Weekend Event Planner
These are the 10 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend
This weekend around Fort Worth includes a couple of firsts featuring a local theater group and a new-ish music venue. Also on deck for entertainment will be a classical pianist, a summer concert series, two country concerts, a tribute to a legendary Texas writer, and more.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend.
Thursday, July 29
Jubilee Theatre presents Southern Boys: Sons of Sharecroppers
Jubilee Theatre will make its debut at Bass Performance Hall with Southern Boys: Sons of Sharecroppers, which brings to life the beginning of America's historic post-slavery era through the eyes of emancipated slaves and their free children. The performance also marks the long-awaited reopening of Bass Hall after its pandemic shutdown. Following the live production, which runs through August 15, Jubilee will offer a streaming version on its website, August 16-29.
The Cliburn presents Joyce Yang
Joyce Yang first came to international attention in 2005 when, at 19, she took home the Cliburn silver medal, along with special prizes for best chamber music and new work. The Seoul-born pianist has since made over 1,000 concert appearances in the world’s prestigious venues and with orchestras around the world. She'll perform at Whiskey Ranch.
Friday, July 30
Rahr & Sons Brewing presents Rhythm & Roots Summer Concert Series
The Rhythm & Roots Summer Concert Series at Rahr & Sons Brewing, featuring the pure sounds of country and Americana, will come to a close after four weeks with a performance by Kree Harrison and Sun Valley Station. Each ticket for those 21 and over includes three Rahr beers. Food trucks will offer a variety of items for purchase.
The Band of Heathens at Tulips FTW grand opening
In May 2020, Tulips FTW optimistically set their opening date for August 21 of that year with a concert from The Band of Heathens. COVID-19 had other ideas, and so even though the mid-sized venue officially opened in November 2020, they never celebrated their grand opening the way they wanted. That will change with this concert, complete with supporting bands 40 Acre Mule, Ottoman Turks, and Dustin Massey, a Justin Boots cowboy hat giveaway, chain stitching by Hide TX, the Salsa Limon food truck, and Yellow Rose BBQ.
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, July 31
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents A Tribute to Larry McMurtry
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will pay tribute to the acclaimed novelist and screenwriter, Larry McMurtry, Texas’s most famous literary and cinematic son, who passed away in March 2021. Guest host and McMurtry devotee Bud Kennedy, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, will kick off the three-weekend exploration of McMurtry’s cinematic works, starting with Lonesome Dove on Saturday and Sunday.
Panther Island Pavilion presents Rockin’ the River
Each week, Rockin' the River at Panther Island Pavilion 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 Cody Canada & The Departed with Austin Meade, Waves, and Travis Roberts.
Fortress presents Centro Popular
The last Fortress Festival was in 2019 and the next one won't be until 2022 at the earliest, but the organizers will tide music fans over with Centro Popular, a one-day event at Wild Acre Brewing Company. The festival-style concert will feature hip hop and R&B talent like King Lil G, Baby Bash, Frankie J, Twista, Krystall Poppin, Emilio Rojas, Renizance, and more.
Neal McCoy in concert
Country singer Neal McCoy was part of the country boom in early-to-mid 1990s, scoring with hits like "No Doubt About It" and "Wink." McCoy has tried to reinvent himself in a couple of ways in recent years, including with his 2017 anti-protest song, "Take a Knee ... My Ass!!" and his American standards album, You Don't Know Me. He'll play at at Billy Bob's Texas.
Sunday, August 1
Tarrant Regional Water District presents Sunday Funday
The laidback family-friendly series Sunday Funday has returned to Panther Island Pavilion, featuring tubes and pedal boats available for rent along with kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes from Backwoods Paddlesports. Cold beer and loaner ice chests are also available. There will also be a morning yoga class, food trucks, and fun in and along the Trinity River.