There will be a wide variety of events to attend around Fort Worth this weekend, spread across a spectrum of subjects. Choices include a big basketball tournament, a local theater production, a comedian, an Oscar-nominated film, a new music series, a symphony concert, two country concerts, two new art exhibitions, a music festival, and a dance performance.
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. For St. Patrick's Day celebrations and other foodie events, check out this list.
Thursday, March 13
American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship
March Madness hits Fort Worth as the American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Championship will once again be contested at Dickies Arena. Local fans will have something to root for, as the North Texas Mean Green come into the tournament at the No. 2 seed, behind only No. 1 Memphis. The tournament will feature multiple games every day through Saturday, with the final taking place on Sunday.
Stage West Theatre presents Penelope
Done being a footnote in her husband Odysseus’ epic, Penelope is now sharing her side of the story. With genre-bending songs, mythic storytelling, and backed by a band doubling as her Greek chorus, Penelope transforms the classic tale into a solo cabaret act like no other. The production runs through March 30 at Stage West Theatre.
Hyena's presents Josh Wolf
Comedian, actor, and writer Josh Wolf is known for his quick-witted commentary. He was a regular round table guest and writer on the E! series Chelsea Lately. He wrote the 2013 book It Takes Balls: Dating Single Moms and Other Confessions from an Unprepared Single Dad, in which he details his adventures as a struggling stand-up comedian while juggling being a single parent in Los Angeles. He'll perform five times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub.
Friday, March 14
Magnolia at the Modern: I'm Still Here
It is 1971, and Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres), mother to five children, is forced to reinvent herself after her husband, a member of the underground opposition, is abducted by the government. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's autobiographical book, the Oscar winner for Best International Film tells a true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s history. It will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Blooms & Beats
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden will introduce a new monthly series, Blooms & Beats, a family-friendly event that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of music and local flavors. Guests will enjoy spring in the Garden while listening to live music performances by local artists. There will also be offerings from Fort Worth food trucks, yard games, and a selection of adult beverages. Performing on Friday will be The Seven6 Band.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Spano Conducts Mahler’s Ninth"
Mahler's Ninth Symphony is a work of epic melodies and proportions, his final symphonic offering that features a four-movement work that many hear as Mahler’s farewell to life. Music Director Robert Spano and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra explore this tour-de-force, the only composition on the program. There will be three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Josh Weathers in concert
Josh Weathers is a Fort Worth-based soulful singer-songwriter. He has spent close to 20 years honing his craft of combining songs of hope with a high energy rock n’ soul live show. He's no stranger to the various stages around Fort Worth, and he released a live album in November 2020. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, March 15
Amon Carter Museum of American Art presents "Classically Trained: The Gentlings and Music"
"Classically Trained: The Gentlings and Music" explores the fascination of Fort Worth artists Scott and Stuart Gentling with the Age of Enlightenment (ca. 1685-1815). Organized by the Carter, "Classically Trained" features over 20 artworks by the Gentlings, including paintings, drawings, and music inspired by the Enlightenment world. The artworks will be accompanied by Enlightenment-era music as well as musical compositions by Scott Gentling. The exhibit will be on display through July 13.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Aubrey Williams and Frank Bowling: "Feeling Color"
The exhibit "Feeling Color" highlights the works of artists Aubrey Williams and Frank Bowling. Organized by the Modern and Curator María Elena Ortiz, it celebrates the work of these two artists and their contributions to the story of abstract painting in the late 20th century. The exhibition puts both artists in conversation, illustrating Williams’ powerful commitment to investigating abstract forms and Bowling’s painterly and experimental approach. It will be on display through July 27 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth African American Roots Music Fest
The Fort Worth African American Roots Music Fest will feature acclaimed artists from across the country, including headliners include Dom Flemons, Kyshona, and Yasmin Williams. The event is the only major city festival in the nation focused on blackness in old-time, early blues, bluegrass, and folk across North American, Black-led and showcasing Black performers and scholars. It will take place at Southside Preservation Hall and Rose Chapel.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Dancing Beyond Borders
DBDT: Encore!, the professional training company for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, transcends borders and boundaries in their 25th anniversary season with a display of contemporary works. The program for this event includes Prototype by Tyrone C. Walker, High Society by Floyd McLean, Jr., and more. They'll perform at I.M. Terrell Performing Arts Center.
Mark Chesnutt in concert
Mark Chesnutt was among the wave of male country vocalists who rose to fame in the early 1990s, scoring eight No. 1 hits in as many years, including "Brother Jukebox," "I'll Think of Something," and "It's a Little Too Late." He's no longer at the top of the charts, but he's still prolific, releasing four albums since 2016, most recently 2018's Gone But Not Forgotten... A Tribute Album by Mark Chesnutt. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
