Although Fourth of July fireworks and events naturally take centerstage this weekend (and in one of the events on this list), there are plenty of other things to do in and around Fort Worth. The lineup includes movies new and old, a theatrical interpretation of an acting legend, a classical music festival, a music legend finally coming to town, three more outdoor symphony concerts, 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.
Friday, July 1
Magnolia at the Modern: Benediction
Written and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Terence Davies, Benediction explores the turbulent life of the WWI poet Siegfried Sassoon (Jack Lowden). The writer and soldier was a complex man who survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War and was decorated for his bravery but who became a vocal critic of the government's continuation of the war in his powerfully beautiful poetry. The film will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies
Not to be confused with All About Bette: An Interlude with Bette Davis, which is playing intermittently at Four Day Weekend, Bette Davis Ain't for Sissies finds actress and playwright Jessica Sherr channeling the famous actress on the night of the 1939 Oscars, taking the audience on the bumpy ride of her tumultuous rise, as the tenacious actress fights her way through the studio system to the top. There will be two performances — one Friday and one Saturday — at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis.
Mimir Chamber Music Festival
Mimir Chamber Music Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary season, offering concertgoers six musical performances by professional musicians, and two concerts presented by the 2022 Mimir Emerging Artists. The first weekend will feature a concert on Friday headlined by the Pacifica Quartet, followed by an Emerging Artists concert on Saturday and another featuring the Pacifica Quartet and pianist Alessio Bax on Sunday. The Friday and Sunday concerts will be at the Kimbell Art Museum, while the Saturday concert will be at TCU's PepsiCo Recital Hall. The festival continues through July 8.
Hyena's presents J.R. Brow
Comedian/musician J.R. Brow has opened for performers like Dana Carvey, Ray Romano, Bill Hicks, and Steven Wright. He electrifies audiences with his high-energy storytelling and spot-on mimicry. When his guitar comes into the act, the originality peaks with his unique musical prowess. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Club in downtown Fort Worth.
Rod Stewart in concert with Cheap Trick
Legendary singer/songwriter Rod Stewart is a man of his word. After having the 2020 and 2021 dates for this concert at Dickies Arena postponed, he's finally coming to Fort Worth as part of his 2022 North American tour. Stewart released his 32nd studio album, The Tears of Hercules, in 2021, making him the rare performer to release new music in seven different decades. He'll be joined by special guests Cheap Trick.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Concerts in the Garden
The final weekend of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's Concerts in the Garden series is arguably the best one yet. Friday will feature The Music of the Rolling Stones, and Saturday will feature The Music of Queen. The grand finale takes place on both Sunday and Monday with the July 4th Celebration, featuring patriotic songs and marches, vocalist Angela Turner Wilson, and one of the best fireworks displays in the area. All concerts take place at Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Mike and The Moonpies in concert
Austin country band Mike and the Moonpies has been standing up for traditional country music since their 2010 debut album, appropriately titled The Real Country. They've gone on to release six more studio albums and one live album, most recently 2021's One to Grow On. The band has played at Billy Bob's Texas multiple times over the past decade, and they'll be back again on Friday night.
Saturday, July 2
Chuck E. Cheese Summer of Fun Tour
Chuck E. Cheese comes to Fort Worth as part of their second annual national live tour with Mr. Munch’s Make Believe Band. The outdoor concert at Trinity Park will feature fan favorites, including top tracks from the hit Chuck E. Cheese album, Summer of Fun. Those celebrating a birthday will also be treated to a special birthday sing-along during the show, and all fans can stick around for an exclusive meet & greet with Chuck E. Cheese. There will be two performances at 11 am and 1 pm.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Women Directing Women
In conjunction with the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s exhibition "Women Painting Women," this series presents landmark films from acclaimed women directors, all featuring a unique creative vision and tour de force performances from actresses in the leading roles. The series will kick off on Saturday with a screening of Frida starring Salma Hayek and directed by Julie Taymor.
Micky & The Motorcars in concert
Red dirt band Micky & The Motorcars got their start in Idaho, of all places, but they've made their name while making music in Austin. They've had a bit of success crossing over to the mainstream, getting as high as No. 17 on the Billboard Country charts with their 2014 album, Hearts from Above. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Sunday, July 3
Giovannie and the Hired Guns in concert
Billy Bob's Texas is ground zero for "And the" bands this weekend, with Giovannie and the Hired Guns rounding out the slate. The rock band out of Stephenville, led by frontman Giovannie Yanez, has been impressing fans and critics since 2017 with their hard-hitting sound and emotionally raw storytelling. They have a third album scheduled for release later this year, and fans at this concert will surely get a preview of that new music.
Rod Stewart will play at Dickies Arena on July 1 with special guests Cheap Trick.
Leave the car at home and ride the TEXRail.
Courtesy photo