The biggest event of the weekend across Fort Worth will happen right up front, when a big pop star comes to town. Other choices will include a comic residency, a short-form theater festival, the start of a new symphony season starring a piano superstar, a trio of other concerts, a local production of a Tony Award-winning musical, and more.
Lainey Wilson plays at Billy Bob's Texas on September 8.
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.
Thursday, September 7
Sam Smith in concert with Jessie Reyez
Singer Sam Smith has experienced quite the musical and personal journey over the past decade. Their 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour, seemed to announce them as the next great soul singer. But after coming out first as gay and then as genderqueer, their music has gone in a much different direction, with their last two albums - including 2023's Gloria - having more of a dance pop vibe. They will perform at Dickies Arena, joined by Jessie Reyez.
Amphibian Stage presents Gabe Mollica: Deductible
Comedian Gabe Mollica has tried for something unique in his recent work, developing a stand-up set that straddles the line between theatre and comedy. His new project, Deductible, takes aim at the U.S. healthcare system. He'll perform three times through Saturday at Amphibian Stage.
Friday, September 8
Fort Worth Fringe Festival
The Fort Worth Fringe Festival features a variety of different acts, ranging from rarely-produced theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, poetry, and more from performers from all over Texas and beyond. Headlining the festival is A Man of No Importance by the London-based Scrambled Egg Theatre Company, and other companies presenting productions include The Maverick Theatre Company, Next Stage, Scene Shop, imPULSE Dance Project, and more. The festival takes place through Sunday at Arts Fort Worth.
Magnolia at the Modern: Between Two Worlds
Famed author Marianne Winckler (Juliette Binoche) goes undercover to investigate the exploitation of working class people in northern France. She eventually lands a job as a cleaner and develops close connections with the other cleaning women. As she learns more about the plight of these workers, Marianne struggles with her deception and tries to rationalize that it’s for the greater good. The film, which is in French with English subtitles, will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Celebramos: A Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden will present their third annual Celebramos: A Celebration of Latin American Culture & Heritage. The monthlong extravaganza will include 18 separate events, including dance and musical performances, art exhibitions, food, fashion, shopping opportunities, and special after-hour events. The festival takes place on weekends through October 15.
EarthX Film presents "A Party for the Planet"
EarthX Film presents “A Party for the Planet,” an evening featuring three short films focused on the environment, a discussion of the films, and music from Fort Worth native Abraham Alexander. Alexander will put on both a short, acoustic performance to begin the event, and a full set with his band to close out the evening. The event takes place at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Cliburn Competition’s Gold Medalist: Schumann and Brahms"
Once every four years, the Van Cliburn competition pits pianists from around the world against one another in one of classical music’s most prestigious competitions. To open the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s new season, 2022 gold medalist Yunchan Lim - who has shot to superstardom in the year since his win - returns to deliver Schumann’s Piano Concerto. FWSO Music Director Robert Spano also conducts Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 as well as the composer’s Academic Festival Overture. There will be three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Lainey Wilson in concert
Unlike some other country singers, Lainey Wilson has faced a somewhat difficult road toward stardom. Coming out of a small town in Louisiana, she moved to Nashville when she was just 19 and put out a couple of lightly-regarded albums. It wasn't until almost a decade later when she finally broke out with the 2020 single, "Things a Man Oughta Know." Her follow-up album, 2022's Bell Bottom Country, made the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, and thanks in part to her role in the hit show Yellowstone, she looks poised for success for years to come. She'll make her Billy Bob's Texas debut.
Saturday, September 9
Fort Worth Art Dealers Association presents Fall Gallery Night
Twice a year, the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association invites visitors to take in the visual arts and the community’s unique cultural richness during Gallery Night. Most participants are open from 12-9 pm. Guests can take a stroll through participating galleries, museums, retail businesses, and area restaurants, and enjoy the many artists featured during this community event.
Casa Mañana presents Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical that takes audiences behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome works their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. The production, which features hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” runs through September 17 at Casa Mañana.
Magic City Hippies in concert
Embracing everything from AM radio rock and poolside pop to nimble raps and salsa, Magic City Hippies lock into an era-less vibe with no shortage of funk or hooks. The three-piece band delivers the kind of bangers you can play on the way to the party, during the party, and to smooth over the comedown as the sun comes up. They'll play at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall in support of their 2022 album, Water Your Garden.
Mike Ryan in concert
Earlier this year, singer Mike Ryan made his return to Billy Bob's Texas after a seven-year absence, and barely six months later he's back again. The San Antonio native is a favorite all around Texas, playing at multiple festivals and concert venues. For the first time in five years, he has new music to showcase, as he released his fourth album, Longcut, in 2022.
