This weekend in and around Fort Worth brings a fun assortment of events, some with unusual twists. Choices include performing cats, a concert featuring a pianist duo, screenings of an acclaimed new film, theater from local, national, and international origins, country music concerts big and small, a unique symphony concert, and moving day at an art museum.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events. Still need Mother's Day ideas? Here's a long list of restaurants ready to spoil Mom on Sunday.
Thursday, May 9
The Amazing Acro-cats The Amazing Acro-Cats, featured in the Netflix series Cat People, is a troupe of trained domestic house cats - all former orphans, rescues, and strays - that ride skateboards, jump through hoops, ring bells, balance on balls, and perform other feats of agility and entertainment. The show finale is the only all-cat band in the world: Tuna and the Rock Cats, playing guitar, drums, and piano. The cats will perform at Stage West Theatre through Sunday.
The Cliburn presents Anderson & Roe Piano Duo Known for their adrenalized performances, original compositions, and vibrant music videos, Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe are revolutionizing the piano duo experience. The on-air webcast hosts for three Cliburn competitions have spent dozens of weeks at the top of the Billboard Classical Charts, and been viewed by millions on YouTube and at international film festivals. They'll perform at Kimbell Art Museum.
Friday, May 10
Magnolia at the Modern: Nowhere Special John (James Norton), a 35-year-old window cleaner, has dedicated his life to bringing up his four-year-old son, Michael, after the child's mother left them soon after giving birth. When John is given only a few months left to live, he attempts to find a new, perfect family for Michael, determined to shield him from the terrible reality of the situation. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Broadway at the Bass: Chicago Chicago, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash, is the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and the distinction of being the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. It's a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and astonishing dancing. There will be five performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Auriga Productions presents Hamlet One of Shakespeare's most revered tragedies, Hamlet unfolds against the backdrop of royal intrigue, familial betrayal, and existential introspection. Prince Hamlet, grappling with the sudden death of his father and the hasty remarriage of his mother, begins a journey of retribution that plunges the Danish court into chaos. Auriga Productions will present the play through May 19 at Arts Fort Worth.
Warren Zeiders in concert If you're looking for something new in country music, look no further than Warren Zeiders. The singer gained a following on TikTok with his original songs, with "Ride the Lightning" making it to No. 30 on the Country charts despite him not having put out an album. His debut album, Pretty Little Poison, came out in 2023 and has already yielded a bonafide hit with the title song. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, May 11
National Theatre Live: 42nd Street One of Broadway’s most classic and beloved tales, 42nd Street, tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway. After getting a spot in the chorus of the musical-within-the-musical, Pretty Lady, Peggy soon gets her shot when leading lady Dorothy Brock is injured. The production, which was filmed in 2018 at London’s Theatre Royal, will screen at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Kenny Chesney in concert Country superstar Kenny Chesney has a habit of making a stop in Dallas-Fort Worth in late spring, returning to AT&T Stadium in Arlington after playing the venue multiple times in the past decade. Chesney, who comes to town as part of his Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour in support of his new album, Born, will be joined by Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney, and Uncle Kracker.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Lasting Impressions" "Lasting Impressions" invites the audience to rediscover the emotional power of art through a new immersive orchestral experience. Impressionist masterworks will be brought to moving life by a team of artists using cutting-edge 3D Motion Sculpting technology. It features 14 artists, including Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir, with the art choreographed to renowned composers such as Debussy & Ravel, as well as popular music including French and global songs. The one-night-only concert takes place at Will Rogers Auditorium.
Brantley Gilbert in concert Brantley Gilbert has been one of the biggest country stars of the past 15 years. Following his 2009 debut album, he released four albums in the 2010s, with three of them reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts. His best known song is 2013's "Bottoms Up," but he's a reliable hit maker who shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Sunday, May 12
Amon Carter Museum of American Art openings and closings Sunday will be moving day at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, with two exhibitions coming to a close and one opening up. Making their debut will be "Moving Pictures: Karl Struss and the Rise of Hollywood," a multimedia examination of photographer and cinematographer Struss’ storied career, focusing on his transition from fine art photography to the world of moving pictures; and Dario Robleto: "The Signal," which spans film, sculpture, and works on paper to represent the culmination of Robleto’s multiyear exploration of the Golden Record, the gold-plated phonograph disk containing sounds and images selected by a team at NASA to portray life on Earth to extraterrestrials. Finishing its run will be "Trespassers: James Prosek and the Texas Prairie," which features a new large-scale silhouette painting, one of Prosek’s signature working styles; watercolor portraits of plants collected during his travels; and trompe l’oeil clay and bronze sculptures of wildflowers.
