It's a big-name kind of weekend in Fort Worth, as every day will feature a different event with a well-known performer. Events include a pop-up concert with a huge country star, stand-up comedy from a TV and movie veteran, a '90s star making a highly anticipated return appearance, and a legendary group performing their signature style.
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, September 20
Blake Shelton in concert
In advance of the premiere of season 15 of The Voice on September 24, country superstar Blake Shelton will perform a special, free pop-up concert at Billy Bob's Texas. The one-night only event will be first come, first served for the first 5,000 fans, with wristbands given out starting at 10 am and doors opening at 4 pm. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older with a valid photo ID. Shelton released his latest album, Texoma Shore, in 2017.
The Cliburn presents Lawrence Brownlee and Eric Owens
Two of today’s most sought-after international opera stars — Lawrence Brownlee and Eric Owens — will join forces to deliver beloved opera and American music, from pop songs to spirituals. Separately they have appeared at nearly every major opera house and with the world’s leading orchestras. Together in recital, they promise to be be an unforgettable powerhouse. They will perform at Kimbell Art Museum on Thursday and Friday.
Friday, September 21
Magnolia at the Modern: Pick of the Litter
Meet Patriot, Potomac, Primrose, Poppet, and Phil — five spirited puppies who, from the moment they're born, begin an incredible journey to become guide dogs for the blind. It's a rigorous two-year process that will take the pups from the care of selfless foster volunteers to specialized trainers to, if they make the cut, a lifelong human companion. The documentary will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Frame4Frame Festival
The non-profit Frame4Frame Festival returns to Arlington, featuring art, music, and film events. The festival, now in its third year, attracts hundreds to celebrate local independent film, visual arts, and music in the Arlington community. Events will take place at J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill, the Arlington Museum of Art, and Studio Movie Grill — Lincoln Square. The festival will go on through Sunday.
Improv Arlington presents Shawn Wayans
You can't stop the Wayans brothers, you can only hope to contain them. Keenen, Damon, Marlon, and Shawn Wayans have been at the forefront of the comedy scene since the late 1980s, when they starred on In Living Color together. Shawn has gone on to star in The Wayans Bros. and many of the Wayans' spoof movies, but it'll be his stand-up comedy on display at Improv Arlington, with four performances through Saturday.
Saturday, September 22
Grapevine Parks & Recreation presents "Jurassic Gardens"
Travel to the prehistoric Woodbine Formation, found right here in North Texas, and come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs, such as the Utahraptor or Deltadromeus. Visitors will be enthralled throughout the interactive walk-through exhibit. The display, shown at Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park through October 7, includes museum-quality creatures, educational elements, hands-on activities, genuine fossils, and other surprises.
Texas Live presents Oktoberfest Live!
Texas Live in Arlington will present Oktoberfest Live!, a celebration featuring German-inspired beer and food plus live music from Grammy Award-winning polka band Brave Combo and Das Ist Lustig. Prizes will be given away for the Best Dressed Costume (Male & Female) plus the Leinenkugel's Beer Stein Challenge (Male & Female) and Neigleschlagen.
Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth presents "Welcome to My Music Room"
Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth will present pianist Gloria Chien with the Díaz Trio. The three artists who make up the Díaz Trio — Andrés Càrdenés, violin, Roberto Díaz, viola, and his brother Andrés Díaz, cello — have all appeared individually and as the Díaz Trio on CMSFW concerts in the past. Selections for the concert at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will include Schubert’s Trio in B Flat Major, Schnittke’s String Trio and Mendelssohn’s Piano Quartet No. 3 in B minor, Op. 3.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History presents REEL Adventures: Celebrating 20 Years of Harry Potter
Believe it or not, it's been 20 years since Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone, the first book in the blockbuster series, was published. To celebrate, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will present REEL Adventures, during which guests can dress in their favorite house robes, drop their name in the Goblet of Fire, and dabble in a few Harry Potter-themed activities before enjoying Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in the Omni Theater, an IMAX Dome. The event will repeat on September 28, September 29, and October 6.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Ben Folds
It's been just over 20 years since Ben Folds and his trio, the numbers-challenged Ben Folds Five, became one of the indie darlings of the '90s. Since then, Folds has established himself with that band, as a solo artist, and as a bridge between popular and classical music. He'll join the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Performance Hall for a one-night-only performance featuring fan favorites and more.
Sunday, September 23
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in concert
The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles like "Sherry," "Grease,” "Rag Doll," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," and more. He and the Four Seasons will will perform a collection of songs from throughout their career, including Valli’s most recent album, Romancing the ‘60s, at Bass Performance Hall.
Blake Shelton will put on a free pop-up concert at Billy Bob's Texas on September 20.
Sopes plate at El Garambullo.
El Garambullo
