As if event organizers knew that the weather would be frightful, the slate of new events in and around Fort Worth is relatively sparse this weekend. If you're willing to venture out, you can enjoy screenings of a new film, a huge college football game, a cirque event, sci-fi music played by a symphony, two comedians, and two concerts.
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.
Friday, January 10
Magnolia at the Modern: Count of Monte Cristo
In Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantès becomes the target of a sinister plot and is arrested on his wedding day for a crime he did not commit. After 14 years in the island prison of Château d'If, he manages a daring escape. Now rich beyond his dreams, he assumes the identity of the Count of Monte-Cristo and exacts his revenge on the three men who betrayed him. The film, which is in French with English subtitles, will screen five times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
The 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic will serve as one of the semifinals in the first year of the expanded College Football Playoff. After winning their quarterfinal games, the Texas Longhorns - newly of the Southeastern Conference - will take on the Big 10's Ohio State Buckeyes, with the winner advancing to the national championship game on January 20 in Atlanta. The game is still on schedule, despite the looming winter storm. It takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Cirque Italia Water Circus
Cirque Italia will present their new production, a story about Rafael, a farm boy swept away by a tornado who lands in the heart of the city's chaos. On the comedic escapade, Rafael the Clown seamlessly transitions from farm life to the dazzling lights of the city, weaving humor into both worlds. As he navigates the city, he encounters many personalities, reflecting the diverse facets of urban life. Attractions include a trampoline wall, the Rolla Bolla, a rope act, juggling, and more. The production runs through Monday in a big tent outside of Grapevine Mills.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Sci-Fi Symphony"
Would Star Wars be Star Wars without John Williams’ mighty trumpet blasts? Would Ridley Scott’s Alien have been nearly as creepy without the magic of Jerry Goldsmith’s haunting score? The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Michelle Di Russo, will tour of some of the greatest scores in sci-fi movie history will including music from Star Trek, X-Files, Alien, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and more. There will be performances on Friday and Saturday at Bass Performance Hall.
Improv Arlington presents D.L. Hughley
One of the most popular and highly recognized stand-up comedians on the road today has also made quite an impression in the television and radio arena. D.L. Hughley is known for his sitcom, The Hughleys; as host of his own late night talk show on CNN, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News; and as one of the Original Kings of Comedy. Hughley will perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Hyena's presents Maddy Smith
Maddy Smith is steadily making her mark on the male-dominated NYC stand-up scene. Joking from the center, she roasts anything or anyone both from the stage and on her girls-only podcast, That Time of The WEEK. Smith gained national notoriety for skewering folks as a cast member of MTV’s Wild N Out. She'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub.
Aaron Watson in concert
Country singer Aaron Watson has been recording music for over 20 years, but it wasn't until 2012 that he hit it big with his 11th album, appropriately titled The Underdog, which went to No. 1 on the country charts. He's been near the top of the charts ever since. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2023 album, Cover Girl.
Saturday, January 11
Mike Ryan in concert
Singer Mike Ryan made his return to Billy Bob's Texas in 2023 after a seven-year absence, and now he's becoming a regular again, playing there for the fourth time in two years. The San Antonio native is a favorite all around Texas, playing at multiple festivals and concert venues. He'll play in support of his 2023 EP, All We Have is Now.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Watson
