout the band's extended hiatus. Country fans have welcomed him with open arms, as all three of his albums hit the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, including the No. 1 Sinner. Lewis will come to Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2019 album, The State I'm In.
Saturday, March 13
St. Paddy's Day Dash
Normally held in Dallas, the St. Paddy’s Day Dash 5K Run tradition continues in Fort Worth with runners in kilts and tutus, leprechauns, DJ Dame, music on the course, a run down Forest Park Boulevard and Trinity Trails, a doughnut eating contest, tutu contest, Sam Adams beer, plenty of space to spread out, and safety measures to keep it safe and fun. The event starts and ends at Panther Island Pavilion.
Fort Worth Stockyards presents Cowtown Goes Green
Fort Worth's largest and most family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. This annual event serves as a community-wide celebration of Irish culture with a western twist. At the conclusion of the program will be an authentic western parade along the historic Exchange Avenue, serving as the Grand Finale. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed up in green.
TRWD Flyfest
Tarrant Regional Water District’s trout stocking season culminates with TRWD Flyfest, a celebration of urban fishing in and 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 13th Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling is a family and pet-friendly market featuring the funkiest area makers and pickers selling the best in handmade, repurposed, upcycled, and vintage finds. The event, taking place at Will Rogers Memorial Center on Saturday and Sunday, also features swag bags, charitable raffle, pet adoptions, fundraising benefiting the Humane Society of North Texas and CASA of Tarrant County, and more.
Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival
The Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival was created to deepen the history and broaden the local arts scene by sowing the seeds of a new music community, bringing awareness to an often forgotten piece of America's musical history. The virtual festival will include performances by Phil Wiggins, Benjamin Hunter, Jake Blount, Briar feat. Joe Seamons, Brandi Waller-Pace, Justin Golden, Seemore Love, Junious Brickhouse, Demeanor, Brian Farrow, and Piedmont Bluz.
Sunday, March 14
Kimbell Art Museum presents "Queen Nefertari's Egypt"
After three months, Kimbell Art Museum will close up shop on the special exhibition "Queen Nefertari's Egypt." The exhibition celebrates the wives of pharaohs of the New Kingdom Period (1550-1070 BC), when Egyptian civilization was at its height. Nefertari, whose name means "the most beautiful of them all," was the beloved royal wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Nefertari and other women are brought to life through approximately 230 exceptional objects, including statues, jewelry, vases, papyrus, steles, mummies, wooden coffins, and stone sarcophagi, as well as various items of daily life.
Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Dixie's Happy Hour, a virtual production streaming on various dates through March 28.
