This weekend in and around Fort Worth will be headlined by two big-name comedians whose brands of humor come from opposite ends of the spectrum. Other choices include screenings of an Oscar-nominated film, a new local theater production, a quartet of concerts, the unofficial start of baseball season, a unique opera event, and a final look at notable art exhibition.
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, January 26
Hyena's presents Marlon Wayans
A member of the vaunted Wayans family, Marlon Wayans could be considered comedy royalty. Marlon is an actor, producer, comedian, writer, and director known for movies as diverse as White Chicks and Requiem for a Dream. His first-ever comedy special, Woke-ish, premiered on Netflix in 2018, and he can also be seen in the recent Netflix movies Sextuplets and The Curse of Bridge Hollow. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's in downtown Fort Worth.
Friday, January 27
Magnolia at the Modern: Living
Williams (Bill Nighy), a veteran civil servant, is an important cog within London's bureaucracy as it struggles to rebuild post-World War II. Buried under paperwork at the office, lonely at home, his life has long felt empty and meaningless. Then a shattering medical diagnosis forces him to take stock – and to try and grasp fulfillment before it goes beyond reach. Living is the story of an ordinary man who at the eleventh hour makes a supreme effort to turn his dull life into something wonderful – into one he can say has been lived to the full. The film, for which Nighy just received a Best Actor Oscar nomination, will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Artisan Center Theater presents Freaky Friday
The musical Freaky Friday is a heartfelt and comedic update on an American classic. When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter. The production runs through March 4 at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.
Jason Boland & The Stragglers in concert
Members of the Red Dirt/Texas Country genre, Jason Boland & The Stragglers are actually a product of Oklahoma, having gotten their start when Boland and drummer Brad Rice met at Oklahoma State University. But they've proved their Texas bona fides since then, with one of their albums named Live and Lit at Billy Bob's Texas. They'll play at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall in support of their 2021 album, The Light Saw Me.
Josh Ward in concert
Country singer Josh Ward has had a big presence in the Texas country music world over the past 15 years or so. Over that time, he's released five albums (including 2019's Live at Billy Bob's) and charted nine consecutive No. 1 songs in the state. He'll return to one his favorite venues, Billy Bob's Texas, for another turn at entertaining the masses.
Saturday, January 28
Texas Rangers Fan Fest
With the Cowboys - boo hoo - now out of the playoffs, the revamped Texas Rangers can take centerstage in Arlington again. The annual Fan Fest at Globe Life Field will feature autograph sessions with current Rangers players and alumni; interactive Q&A sessions with Rangers executives, players, and announcers; on-field activities like running the bases, wiffle ball home run derby, bullpen fast pitch, and inflatables; and more.
Fort Worth Opera presents An African American Requiem
An African American Requiem is a profound work by Damien Geter, the first Requiem to honor African Americans who have lost their lives due to racial violence. The music is infused with elements of jazz, gospel, and spirituals. Presented in 19 movements, the Requiem will be conducted by Geter himself, with soloists Bernard Holcomb, Karmesha Peake, Brandie Sutton, Thomas Cannon, poet and heARTivist Dr. S. Renee Mitchell, the Fort Worth Opera Chorus, prepared by Alfrelynn Roberts, and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. The concert will be at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU.
Jackopierce in concert
Jackopierce - a folk rock duo made up of Jack O'Neill and Cary Pierce - is a Dallas original, releasing their first album in 1990. Since then, they've gone through the usual ups-and-downs of a rock band, including breaking up for around five years to explore solo options. But they've always gravitated back to each other, with their latest release being their 2022 EP, The Dalhattan Project Vol. 2. They'll play at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Auditorium Concert Series: Larry the Cable Guy
Comedian Larry the Cable Guy comes to town as part of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Auditorium Concert Series. One of the members of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a comedy troupe that included Bill Engvall, Ron White, and Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy has become one of the top comedians in the country and is known for voicing Tow Mater in the Cars series, among other roles. He'll perform at Will Rogers Auditorium.
Pat Green in concert
After rising through Texas' dancehall scene years ago, Pat Green earned himself major label support in Nashville and became the poster child of Texas music for a whole generation of fans. Green’s explosive live shows have made him a fan favorite, and the San Antonio native and Fort Worth resident has sold over 2 million albums and been nominated for three Grammy Awards. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2022 album, Miles and Miles of You.
Sunday, January 29
Kimbell Art Museum presents "Murillo: From Heaven to Earth" closing day
Sunday will be the final day to view the special exhibition "Murillo: From Heaven to Earth" at Kimbell Art Museum, which celebrates the genre paintings of one of the most celebrated painters of the Spanish Golden age: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. While Murillo is primarily known for his religious subject matter, some of his most iconic works depict secular themes. Comprising approximately 50 works, the exhibition explores themes of youth and age, comedy, romance and seduction, faith and charity, landscape, portraiture, and modern realism.
Larry the Cable Guy will perform at Will Rogers Auditorium on January 28.
Sopes plate at El Garambullo.
El Garambullo