UPDATE: The original version of this story included Natalie Cole's appearance at Bass Performance Hall, but that event has been canceled. We have removed it from the list.
---
If it seems like we've jumped directly from Halloween to Christmas, there's good reason for that. Holiday events are already cropping up, including two in Fort Worth this weekend. Other happenings include a discussion about civil rights, a concert from one expected source, and another concert from a more, shall we say ... unexpected source.
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, November 19
Fort Worth Opera presents JFK: Five Decades of Progress - Civil Rights in Modern America
Just a few days before the 52nd anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and in advance of the world premiere JFK opera in 2016, the Fort Worth Opera will present this special forum exploring JFK’s civil rights initiatives. The free event, which will also explore the progression of the civil rights movement and race relations in modern America since JFK's presidency, takes place at I.M. Terrell Elementary School.
Avant Chamber Ballet presents Nutcracker: Short and Suite
Over the next month, there will be multiple different versions of The Nutcracker available for your viewing pleasure. Avant Chamber Ballet will present a condensed version with Nutcracker: Short and Suite, featuring all your favorite sections of the classic holiday ballet. The performance will take place at White's Chapel United Methodist Church.
Saturday, November 21
Road Show Company presents Peter Max: A Retrospective 1960-2015
The unique artistic style of German pop artist Peter Max has been fascinating people for decades, and a special collaborative event in Dallas and Fort Worth will pay tribute to that history. The now 78-year-old Max will be on hand at Milan Gallery for an artist reception, at which guests can speak with him and even pick up a Max original.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Jason Alexander
Most people know Jason Alexander from his long run as George Costanza on Seinfeld, but Alexander also has a long history of appearing in Broadway musicals, which is the tie-in for this appearance. Backed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Performance Hall, Alexander will sing songs and tell stories from his onstage career.
Sunday, November 22
33rd Annual XTO Energy Parade Of Lights
Believe it or not, the annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights is already here. Fort Worth's official kick-off of the holiday season — in fact, the theme this year is "Let the Season Begin" — will feature antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and more than 100 floats festooned with thousands of lights on the 1.58-mile parade route throughout downtown Fort Worth.
Jason Alexander will perform with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Performance Hall on November 21.
