It makes sense for the Fourth of July to dominate the landscape on Fourth of July weekend, but there will still be plenty of other things to do. Among the choices around Fort Worth will be a visit from a well-known comedian, concerts aplenty both indoors and out, an intriguing new documentary, and a chance to play on the Rangers' field while they're away.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend.
Thursday, July 1
Improv Arlington presents Marc Curry
Marc Curry is an American actor, comedian, and host who is best known as the star of the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper and as one of the various hosts of the syndicated series It's Showtime at the Apollo. Although he's maintained a presence on the small screen in recent years, he also continues to tour with his stand-up act, which he'll bring to Improv Arlington through July 3.
Friday, July 2
Magnolia at the Modern: Truman and Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation
The work, lives, and personal journeys of the iconic American artists Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams coalesce with creative combustion in this innovative dual-portrait documentary. Filmmaker Lisa Immordino Vreeland distills the loves, fears, and artistic achievements of these masters via an array of archival materials, film clips, and vibrant voiceover work from Jim Parsons and Zachary Quinto as Capote and Williams, respectively. Packed with pearls of wisdoms and eloquent observations, the film celebrates the sometimes tumultuous friendship of the titular writers through the years. The film will screen five times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Rahr & Sons Brewing presents Rhythm & Roots Summer Concert Series
Rhythm & Roots is a concert series at Rahr & Sons Brewing featuring the pure sounds of country and Americana over the course of four Fridays in July. Kicking off the series will be a performance by Texas originals Asleep at the Wheel. Each ticket for those 21 and over includes three Rahr beers. There will also be food trucks with a variety of items for purchase.
Texas Hill in concert
Texas Hill is a band born out of the fires of reality music competitions. The group features Craig Wayne Boyd and Adam Wakefield, both former contestants on The Voice, and Casey James, a former finalist on American Idol. The three take turns singing lead, a style that proves they're as good together as they are individually. They'll play at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis in support of their debut self-titled EP.
Steve Earle & The Dukes in concert
For 35 years, Steve Earle has been at or near the top of the Billboard Country album charts on the strength of his bluegrass and rock-infused style. Backed by his band The Dukes, Earle has been a firebrand for much of his career, unafraid to speak his mind when he felt it was warranted. He and The Dukes will play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of their new album, J.T.
Saturday, July 3
Fourth of July events
Most people's focus on the Fourth of July weekend will naturally be on holiday events and fireworks. There are a multitude happening around Dallas-Fort Worth; check out this link for a full rundown of the best events taking place on both July 3 and 4, including Fort Worth's Fourth and the America Strong concert by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
Panther Island Pavilion presents Rockin’ the River
With the temperatures continuing to head northward, there's no better time for Rockin' the River to kick off its six-week run. Each week, the event features five different bands playing back-to-back sets. After the headlining band finishes, the water party moves to the shore with the fifth and final band playing on the after-party stage before a weekly fireworks display. Performers this week will include Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, Carson Jeffrey, Dylan Wheeler, Kenny Feidler, and Corina Grove.
Texas Rangers present Family Field Day
While the team is on the road in Seattle, the Texas Rangers will host a Family Field Day to celebrate Independence Day weekend. Guests can participate in the Wiffle Ball Homerun Derby, run the bases, play catch on the field, and enjoy tons of yard games and inflatables. Attendees will also be able to explore the new Rangers ballpark with self-guided tours.
Wild Acre Brewing Co. presents 4 + 5 Anniversary Palooza
Wild Acre Brewing Co. had to skip their 4th anniversary party due to the pandemic, so they're making up for lost time by combining their 4th and 5th anniversary parties into one. The event will feature performances by Quaker City Night Hawks and Thomas Csorba. Tickets include vouchers for beer or non-alcoholic beverages; kids 10 and under are free.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd in concert
Most concerts at Billy Bob's Texas come from the country side of things, but the blues will be front and center when Kenny Wayne Shepherd takes the stage on Saturday night. Shepherd is pretty much the preeminent blues guitarist/singer working today, with all nine of his albums, including 2019's The Traveler, going to No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart.
The weekly Rockin' the River series returns to Panther Island Pavilion on July 3.
