The Fourth of July will kick off the fun for the first weekend in July, and it will be followed by movies both inside and outside, a classical music festival, some local thought-provoking theater, two chances to enjoy the Trinity River, a Texas favorite musician, shopping to support the arts, and one final Concert in the Garden.
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, July 4
There are plenty of Fourth of July celebrations taking place all over Dallas-Fort Worth. Click here for a roundup of the biggest and best ones.
Friday, July 5
Magnolia at the Modern: The Tomorrow Man
In The Tomorrow Man, Ed Hemsler (John Lithgow) spends his life preparing for a disaster that may never come, and Ronnie Meisner (Blythe Danner) spends her life shopping for things she may never use. They try to find love while trying not to get lost in each other's stuff. The film will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Outdoor Film at the Modern: Little Shop of Horrors
The Modern will join the outdoor screening train with a show of 1986's Little Shop of Horrors, an American rock musical comedy horror film directed by Frank Oz with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The Modern will be screening the director's cut version with the original ending. Visitors can channel their inner nerd and dress as a dastardly dentist or other favorite '80s outfit.
Mimir Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating its 22nd season, Mimir Chamber Music Festival features five Mimir artists' concerts and two emerging artists' concerts. This year's Mimir artists include Grammy-nominated artists and members of symphonies from across the United States. All concerts, taking place through July 12, will be at the PepsiCo Recital Hall on the TCU campus except for the July 7 concert, which will take place in the Renzo Piano Pavilion at Kimbell Art Museum.
Arts Fifth Avenue presents Drag Strip Courage: The God of Hell
The God of Hell was written in part as a response to the events of September 11, 2001, and has been described by playwright Sam Shepard as a "take-off on Republican fascism." Frank and Emma, a quiet, respectable couple, agree to put up Frank’s old friend Haynes, who is on the lam from a secret government project involving plutonium. They’re soon visited by Welch, a government bureaucrat from hell, and his aggressive patriotism transforms their quietude into a scene of torture. The play will run four times through July 13 at Arts Fifth Avenue.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Concerts in the Garden: Star Wars & Beyond: A Sci-Fi Laser Light Spectacular
The 2019 Concerts in the Garden series at Fort Worth Botanic Garden will close with three performances of Star Wars & Beyond: A Sci-Fi Laser Light Spectacular. In the first half, there will be favorite melodies from the realm of sci-fi films and television. Then after the sun sets, guests can fire up their light sabers and enjoy some out-of-this-world music from the Star Wars franchise, enhanced by a stunning laser light show.
Saturday, July 6
Panther Island Pavilion presents Rockin’ the River
Rockin’ the River is back for a ninth year of music and tubing at Panther Island Pavilion. Every Saturday through August 10, there will be five different bands playing back-to-back sets throughout the day on the Coors Light Waterfront Stage, finishing with a final band on the after party stage before a fireworks display. There will also be food and beverage available for purchase, as well as tube and watersport rentals. Kody West will headline the band lineup this week.
Robert Earl Keen in concert
Robert Earl Keen has recorded 19 full-length albums, including his latest, the No. 1 album, Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions. In 2012, Keen was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame and has written songs for music superstars including George Strait, The Dixie Chicks, The Highwaymen, and Nanci Griffith. He'll play a late night show at Billy Bob's Texas.
Sunday, July 7
Stage West Theatre presents M.A.D.E.
Stage West will host its sixth annual M.A.D.E., a community indoor festival event featuring music, arts & crafts, drinks, and eats with local origins. A fundraiser for the theater company, it will feature at least 30 artists, three musical performers, and some of the best food and drink in Fort Worth, such as Martin House, Locust Ciders, Alchemy Pops, Panther City BBQ, and more.
Panther Island Pavilion presents Sunday Funday
Sunday Funday at Panther Island Pavilion is a day of relaxation and fun in the sun. Tubes and pedal boats are available to rent along with kayaks, stand up paddle boards and canoes from Backwoods Paddlesports. Visitors can enjoy cold beer, music, friends, food trucks, and floating on the Trinity River every Sunday.
Panther Island Pavilion hosts Rockin' the River every Saturday through August 10.
Hoisting of a nearly century-old tree in Sundance Square.
Sundance Square
