With the weather (finally!) turning cooler, it should be a great weekend to be outside, and luckily Fort Worth will host a trio of outdoor festivals to take advantage of it. Other choices include a local theater production, screenings of a new film, two comedians, two symphony concerts, two country concerts, a family-friendly opera, and a visit from a bunch of Olympic gymnasts.
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, October 17
Stage West Theatre presents What the Constitution Means to Me
Earnest and polite high schooler Heidi put herself through college by winning debates about the Constitution. Now an adult, she revisits her teenage self to trace the generational impact America’s founding document has had on her life. Civic duty is on full display as this witty and interactive play that builds to a live debate between Heidi and an actual teen, allowing “we the people” to decide how to move forward. The production runs through November 3 at Stage West Theatre.
Friday, October 18
Magnolia at the Modern: Daaaaaalí!
For journalist Judith Rochant (Anaïs Demoustier), the assignment to interview renowned artist Salvador Dalí is a great career opportunity - if only he would agree to sit still and answer a single question. This comedy casts no fewer than five actors in the prismatic portrait of Dalí, an exercise in dream logic and Surrealist homage. The film, in French and Spanish with English subtitles, will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Big Laugh Comedy Club presents Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams is a stand-up comedian from Long Island who performs all over New York City at clubs like NY Comedy Club, Brooklyn Comedy Club, Sesh Comedy Club, Stand Up NY, and more. She’s been heard on SiriusXM, seen on LMAOF network, and has featured for Michael Rapaport, Jared Fried, and Jon Rudnitsky. She was selected to be a part of the 2022 NY Comedy Festival and 2023 Rouge Island Comedy Festival. She'll perform four times through Saturday at Big Laugh Comedy Club.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Kings of Soul"
"Kings of Soul" features the music of legendary artists Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, and others in an evening of soulful rhythms. Songs, performed by a trio of vocalists and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, will include “Just My Imagination,” “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Dance to the Music,” “Get Ready,” and more. There will be performances on Friday and Saturday at Bass Performance Hall.
Hyena's presents Kevin Farley
Comedian Kevin Farley lives in the shadow of his late brother, Chris, but he's forged his own career over the past 20-30 years. A regular at numerous comedy clubs across the country, he's also scored parts in a variety of films and TV shows. He'll perform at Hyena's Comedy Club four times over two days on Friday and Saturday.
The Steel Woods in concert
The last time country rock band The Steel Woods came to town in 2022 was a bittersweet occasion. They were touring in support of their third album, but they were still grieving the then-recent untimely death of co-founder/guitarist Jason "Rowdy" Cope. Now with new guitarist Tyler Powers, the band has released a fourth album, On Your Time, in 2023. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, October 19
Simone Biles and other top gymnasts will take part in the Gold Over America Tour at Dickies Arena on October 20.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents FLY Dance Company: Breakin’ Classical
Perfect for ages 3-10, FLY Dance Company’s talented hip-hop dancers will keep youngsters on the edge of their seats with jaw-dropping breakdance moves set to a mix of classical favorites. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will turn classical music on its side with this hip-hop meets classical live experience. The daytime performance takes place at Bass Performance Hall.
Fort Worth Opera presents ¡Bienvenidos! de Frida Kahlo
¡Bienvenidos! de Frida Kahlo is a family favorite in which Fort Worth Opera collaborates with local arts organizations Mariachi Espuelas de Plata from North Side High School and the Ballet Folklorica. For these performances at Rose Marine Theatre, they have expanded the story to include a more interactive and immersive experience utilizing visually stunning staging and arts disciplines. There will be four performances through Sunday.
Near Southside presents ArtsGoggle and Lost 'N Sound
ArtsGoggle, taking place on West Magnolia Avenue from 8th Avenue to St. Louis Avenue, is an arts and music festival that occupies 19 city blocks. The day-long event, taking place from 12-10 pm, hosts more than 900 visual artists, multiple stages of music performances, three giant 10-foot+ puppets roaming the streets, five food courts, and more. It takes place a short walk away from the last Lost 'N Sound of the year at South Main Village, which will feature more than 50 free music performances at 20 alternative venues.
William Beckmann in concert
Born and raised in the small border town of Del Rio, Texas, William Beckmann plays classic country and American roots music that was influenced by his early immersion in Mariachi and Norteño music. He delivers evocative, literate tunes, kind of like fellow Del Rio native Radney Foster, who’s helped mentor him since high school. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2023 album, Here's to You, Here's to Me.
Sunday, October 20
3rd Annual Sundance Square Catrina Fest
The 3rd Annual Sundance Square Catrina Fest will feature live music and entertainment, including a special performance by Selena tribute band, Selena Forever, mariachi music, folklorico dancers, a local market, and food trucks. It will also include 10-foot giant Catrina statues made by artisans from the Feria del Alfenique in Toluca, Mexico. There will be $5,000 in prizes given out for the best Catrina costume.
Athleta presents Gold Over America Tour
The U.S. women's and men's gymnastics teams won a trove of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now they're taking a victory lap with the Gold Over America Tour, a pop concert-style spectacle that will showcase top gymnasts like Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, Hezly Rivera, Frederick Richard, and more. The event at Dickies Arena will feature tumbles, twists, and gravity-defying tricks. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the show with one of the cast members in this story.
Sopes plate at El Garambullo.
El Garambullo