Weekend Event Planner

These are the 8 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend

It will be a relatively quiet weekend for new events in and around Fort Worth, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Choices include concerts from an acclaimed pianist, screenings of a new documentary about a renowned actor, an art festival, Star Wars and Harry Potter at the symphony, a funny comedian, back-to-back concerts by a country singer, and a beer festival.

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, April 25

The Cliburn presents Gabriela Montero
Composer/pianist Gabriela Montero returns to Cliburn Concerts for her first appearance in almost 15 years. An award-winning recording artist and composer, her 2015 album won the Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album, and she is a powerful and eloquent champion for the people of her native Venezuela, often using the power of her gifts of composition and improvisation as a tool of creative dissent. She'll perform at Kimbell Art Museum on Thursday and Tulips FTW on Friday.

Friday, April 26

Magnolia at the Modern: Remembering Gene Wilder
Remembering Gene Wilder is a loving tribute to the iconic actor that celebrates his life and legacy as a comic genius, including his first collaboration with Mel Brooks in The Producers, the enigmatic title role in the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and his inspired on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak. It is illustrated by a bevy of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, narration from Wilder's audiobook memoir, and interviews with a roster of brilliant friends and collaborators. There will be seven screenings through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Southlake Women's Club presents Art in the Square
The 24th Art in the Square is a fun-filled weekend of art, music, food, spirits, and children’s activities. The event showcases the artwork of 150 juried renowned artists, and also includes the Youth Art tent featuring artwork from high school students of Northeast Tarrant County. There will also be music performances throughout the weekend, including DJ Mike Barbee and Free Fallin, The Tom Petty Concert Experience. The event takes place through Sunday at Southlake Town Square.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back"
In The Empire Strikes Back, the battle for the galaxy intensifies as Imperial Forces launch an all-out attack on the Rebel Alliance, Han Solo and Princess Leia flee to Cloud City where they are captured by Darth Vader. Luke Skywalker journeys to the mysterious, marshy planet of Dagobah, where the wise Jedi Master Yoda teaches the young hero the ways of the Force. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will play John Williams' classic score live as the film plays on a big screen. There will be three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.

Hyena's presents Sarah Colonna
Sarah Colonna became well known as the popular roundtable regular on the late night talk show Chelsea Lately, where she also served as a full-time writer. She as well as a producer, writer, and star of the show’s spin-off scripted series, After Lately. Colonna most recently starred in Netflix’s Insatiable, and recurred in seasons 9 & 10 of Shameless. She has written two books, Life as I Blow It and Has Anyone Seen My Pants?. She'll perform at Hyena's Comedy Club four times through Saturday.

Chris Young in concert
True to his name, country singer Chris Young started at a relatively young age, releasing his debut album at the age of 21. He had five straight No. 1 singles from 2009-2011, and his songs have rarely been outside of the top 10 since. He's released nine albums in his career, including the brand-new Young Love & Saturday Nights. He'll play on both Friday and Saturday at Billy Bob's Texas.

Saturday, April 27

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Harry Potter Children's Suite"
At this special morning concert aimed at kids, the audience's eyes will be opened to the magical power of a full orchestra in this musical trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the orchestra performs favorites from the films, like the mysterious "Hedwig's Theme." The concert takes place at Bass Performance Hall.

Fort Worth Aviation Museum presents Hops and Props Beerfest
Hops and Props is the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's annual craft beer tasting festival and fundraiser. The event will feature local brewers, live music, food, family-friendly vendors, airplane rides, games, activities, and more. The event will also showcase many veteran support organizations and family vendors. Proceeds from the one-day event will support the museum's educational and preservation programs.

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Aviation Museum

Fort Worth Aviation Museum presents Hops and Props Beerfest on April 27.

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This Week's Hot Headlines

Best neighborhoods for Christmas lights lead Fort Worth's top 5 stories

Photo by Stacy Luecker

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Editor's note: Christmas is just around the corner, and Fort Worth is in the holiday spirit. This week's most-read stories include a complete guide to DFW's best neighborhoods for Christmas lights, plus where to eat and drink during the holiday season.Catch up on the five hottest headlines of the week below.

Looking for the best Fort Worth events of the weekend? We have those here.

1. Best Fort Worth-area neighborhoods for magical 2024 Christmas lights. Fort Worth-area residents have decked their halls, merry and bright, for the holiday season. Homes, streets, and entire subdivisions are dazzling with lights so spectacular, they can be seen from the North Pole. Here is our expert guide to the best neighborhoods for a Christmas light pilgrimage during the 2024 holiday season. For a longer list of spectacular Fort Worth Christmas lights, check out this story.

2. Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 14 bars oozing Christmas cheer. The holiday pop-up trend has erupted across the country as more and more bars jump on the bandwagon every year. Consumers are craving a big dose of Christmas cheer in the form of over-the-top decor, Christmas music, and Christmas-inspired cocktails. Stress of the season got you down? Here are 14 bars in Fort Worth that are making spirits bright.

Curfew Christmas cocktails at Curfew. Curfew Bar/Facebook

3. Where to eat in Fort Worth: 9 restaurants to take your holiday guests. The holidays draw near and for many of us, that means one thing: family’s coming to town. Cook your heart out for them, yes, but take advantage of Fort Worth’s thriving restaurant scene and show off some of our city’s finest places to eat.

4. Novel Thai restaurant in north Fort Worth comes with its own market. A mom-and-pop Thai restaurant in north Fort Worth comes with a unique twist: Called Bangkok Thai Street Food & Market, it’s a restaurant serving traditional Thai food but also a market selling all sorts of goods, from cooking ingredients to clothing to household gear.

5. Grab subs and pizza at new family-owned Lunch Break Cafe in Fort Worth. A well-regarded cafe serving sub sandwiches has risen in east Fort Worth: Called The Lunch Break Cafe, it’s a family-owned restaurant that opened in early December at 7251 Stoneway Dr. N. 400, in the former Riverbend Bistro space at River Bend Plaza.