Courtesy photo
The Amazing Acro-cats will perform at Stage West Theatre through May 12.
The Bedford YMCA's Outdoor Water Park is open to members and non-members alike.
Summer camp's over, the family vacation budget's spent, and it's not quite time to go school-supply shopping. There are a few weeks left before the new school year starts in Fort Worth on August 13 - plenty of time to fit in some end-of-summer fun. This epic list has 25 new and under-the-radar amusements, special events, concerts, theater shows, and more for kids of all ages. Buckle in and race go-karts, make a splash at a new waterpark, or step right up to the Greatest Show on Earth. Kids will have plenty of fodder for their "what I did on summer break" essays.
Amusements, parks & playful events
XP League Arlington The largest youth esports league in North America has come to Arlington. XP League offers a pro-level experience for gamers ages 8-17, with professional coaching, tournaments, and more. They'll celebrate the grand opening of their new gaming center at 3 pm July 20. Families can drop in to learn what XP League and esports is all about, try out the games offered (including Apex Legends, Fortnite, Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch and Minecraft), and take advantage of special promotions; they're offering a lifetime founding family discount for the first 60 sign ups. Regular hours of operation will be 6-10 pm Monday -Friday, 11 am-8 pm Saturday, closed Sundays Saturday. Find XP League at 3610 West Pioneer Parkway, unit 201, Pantego.
Rogue Brick Builders' Lounge, Fort Worth Not entirely new, but still off-the-radar for many families with LEGO-loving kids, this venue calls itself "One part specialty retail, one part all-ages buildspace." Think: Half Price Books for LEGO, where kids can buy/sell/trade, and play. They maintain a well-edited inventory of LEGO products, ranging from minifigs to bricks in bulk to limited edition sets, they say. There are also several day camps and special events happening until school starts. Hours are 11 am-7 pm Wednesday-Friday, 10 am-7 pm Saturday, and 1-5 pm Sunday; closed Monday-Tuesday. Find it at 5509 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth.
Benbrook Par 3 Golf Course This beloved local golf course is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, but it's a new discovery for the many new families who've moved to the Fort Worth area in recent years. It gives kids a chance to explore the game of golf (beyond putt-putt) since it's a short nine-hole par 3 course; distances range from 62-177 yards. There's also a driving range, 18-hole mini golf course, and batting cages. Every area is well-lit and open until 10 pm nightly. Prices vary depending on day and time. It's at 1801 Winscott Rd., Benbrook.
Bedford Center YMCA Outdoor Water Park In lieu of a big, expensive waterpark, families can look to this mid-cities YMCA attraction, which made a splash when it opened late last summer. It has two fun slides, a lazy river, multiple pools and splash area with buckets and cannons, plus a lap pool and volleyball net. They also sell concessions such as hot dogs, pizza, and snow cones, but allow small coolers to be brought in for water bottles. Members of the Bedford YMCA have free access to the waterpark. Non-members (over the age of 3) can purchase a daypass for $12 and Bedford residents pay $8. It's open daily, 12-8 pm, at The Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games The new entertainment venue with a famous name has opened in Grand Prairie, at 3750 SH-161, just east of the DFW Airport near Belt Line Road. (There's also a location in The Colony, and one on the way in Fort Worth.) It features high-speed electric Superkarts on a multi-level track, plus state-of-the-art arcade games, Hologate and Hyperdeck virtual reality experiences, a two-story laser tag arena, interactive bowling, and a 7D Xperience motion theater. Hours of operation vary by day, and there are various ticket packages available (starting at $12.95); they offer memberships, too.
