This weekend in Fort Worth will be defined by two separate big events: the return of the PGA tour to Fort Worth and a quadrennial piano competition. Other choices include a new local theater production, two well-known comedians, a lantern exhibition featuring characters from DC Comics, screenings of a new film, two country concerts, a screening of an international theater production, and a special music showcase.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, May 22
Charles Schwab Challenge
The PGA Tour will make its annual stop in Fort Worth with the Charles Schwab Challenge. The tournament will feature some of the best pro golfers in the world, including world No. 1 player - and freshly-minted major winner - Scottie Scheffler, No. 7 Hideki Matsuyama, defending champion Davis Riley, Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth, and more. The event takes place through Sunday at Colonial Country Club.
The Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Twenty-eight of the best pianists from around the world will perform during The Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, with hopes of launching an international career. Preliminary and quarterfinal rounds, taking place through Sunday, will be at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU. The semifinal and final rounds, taking place May 28-June 7, will be at Bass Performance Hall.
Mid Cities Arts Collective presents Two by Two
It seems that the building of the ark was only the first of Noah's many daunting challenges in a journey that wasn't always smooth sailing. By turns inspirational and hilarious, Two by Two demonstrates that being chosen by God for great things does not necessarily simplify the daily demands on a father and husband. The production runs through May 31 at Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst.
Amphibian Stage presents Aparna Nancherla
Aparna Nancherla is an acclaimed comedian, writer, and actor known for her distinctive dry, existential, and whimsical sense of humor. Her work spans film, TV, podcasts, and books, including her debut book, Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Imposter Syndrome, and the self-help interview podcast, The Introvert’s Survival Guide. She'll perform on Thursday and Friday at Amphibian Stage.
Friday, May 23
Gaylord Texan Hotel presents Universe of Light featuring DC
Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences will present Universe of Light, an all-new, walkthrough attraction featuring multiple worlds and 40 iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains in more than 1,000 glowing lanterns constructed by master artisans from Zigong, China. From Batman’s Gotham City and Wonder Woman’s home of Themyscira to Superman’s Metropolis, each display captures the action and artistry of DC’s storytelling. The exhibition will remain on display through September 1.
Magnolia at the Modern: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life
Agathe, who works in the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookshop in Paris, dreams of being a successful writer, and of experiencing love as described in Jane Austen novels. But she finds herself desperately single and plagued by writer’s block. When her best friend gets her invited to the Jane Austen Writers' Residency in England, she finally has her Austen moment ... and gets caught in a very unexpected romantic triangle. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Creed Fisher in concert
Country singer Creed Fisher fancies himself a bit of an antihero, poking at the hornet’s nest that he calls "the mainstream country music hypocrisy." The titles of his albums bear that idea out, including Life of a Workin' Man, Rebel in the South, and This Ain't the Hamptons. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, May 24
National Theatre Live presents Dr. Strangelove
Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove. The satire is about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack. This screening of a previously-recorded performance, filmed live at the National Theatre in London, will be at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Hyena's presents Bobcat Goldthwait
Bobcat Goldthwait's career dates back to the 1980s, when he had one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. He's ditched that unusual way of speaking, but his stand-up still features hilarious riffs on politics, divorce, going broke, and his career as a writer and director of film. He'll perform twice on Saturday at Hyena's Fort Worth.
Reckless Kelly in concert
Country rock band Reckless Kelly got their start in Idaho, but have called Austin home for almost 30 years. It wasn't until their fourth album, 2008's Bulletproof, that they made significant inroads on the country charts, a popularity they've maintained through their most recent release, the 2020 double album, American Jackpot / American Girls. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Sunday, May 25
Omni Fort Worth Hotel presents Cowtown Unplugged: A Songwriter's Showcase
Cowtown Unplugged: A Songwriter's Showcase is an evening filled with live music and talented songwriters. The show will feature Grammy-nominated artist ERNEST as the headliner, in addition to performances by Jenny Paulette and Season 22 winner of The Voice,Bryce Leatherwood. The event takes place at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
Photo courtesy of The Cliburn