As we count down to the start of the State Fair of Texas, now just one week away, there are lots of fun things to do around the Fort Worth area this weekend. They include two big music festivals, an Oktoberfest celebration, an event highlighting Fort Worth's great museums, and a visit from one of the most famous rappers on the planet.
Due to the continuing Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra strike, two scheduled performances — The Music of David Bowie and Schubert and Dvorak — have been canceled.
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, September 22
2016 Oaktopia Fest
The 2016 Oaktopia Fest, taking place Thursday through Saturday in and around downtown Denton, features big-name acts and local favorites, including Norah Jones, Rae Sremmurd, Beirut, Dr. Dog, Wavves, Nikki Lane, DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown (aka, Erykah Badu), White Denim, Best Coast, Andrew WK, Mates of State, Grandpa vs Prowler (Danny Masterson and Michael Peña), and more. There are also going to be panels, street performers, live artists, activities, art installations, vendors, yoga, and a whole lot of surprises.
Panther Island Pavilion presents Oktoberfest 2016
Oktoberfest at Panther Island Pavilion is an authentic German celebration with just the right amount of Texas thrown in to make it unique. You’ll find authentic German food, music, dancing, games, biergartens, dachshund races, as well as Spaten and other fall and Oktoberfest craft beers from around the country. The festival takes place through Saturday.
Cliburn at the Kimbell: Virtuosos featuring Sean Chen
Sean Chen, the third-prize winner at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, puts on the first recital in the Cliburn’s new Virtuosos series. His performances worldwide have yielded a global fan base, and his talent has been recognized as “One to Watch” by International Piano magazine. The performance takes place at Kimbell Art Museum.
Kanye West in concert
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Kanye West has made plenty of waves in 2016, such as his video for "Famous," which included naked wax figures of West and multiple other celebrities. You never know what he's going to do next, which is why we can't wait for this concert at American Airlines Center in support of his album, The Life of Pablo.
Friday, September 23
Magnolia at the Modern presents The Hollars
In The Hollars, John Krasinki's second directorial effort, a struggling New York artist (played by Krasinski) is forced to navigate the small, middle-American town he left behind when news of his mother's illness brings him home again. Back in the house he grew up in, John is immediately forced to deal with his dysfunctional family, a high school rival, and an overeager ex-girlfriend, as he faces impending fatherhood with his girlfriend (Anna Kendrick) in New York. The film screens six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Saturday, September 24
Cavanaugh Flight Museum presents Wheels & Warbirds
The sights and sounds of history come to life with Wheels & Warbirds, a fall festival at Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison that features the opportunity for guests to ride in the museum’s famed collection of vintage aircraft and military vehicles. Families can enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere featuring games and activities for the kids, World War II tank demonstrations, concessions, aircraft tours, and great photo opportunities with aircraft that are not normally available for viewing. The festival goes through Sunday.
Fort Worth Cultural District Museums and Community Arts Center presents Day in the District
Fort Worth's Cultural District is home to many museums and community organizations. These institutions present the 11th Annual Day in the District, a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural offerings in Fort Worth, with a variety of programming and performances. The museums are offering free admission and performances are sprinkled around the district. Food trucks are going to be selling concessions and beverages in front of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center.
Texas Mutiny featuring Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, and others
Texas Mutiny is a daylong rock festival at Texas Motor Speedway featuring performances by Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Chevelle, Pierce The Veil, Hellyeah, Of Mice & Men. Ghost, Candlebox, Nothing More, Starset, the Amity Affliction, Skindred, KYNG, Neck Deep, Shaman's Harvest, Twelve Foot Ninja, Avatar, Smashing Satellites, Islander, Romero, Mothership, and September Mourning.
SHEL in concert
You may be unfamiliar with the indie folk group SHEL, but you should get up to speed soon. The music of the quartet, made up of the four Holbrook sisters — Sara, Hannah, Eva, and Liza, i.e. SHEL — has been featured in a number of TV shows and commercials, with more on the way. They are playing at Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Arlington in support of their latest album, Just Crazy Enough.
Norah Jones is one of the headliners at the 2016 Oaktopia Fest, taking place September 22-24 in Downtown Denton.
Sopes plate at El Garambullo.
El Garambullo