There will be no escaping holiday events now through New Year's, as a new wave will hit every weekend. Among your choices this week are two theater productions, a sing-along, and three separate concerts. On the non-holiday side will be a visit from a famous comedian, screenings of an Oscar contender, a nature festival, a new art exhibit, and a crucial college football game.
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, November 29
Amphibian Stage Productions presents Sasheer Zamata
Sasheer Zamata is a comedian, actress, and writer who's best known as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. She has also appeared on This American Life, Transparent, People of Earth, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Inside Amy Schumer. She's in the midst of a weeklong residency at Amphibian Stage Productions, getting back to her roots as a stand-up comedian. She'll perform each night through Saturday.
Friday, November 30
Magnolia at the Modern presents Wildlife
In Wildlife, 14-year-old Joe is the only child of a housewife (Carey Mulligan) and a golf pro (Jake Gyllenhaal) in a small town in 1960s Montana. When the father loses his job, he joins the firefighters battling an uncontrolled forest fire raging close to the Canadian border. Suddenly forced into the role of an adult, Joe witnesses his mother's struggle as she tries to keep her head above water. The film will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Theatre Arlington presents Miracle on 34th Street
In this stage adaptation of the classic film, Kris Kringle gets a job working as Santa for Macy's. The waves of goodwill he earns with customers by referring parents to other stores ends up with him in a court competency hearing. Whether Santa Claus is real or not is at the heart of this heartwarming production, which will run through December 16 at Theatre Arlington.
Saturday, December 1
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Japanese Fall Festival
At the Japanese Fall Festival, guests can enjoy traditional Japanese dance, music, martial arts, sword demonstrations, raku, tea ceremonies, and more. The festival, located inside the historic Japanese Garden inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, will take place on both Saturday and Sunday.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Njideka Akunyili Crosby: "Counterparts"
In her art, Njideka Akunyili Crosby draws upon her experience of moving from Nigeria to the United States while maintaining ties to her family in Africa and building relationships in America. For her FOCUS exhibition, the artist has created a series of visually and conceptually mirrored pairs of paintings. The exhibit, which starts on Saturday, will remain on display through January 13, 2019.
Big XII Conference Championship Game: Texas vs. Oklahoma
The Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners usually happens only once a season, but the usual dominance of the Sooners and the resurgence of the Longhorns has them on a collision course in the Big XII Conference Championship Game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. At stake is a possible berth into the College Football Playoff for the Sooners, while the Longhorns are likely headed to the Sugar Bowl.
Fort Worth Opera presents Holiday Sing-Along
Fort Worth Opera will present a sing-a-long concert, celebrating the season with the FWOpera/TCU Lesley Apprentice Artists as they perform a festive blend of classic carols, holiday songs, and opera favorites. The free event will take place at the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center Auditorium at Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
You can take a break from watching A Charlie Brown Christmas on TV this year and catch it live on stage at Bass Performance Hall instead. This new touring production features everyone’s favorite Peanuts gang — Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, and more — as they discover the true meaning of Christmas. The production, playing twice on Saturday, showcases the music of Vince Guaraldi as well as a concert of holiday carols led by the Peanuts characters.
A Merry Little Christmas Show with Ricki Derek
One of Ricki Derek's most celebrated shows throughout the year is his A Merry Little Christmas Show, which has become a tradition for many. In its 10th year, this holiday musical experience includes affectionate nods to the past and its feel-good approach to the most wonderful time of the year. Derek recreates the feeling of the Christmas specials with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bing Crosby with his show, which will take place at Palace Arts Center in Grapevine.
Sunday, December 2
Kraig Parker: An Elvis Kind of Christmas
Kraig Parker returns with his new show, An Elvis Kind of Christmas. Backed by his 10-piece Royal Tribute Band, Parker's authentic tribute to Elvis Presley has the looks, moves, voice, and charisma that will take the audience back to the golden years of rock 'n' roll. This show, taking place at Palace Arts Center in Grapevine, brings to life many favorite songs of Christmas mixed with classic hits of the King.
A Clint Black Christmas with Lisa Hartman Black
Country music icon Clint Black will welcome his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, to the stage for a Christmas-inspired performance at Bass Performance Hall. The holiday-themed show will include a sampling of Clint Black fan favorites, as well as music from both of his Christmas albums: Christmas with You and Looking for Christmas.
Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black will perform at Bass Performance Hall on December 2.
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