December is when you'd typically expect the slate of events to be dominated by ones focused on the holidays. And yet only four of the 14 on this list are specifically holiday-related, including three concerts and everyone's favorite ballet. Other choices include four "regular" concerts, a dinosaur exhibition, screenings of a new film, three comedians, and a Disney film in concert.
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, December 12
Billy Strings in concert
Bluegrass singer/guitarist Billy Strings (and no, that's not his real name) has been at the top of his chosen genre since his debut in 2017. His first album "only" went to No. 3 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart, but each of his subsequent three albums went all the way to No. 1. That includes the new Highway Prayers, which also marked his highest showing yet on the overall Billboard 200. He'll play at Dickies Arena.
Turnpike Troubadours in concert
For the second year in a row, Oklahoma country band Turnpike Troubadours will play multiple nights in a row in December at Billy Bob's Texas. The band has been recording music since 2007, but they've hit their stride with their last three albums, each of which made the top 10 on the Billboard Country chart and ranked high on the overall Billboard 200 as well. They'll play on both Thursday and Friday in support of their 2023 album, A Cat in the Rain.
Friday, December 13
Jurassic Quest
An adventure through 165 million years of dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest is an event where visitors can roam among a true-to-life dino herd, take a video tour, and enjoy plenty hands-on activities like a giant fossil dig, inflatables, ridable dinosaurs, a live Raptor training show, real fossils, photo opps, and more. The event takes place in the Simmons Bank Pavilion at Dickies Arena through Sunday.
Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait
Starring Sally Olson as Karen Carpenter and Ned Mills as Richard Carpenter, Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait takes the audience back in time to an old-fashioned Christmas. The show recreates the nostalgia of the Carpenters' Christmas television specials and features the holiday classics "Merry Christmas, Darling," "Sleigh Ride," "The Christmas Song,” and more, as well as many of the Carpenters’ greatest hits. The performance takes place at Palace Arts Center in Grapevine.
Magnolia at the Modern: The Return
After 20 years away, Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The King has returned from the Trojan War, but much has changed in his kingdom. His beloved wife, Penelope (Juliette Binoche), is a prisoner in her own home. Their son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), faces death at the hands of suitors vying to be king. Odysseus has also changed, but he must rediscover his strength in order to win back all that he has lost. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Big Laugh Comedy Club presents Hari Kondabolu
Hari Kondabolu is a Brooklyn-based comedian and writer who has appeared on multiple late night TV shows and his own half-hour Comedy Central Presents special. He also directed the documentary, The Problem with Apu, and hosted the podcast, Politically Reactive with W. Kamau Bell. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Big Laugh Comedy Club.
Turtle Creek Chorale presents Wonder Holiday Tour
Wonder, Turtle Creek Chorale's annual Holiday Tour, takes audiences into the magic of waking up to a blanket of snow and the excitement of a day off school, or curling up by the fire to watch the Peanuts gang and their little tree. The concert is more than just music; it is a celebration of those cherished childhood memories and the joy of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of children. The performance takes place at Broadway Baptist Church.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Frozen in Concert
A fearless optimist, Princess Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man, Kristoff, and his loyal reindeer Sven to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will play the score live while the film plays on a big screen. There will be performances on Friday and Saturday at Will Rogers Auditorium.
Improv Arlington presents Tommy Davidson
Tommy Davidson’s range, from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments, have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show, In Living Color, his visibility has allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker
The holiday season will sparkle with the joy and wonder of Ben Stevenson's annual production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, this perennial favorite invites audiences into an enchanting vision of merriment and delight, making it an essential part of any holiday tradition. The production will run through December 29 at Bass Performance Hall.
Hyena's presents Harland Williams
Comedian and actor Harland Williams is known for his hilarious movie roles and outlandish stand-up and sketch comedy routines. He's had roles in films such as Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary, Half Baked, Rocketman, Sorority Boys, Down Periscope, and more. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub.
Saturday, December 14
Pecos & the Rooftops in concert
Named in part for the rooftop they often hung out on, Pecos & the Rooftops got its start in 2019, when the four original members met attending college in Lubbock. The area has long been known for its alt-country scene, but Pecos & the Rooftops are at the forefront of a new country rock scene. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of their 2023 self-titled album.
Sunday, December 15
Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert
The Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Holiday Concert brings the magic of the holidays to life, performing alongside local choirs and a dance group from the Colombian Cultural Association of North Texas. Together, they will present a festive program that celebrates the season. The concert, which will have three parts, takes place at I.M. Terrell Academy.
Richard Marx in concert
Over a three-year period in the late 1980s, there were few bigger music stars than Richard Marx. His first two albums in 1987 and 1989 yielded seven top 10 hits, including No. 1 songs like "Hold On to the Nights," "Satisfied," and "Right Here Waiting." Although the rest of his career has not seen those highs, he's kept at it, releasing a new album as recently as 2022. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker at Bass Performance Hall, December 13-29.
