Even though it's all the way over in Dallas, there's no doubt that the State Fair of Texas is the thing to do this weekend — and for the foreseeable future. But there are still plenty of other events worthy of your time, including a car showcase, two new theater productions, and two beer-themed activities.
Due to the continuing strike of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, their scheduled concert, Hough Plays Rachmaninoff, has been canceled, as have all concerts through November 6.
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.
Friday, September 30
Texas Motor Speedway presents Goodguys 24th Lone Star Nationals
The Goodguys 24th Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway is heaven for gearheads, as it features more than 2,500 hot rods, as well as as custom, classic, and muscle cars and trucks; the opportunity to cruise the track in your own vehicle; a dragster competition; motocross show; kids activities; and much more. The event takes place through Sunday.
2016 State Fair of Texas
The day has finally arrived — the State Fair of Texas is back in town. It's time once again to check out kitschy exhibits, see free concerts, play midway games, jump on a bunch of fun rides, and, of course, gorge yourself with food you'll only find at the fair. Among the new options this year are fried Jell-O, Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Pecan Pie Poppers, and more. The State Fair is at Fair Park through October 23.
State Fair of Texas presents "Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - The Exhibition"
This unique exhibition re-creates one of the world’s greatest artistic achievements, Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, reproduced photographically and artfully displayed in their original size. The exhibition is open every day during the State Fair of Texas in the Women’s Museum building.
Magnolia at the Modern presents Little Men
The latest in the Magnolia at the Modern series is Little Men, the story of two teens who develop a growing friendship in Brooklyn, New York, while the feud between their respective parents (Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Ehle) continues to escalate. The film screens six times at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth through Sunday.
Artisan Center Theater presents State Fair
Piggybacking on the start of the State Fair of Texas is Artisan Center Theater in Hurst, which begins its production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's State Fair on the same day. Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, State Fair travels with the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. The musical runs through November 5.
Jubilee Theatre presents Working: A Musical
The characters of Working are everybody you know. The situations are everyday situations. But this musical is anything but ordinary. It's a different look at the seemingly humdrum lives of working people that reveals a variety of hopes, aspirations, and dreams. The musical, with songs by Stephen Schwartz and James Taylor, among others, runs at Jubilee Theatre through October 30.
Saturday, October 1
2016 Rahr & Sons' Oktoberfest 5K
Lace up your running shoes and lederhosen for Rahr & Sons’ 7th annual Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk. Costumes are highly encouraged for this festive race, which benefits the Fort Worth Police Officers’ Award Foundation. All participating runners receive a commemorative pint glass and dry-fit T-shirt. Afterward, you can enjoy live German polka music, craft beer samples, and Bavarian treats in a festive beer garden at Rahr & Sons Brewery.
Fort Worth Zombie Crawl
2016 marks Fort Worth Zombie Crawl's 10th anniversary. Tickets for the event, which starts at Landmark Bar and Kitchen, include the zombie mixer and launch party. All guests receive a souvenir bag with a 10th anniversary commemorative pint glass, as well as promotional savings at local bars, restaurants, and other popular nearby spots to use that same night.
Sunday, October 2
Kimbell Art Museum presents Fiesta de la Familia
At this special event at the Kimbell Art Museum, families can enjoy creative art projects inspired by the museum's permanent collection as well as the release of Nuestro Kimbell, which includes Spanish translations of family gallery guides and permanent collection audio tours. Highlights include hands-on studio-art activities, tours, children's films, gallery storytimes, face painting, and a live performance by Grupo Pakal.
The State Fair of Texas is at Fair Park September 30-October 23.
