It will be another artsy kind of weekend in Fort Worth, with the majority of events focused on the cultural arts. Among your choices will be free performances by a renowned classical pianist, opera both on and off stage, and two new local theater productions. You can also hob-knob with authors, see a new film from an Oscar-winning filmmaker, get up close to Beto, or revisit a classic movie.
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, May 2
Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. presents Sip & Skim
Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. has partnered with TCU Press for Sip & Skim, an event that will highlight a selection of distinguished Texas authors accompanied by craft cocktails from resident mixologist, Jason Shelly. Participating authors include Bobbie Wygant, Thomas Zigal, J.W. Wilson, and Rob Arnold and Eric Simanek. Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with each author throughout the event as well as purchase their books for signing.
Cliburn in the Community: Leonardo Pierdomenico
As part of its Cliburn in the Community initiative, the Cliburn welcomes back 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Jury Discretionary Award winner Leonardo Pierdomenico. The pianist will put on free public performances at Fort Worth Central Library on Thursday and in the Sundance Square Pavilion on Friday.
Mayfest
Mayfest is the biggest party in Fort Worth, featuring four days of live music, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts, pet adoptions, more than 60 art and gift Market vendors, free children's activities, special attractions, and more. Taking place through Sunday at Trinity Park, the festival donates its proceeds to three organizations — The Junior League of Fort Worth, Inc., Streams & Valleys, Inc., and The City of Fort Worth Park and Recreation Department.
Fort Worth Opera presents Karen Slack
Following her performances as Serena in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (which finished its run on April 30), soprano Karen Slack will give a concert of arias, art songs, and spirituals with Fort Worth Opera Artistic Director Joe Illick at Broadway Baptist Church. Known for her portrayal of Sister Rose in Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, Slack was prominently featured in Tyler Perry’s film and soundtrack For Colored Girls, as the Opera Diva.
Friday, May 3
Magnolia at the Modern: Sunset
A young girl grows up to become a strong and fearless woman in pre-World War II Budapest in this new film from László Nemes, the director of the Oscar-winning Son of Saul. The film, which is in German and Hungarian with English subtitles, will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Town Hall with Beto O'Rourke
During his run for Senate in 2018, it was simple to see Beto O'Rourke in person as it seemed like he was in the area every week. Now that he's running for president, his visits will be few and far between, so this visit to the Flying Saucer will be the rare opportunity to hear his vision for the country live and in person.
Fort Worth Opera presents Companionship
Fort Worth Opera will present the world premiere of composer-librettist Rachel J. Peters’s delightfully wicked opera, Companionship. Adapted from the short story by internationally bestselling author Arthur Phillips, the dark comedy about an obsession with dough mirrors our modern world, where what we consume becomes all-consuming. The first opera written by a woman to be produced by the company in its 73-year history will also have a unique venue, playing at Fort Worth Botanic Garden on Friday and Sunday.
Amphibian Stage Productions presents Babette's Feast
Babette's Feast by playwright Rose Courtney is a story about the power of art to open minds and shape ideas. Based on Isak Dinesen’s short story made famous by the 1987 Academy Award-winning film, this new stage adaptation tells the story of Babette, a French refugee, who finds asylum in a pious Norwegian village. With boundless generosity, she throws a lavish feast that becomes an agent of transformative grace, healing a fractured community. The play will run through May 26 at Amphibian Stage Productions.
Theatre Arlington presents They're Playing Our Song
They're Playing Our Song is a funny, romantic show about an established composer and his relationship with an aspiring young female lyricist, not unlike Carole Bayer Sager. Professionally, their relationship works beautifully — but ultimately leads to conflict on the home front. Appropriate for audiences ages 13 and up, the play will run at Theatre Arlington through May 26.
Sunday, May 5
Lone Star Film Festival presents Sunday Cinema Series
(UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, this screening has been postponed. The rescheduled date is TBD.)
The latest screening in the Lone Star Film Festival's Sunday Cinema Series will 1995's Seven, starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. The series, which features classic pictures, new projects, and favorite films, will have two screenings a month through October. All those who RSVP with their name and email will be entered in to win two All-Access Badges to the 2019 Lone Star Film Festival.
Mayfest takes place May 2-5 at Trinity Park.
Skate under the twinkling lights at Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas in Arlington.Photo courtesy of Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas
Skate under the lights at Peace Plaza Ice Rink in Grapevine.
Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
Galleria Dallas is famous for its ice rink Christmas tree.
Photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas