This weekend in and around Fort Worth will be headlined by the return of an iconic circus, but there's still plenty else to do. Other choices include two local theater productions, a couple of comedians, a trio of concerts, and screenings of an acclaimed film.
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, August 1
Circle Theatre presents Imposter! Hypocrite! TARTUFFE!
Wit, cunning, and hypocrisy are on full display in Imposter! Hypocrite! TARTUFFE!, a punk-rock remake of Moliere’s classic farce. The world premiere play is a swift, unapologetic whirlwind that reintroduces the timeless tale of a man who deploys his charm and feigned piety in an attempt to disrupt a household. The production, which delves deep into the realms of human desires and power dynamics, runs through August 24 at Circle Theatre.
Improv Arlington presents Lavell Crawford
Comedian Lavell Crawford's giant-sized talent has gotten showcased in his numerous television appearances. He gained national exposure on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, leading to his own half-hour standup special on Comedy Central. But Crawford is perhaps best known for his recurring role on AMC’s Emmy Award-winning Breaking Bad, which he reprised on several occasions in the prequel series, Better Call Saul. He'll perform five times through Saturday at Improv Arlington.
Frankie J in concert
Mexican-American singer Frankie J got his start as a member of the group Kumbia Kings, but left after four years to pursue a solo career. After a couple of slightly successful albums, he broke through in a big way with 2005's The One, which went to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. He hasn't hit those highs since, but he's still had a nice career, releasing 10 albums, most recently Back2us in 2022. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Friday, August 2
Magnolia at the Modern: Green Border
In the treacherous and swampy forests that make up the so-called "green border" between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa trying to reach the European Union are caught in a geopolitical crisis triggered by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. In an attempt to provoke Europe, refugees are lured to the border by propaganda promising easy passage to the EU. The film, which is in Polish and Arabic with English subtitles, will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Ally Venable Band in concert
Blues rock guitarist/singer Ally Venable is only 25 years old, but she already has a lifetime of experience in the music business. She put out her first EP when she was 14, started winning awards in East Texas at age 15, and released her first album when she was 16. Now five albums into her career, most recently 2023's Real Gone, Venable looks to be a blues mainstay for years to come. She'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth
The long-awaited return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth is an immersive experience filled with acts that push the limits of human potential. The reimagined circus, which no longer features animals, is an action-packed production with modernized acts. Audiences will see never-before-seen stunts, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts from a globally diverse cast that includes 75 performers hailing from 18 countries. There will be six performances through Sunday at Dickies Arena.
Casa Mañana presents Pippin
Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day. The production, presented by Casa Mañana Apprentice Program, will have four performances through Sunday at Casa Mañana.
Hyena's presents James Johann
Comedian James Johann was born in the Midwest during the '70s era of bell-bottom jeans, wood-paneled station wagons and disco music. His self-deprecating sense of humor and high energy style come together to create a unique onstage persona. He relies more on his brain than the profane and his comedy is a truthful and hilarious reflection of life as he sees it. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's.
Saturday, August 3
A Thousand Horses in concert
Country group A Thousand Horses came out of the gates at full gallop in 2015, going to No. 3 on the Billboard Country chart with their debut album, Southernality, on the strength of their top 5 hit, "Smoke." As can happen sometimes, though, their next two albums - most recently Broken Heartland in 2022 - failed to chart and they haven't had another hit yet. They're still out there grinding, though, and hope springs eternal they'll make it back on the national radar. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth will be at Dickies Arena, August 2-4.
Leave the car at home and ride the TEXRail.
Courtesy photo