Six Flags Over Texas' new rides There are two new family-friendly rides at Six Flags Over Texas, the perennial summer destination theme park in Arlington, both with a cartoon theme: Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters and Sylvester and Tweety Pounce and Bounce. Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters is a wet one. It's family water ride featuring teacup-style circular buckets, which spin around in both directions. Sylvester and Tweety Pounce and Bounce is a drop tower that features a sequence of drops and rises from 41-foot tower. The rides are located within the Bugs Bunny Boomtown section of the theme park, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment-themed offerings, and join recent additions to Six Flags Over Texas like the new-and-improved El Rio Leno log flume ride and Aquaman Power Wave. Check the website for daily hours and pricing.
Down to Play indoor playground A new locally-owned playground in Dallas' Medallion Center (6464 E Northwest Hwy. #138) has a special focus on being a safe place for special needs kids. The 5,200-square-foot indoor playground is the first of its kind in the area with a focus on cleanliness, friendliness, and being a fun place for every kid. It includes dedicated toddler and baby areas ensuring safe and appropriate play for younger children. A main playground offers climbing, sliding, and zip-lining. The toddler area features climbing and sliding elements, a ball pit, and a ball maze, while the baby area includes toys that encourage rocking, spinning, and exploration. Open play is available daily from 9 am-7 pm at $20 per child. The indoor playground features a snack bar with light snacks and coffee; there's also high-speed Wi-Fi, a private party room, and a special Sensory Room for kids who need to take a break.
WorldSprings, The Colony The newest attraction at Grandscape in The Colony is WorldSprings, a nine-acre outdoor mineral springs experience for the whole family. Among the 45 outdoor soaking pools are The Family Pool, the Dead Sea Float Pool, and South Pacific Region mineral pools for all ages. Parents and teens might want to visit the saunas or enjoy a treatment at the spa. Guests can also order food and drinks, poolside, from the WorldSprings Cafe. Reservations are for three-hour soaks; children ages 3-17 are $45; adults are $55, but be sure to read the FAQ about which areas of the park little ones can access.
Globe Life Field presents Family Field Day, July 29 The annual Family Field Day at Globe Life Field includes activities for children and adults of all ages. Guests are invited directly on the field to experience a wide array of events, including photo opportunities with Commissioner’s Trophy, a wiffle ball home run derby, a chance to play catch on the field and run the bases, and dozens of yard games and inflatables. Attendees will also be able to explore the ballpark with self-guided tours, participate in a pitching challenge in bullpen with radar gun, and photo-ops at Rangers dugout. Ballpark concessions will also be available. $15-$30.
Jared's Epic Blaster Battle 9, August 3 AT&T Stadium Jared's Epic Blaster Battle returns to Dallas for the 9th year. The event is the current Guinness World Record Holder for "Largest Toy Pistol Fight" since 2016. The event will feature dozens of inflatable bunkers, live DJ, special guests, and special battles. Admission includes an entry to participate in a four-hour series of more than 15 themed foam-flinging battles. It also includes free access to AT&T Stadium Self-Guided Tour, a photo op with the Guinness World Record, access to more than 50,000 free foam darts to take home, a chance to meet some Toy Blaster YouTube Celebrities, and more. $28-$125.
Circuses & cowboys
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth July 26-28at American Airlines Center in Dallas&August 2-4 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth is an immersive, live, family entertainment 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, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts from a globally diverse cast. It'll also feature a local-boy-made-good: Alex "Stix" Stickels from Arlington is leading the way as Show Guide (they no longer call them ring masters). Stickels attended Lamar High School in Arlington and Texas Christian University. $31 and up.
National Day of the American Cowboy, July 27 Fort Worth Stockyards Station The National Day of the American Cowboy celebrates the history and heritage of the American cowboy. Activities include a Cowboy Celebration parade, matinee rodeo, Old West comedy gunfight shows, a chance to see the expansion of John Wayne: An American Experience museum, a fiddlers showcase, cow milking, live music, cowboy poetry, armadillo races, and more. Admission is free.
35th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo, July 27 Fair Park Coliseum The annual Texas Black Invitational Rodeo features Black cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes. It also includes on-field kids activities, trick lasso performances, concessions, music and more. New this year is an intermission performance featuring Southern soul singer and TikTok sensation Chocolit Tye, a Dallas resident who recently released the hit, “Haters.” The rodeo also provides guests with a glimpse of the historical contributions that African Americans made in settling the Western United States. $19 and up.
