Fort Worth's biggest venue, Dickies Arena, has been busy ever since it opened, but this weekend will be busier than most, with three big concerts. They'll be joined by an early Christmas shopping opportunity, a new local theater production, a well-known comedian, outdoor music, two concerts at the city's other notable venue, and a significant art opening.
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, October 12
Junior League of Fort Worth presents 17th Annual Christmas in Cowtown
It's never too early to get in a little Christmas shopping, which you can do at The Junior League of Fort Worth's 17th annual Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Gift Market. Shoppers can peruse more than 200 merchants from across the country, showcasing home goods, jewelry, clothing, children’s gifts, and more. The fundraising event takes place through Sunday at Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Stolen Shakespeare Guild presents Antigone
As part of its Classics Festival, Stolen Shakespeare Guild will present the timeless tragedy of Sophocles' Antigone, an ancient tale with modern relevance that explores themes of loyalty, destiny, and sacrifice in the face of oppression. The production will have five performances through October 22 at Arts Fort Worth.
Improv Arlington presents Finesse Mitchell
Finesse Mitchell is a multi-faceted actor, author, and stand-up comedian who entered the comedy scene with appearances on BET’s Comic View and Comedy Central. In 2003, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. Mitchell has three one-hour comedy specials under his belt, and he is currently in production on his fourth while also producing a weekly podcast, Understand This with Finesse Mitchell. He'll perform six times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Friday, October 13
Near Southside Inc. presents Friday on the Green
Friday on the Green is a free monthly concert series that features live music, food and drinks from Near Southside eateries, and the relaxed atmosphere of a big neighborhood picnic. Performers this month include Black Tie Dynasty, Phantomelo, The Cush, Amanda Victoria, and DJ Woodywood. Guests can bring blankets, chairs, and pets to enjoy the event at Magnolia Green Park.
Shania Twain in concert
Country star Shania Twain is on the comeback trail, coming to Fort Worth as part of her first tour in nearly five years. The tour is in support of her 2023 album, Queen of Me, her first album since 2017, which picked up right where she left off, coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. She'll be joined at this concert at Dickies Arena by opening act Lily Rose.
Treaty Oak Revival in concert
Treaty Oak Revival is an up-and-coming country band out of West Texas, forming in Midland in 2019. After putting out a couple of singles in 2020, they put out their debut album, No Vacancy, in 2021. That release was well-received, and now they're making another headlining appearance at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, October 14
Fort Worth Tacos & Margarita Festival
The Fort Worth Tacos & Margarita Festival will feature 10+ taco and margarita booths, vendors, live country music, frozen drinks, a beer garden, food trucks, giveaways, and more. The one-day festival takes place at Panther Island Pavilion.
Jason Aldean in concert
Country star Jason Aldean has played in the Dallas-Fort Worth area plenty of times over his career, but he typically plays in Dallas. For his 2023 tour, he's making it up to his Fort Worth fans by making Dickies Arena his one-and-only stop in Texas. The concert comes just a few weeks ahead of the release of Aldean's 12th album, Highway Desperado, which comes barely a year after his previous album, Georgia.
Clint Black in concert
If it feels like Clint Black just played at Billy Bob's Texas, that's because he just did, returning to the iconic venue he first played at in 1989. He's back for a somber reason, replacing a previously scheduled concert for the recently-deceased Charlie Robison. Black has released 14 albums in his career, most recently 2020's Out of Sane.
Sunday, October 15
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Jaune Quick-to-See Smith: "Memory Map"
The Modern will host "Memory Map," a retrospective of Native American artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. The largest and most comprehensive showing of her work to date, the exhibition brings together nearly five decades of Smith’s drawings, prints, paintings, and sculptures. Smith engages with contemporary modes of art making, from her idiosyncratic adoption of abstraction to her reflections on American Pop art and Neo-Expressionism. The exhibition will be on display through January 21, 2024.
Avenged Sevenfold in concert
The big weekend of concerts at Dickies Arena comes to a close with a visit from heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. The group has been a big player in the genre since their breakout 2007 self-titled album went to No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Two No. 1 albums followed, along with five No. 1 songs on the Active Rock charts, including "Nightmare," "Carry On," and "Hail to the King." The band is touring in support of their eight album, Life is But a Dream...
Shania Twain will play at Dickies Arena on October 13.