UniverSoul Circus, daily through August 11 The Shops At RedBird, Dallas The show-stopping cultural extravaganza 30 years strong brings together big names from five continents all backed by the infectious beat of world music, including sounds and dance styles spanning the African diaspora. The circus features combination of circus arts, theater, and music that spans genres, including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel. The audience is part of the show, whether it's playing “Simon Says,” showing off their Swag Surf dance moves, or singing in the “Soul Karaoke” spotlight. $25 and up.
Concerts & special shows
Danny Go! is coming to town.Photo courtesy of Danny Go!
Texas Trust CU Theatre presents Danny Go!, July 24 Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie Danny Go!, a live-action educational children’s show filled with music, movement and silliness, comes to Grand Prairie to put on a live performance. Created in 2019 by three childhood friends in Charlotte, the show inspires learning and off-the-couch exercise for kids ages 3 to 7. The trio is producing some of the most engaging and educational children’s content on the internet today, all from their humble production studio in North Carolina. $34 and up.
Vienna Light Orchestra presents “The Greatest Showman Tribute," July 27 Ridglea Theater, Fort Worth Vienna Light Orchestra presents a tribute to the 2017 film musical, The Greatest Showman, which was based upon the story and life of P.T. Barnum, who was a famous showman and entertainer. The music centers around his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its star attractions. The audience is encouraged to sing along. Recommended for kids ages 5 and up. $35-$125.
Ateez in concert, July 28 Globe Life Field, Arlington K-Pop group Ateez comes to Arlington in support of their 2023 album, The World EP.Fin: Will. $45 and up.
Garland Public Library Presents A Taylor Swift Tribute, August 2 Downtown Garland Square The ultimate summer "End Game" is happening in Garland, featuring RED, a Taylor Swift Tribute artist. In addition to singing along and dancing to favorite Taylor tunes, Swifties can enjoy themed photo ops, swap friendship bracelets at special swap stations, and take part in other fun activities around the Square. Attendees should bring your blankets, lawn chairs, water, and snacks; food will also be available for purchase from local eateries. The event is free for all ages.
Theater
Dallas Theater Center presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, July 12-August 4 at Wyly Theatre.
Photo courtesy of Dallas Theater Center
Disney's The Little Mermaid Dallas Theater Center, July 12-August 4 This large-scale Public Works version of Disney's classic musical is a production uniquely created for the people of Dallas, with the people of Dallas, and by the people of Dallas. 200 community members of all ages, many appearing onstage for the first time, will come together with DTC’s professional artists to retell the beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.
Mary Poppins WaterTower Theatre, July 17-28 Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins is a delight for both grown-ups and children — everyone can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it." Mary Poppins is a mixture of an irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft with flying effects by ZFX.
Shrek the Musical Broadway at the Center, July 18-20 “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. McKinney native Casey Lamont, who had a memorable turn in the short-lived musical His Story, is part of the cast.
Junior Players presents Much Ado About Nothing Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, July 30-August 4 In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, power defies legacy. Throughout the show, audiences will see greed, jealousy, and deception make a valiant effort to foil the love of young courtship. The comedic play unfolds as Leonato, leader of Spain, awaits the arrival of Don Pedro of Aragon and his victorious army of Portuguese soldados (soldiers). The cast is made up of talented young actors, presented outdoors, and admission is free/donation only.
Art & museums
Art Quest participants will have the chance to win a sculpture created by Jessica Bell from her series “Family.”
Jessica Bell
Art Quest July 20 at Jubilee Park & Community Center & July 31 at Bachman Lake Together Family Center Art Quest is an annual community program in Dallas of scavenger hunt-style events that uses the mobility of technology to create accessible cultural experiences and connect diverse communities with regional artists. Before the quest begins in South Dallas, there will be a community celebration event with opportunities to network with cultural organizations, learn more about community resources, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Participation is free.
Frontiers of Flight Museum presents Moon Day, July 20 In celebration of the 55th Anniversary of National Moon Day, the Frontiers of Flight Museum will host its 16th Annual Moon Day event. It will be a day of space exploration featuring interactive activities, one-of-a-kind exhibits, and space-themed presentations. Attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to view "Legends of Space Innovation: David Clark Company,” which will feature two rare prototype space suits and headsets. The event is included with museum admission.