Craft your own adventure in art-filled and outdoorsy Kerrville

Hit the Road

Photo courtesy of Kerrville CVB

Located in a two-hour triangle between Austin and San Antonio is Kerrville, the official capital of the Texas Hill Country. Founded in 1889 with a spirit of innovation, the city still holds fast to its entrepreneurial roots as the home of James Avery Artisan Jewelry and a plethora of galleries, museums, and shops.

It's also an outdoor lover's dream. Kerrville is situated along the banks of the Guadalupe River, which serves as the map for the multi-use Kerrville River Trail and provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Here are more activities to discover during your time in Kerrville:

Art for all
The world-famous brand James Avery Artisan Jewelry calls Kerrville home, and visitors can learn about the history of the company in a museum-like setting while also shopping for their very own piece of jewelry to take home.

The company's presence is felt throughout the city, most notably with the popular Mother's Love James Avery memorial sculpture right outside the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. This is one of the 28 public art pieces dotted throughout downtown — keep an eye out for “Lupe” the Guadalupe Bass in Louise Hays Park and the “Welcome To Kerrville” mural.

Find peace with the The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden, featuring eight bronze sculptures inspired by Christian scriptures, including a seven-story-tall steel cross, that are surrounded by a prayer rock garden.

Visit the campus of the Hill Country Arts Foundation in nearby Ingram and come face to face with Stonehenge II, a nearly life-size replica of the famous stones in England that also include two 13-foot-tall Easter Island head copies.

Head into the 20,000-square-foot Rivers Edge Gallery to view an expansive variety of contemporary and traditional artwork, or explore life during the frontier days at The Museum of Western Art. The museum also offers workshops on such skills as leather working and candle making.

The Schreiner Mansion Historic Site, built by former Texas Ranger Charles Schreiner, offers a guided tour of the mansion with history on the family that ran a major department store in Kerrville (now Schreiner Goods) and established the Schreiner Institute, now known as Schreiner University.

Catch live music and other events at the iconic Arcadia Live Theater, see a play in the intimate black box VK Garage Theater, or pay tribute to Point Theatre, the oldest-running outdoor theater in Texas. The Kathleen C. Cailloux City Center for the Performing Arts also hosts Symphony of the Hills, nationally acclaimed musicians, and theater performances by Playhouse 2000.

Events for everyone
There's something for every season here, with the spring bringing the Kerrville Easter Festival (held this year on April 8, 2023) and the Kerrville Easter Bike Ride (April 7-9, 2023).

The Texas Masters of Fine Art Show (May 26-28, 2023) overlaps with the famous Kerrville Folk Festival (May 25-June 11, 2023), and the height of summer brings Kerrville’s Fourth on the River, scheduled for July 4.

Fall sees the Kerrville Triathlon Festival and the Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair on the same weekend — September 23-24, 2023 — with the Kerrville RiverFest and Kerrville Chalk Festival following October 14 and 15, 2023.

The Texas Furniture Makers Show is scheduled for November 2-December 15, 2023, and lots of folks turn out for the Kerrville Renaissance Festival that runs weekends in late January and early February.

Head outside
Kerrville’s mild weather allows for outdoor activities year-round. Hop aboard the Hill Country River Rat, a unique outdoor river activity where visitors can peddle to provide horsepower on a 25-foot-long, custom-made, 12-passenger pontoon boat.

Aside from water fun on the Guadalupe River, biking is also a popular outdoor activity. Pedal leisurely on the 10-foot-wide Kerrville River Trail, the city’s unofficial crown jewel, that parallels the Guadalupe for six miles. You can also walk your dog, go for a run, or relax on a bench and spot birds in the shade of Kerrville’s signature cypress trees.

There are multiple trail segments and trailheads that can be accessed along the Kerrville River Trail, notably Kerrville-Schriener Park and Louise Hays Park.

At 517 acres, Kerrville-Schriener is the largest municipal park in Kerrville, offering plenty of green space with a playground, butterfly garden, sand volleyball, basketball, 10-plus miles of hike and bike trails, river access, and more.

The popular Louise Hays Park features an interactive fountain, a playground, pavilions, trail heads, numerous picnic areas, and a stage that hosts music and dance performances. Louise Hays Park is also home to a variety of special events, such as Get Outdoors Day, Kerrville’s Fourth on the River, and the Kerrville Triathlon Festival.

To learn about the different critters and creatures that call Kerrville home, the Riverside Nature Center is the perfect place to explore. Wander through the gardens, educational exhibits, a gift shop, and much more.

Additional outdoor activities include golfing at Kerrvilles’ three golf courses — Scott Schreiner Golf Course, Comanche Trace, and The Riverhill Country Club — playing tennis at the HEB Tennis Center, and hunting at Y.O. Ranch or Shonto Ranch.

Time to eat
Enjoy dining with a view of the Hill Country and the Guadalupe River while exploring the craft food and beverage scene when you dine in Kerrville. From upscale dining experiences and wine tasting opportunities to delicious taco and coffee spots on the go, there's no shortage of choices.

For a meal with a view, check out 1011 Bistro, Cafe at the Ridge, Thai Ocha, Pinnacle Grill, and Billy Gene’s. Texas tacos are obviously a must, so head to El Sol De Mexico, Mary’s Tacos, Taqueria Jalisco, El Jimador Restaurant & Bar, and Rita’s Famous Tacos.

Make sure to sample the local libations during your stay — Kerrville is located in the Hill Country after all. Turtle Creek Olives & Vines, Kerrville Hills Winery, and Wine-O-Bout It satisfy vino connoisseurs, while craft brew enthusiasts will cheers to options like Pint & Plow Brewing Co., Basement Brewers of Texas, and Trailhead Beer Garden.

Other popular eateries include Bumdoodlers Lunch Company, Francisco’s Restaurant, Grape Juice, and Rails: A Cafe at The Depot.

Shop to it
Visitors flock to downtown Kerrville to explore upscale shops as well as unique boutiques and antique stores. Schreiner Goods stocks a curated selection of women’s clothing, accessories, and stylish home goods, while Rustic Elegance is a home furnishing aficionado's dream store.

Stop by Creations, a destination for fabric artists; shop for crystals and other mystical items at The Fairy Moon Emporium; or go antique hunting at Sunrise Antique Mall. Of course, shopping for a piece of James Avery jewelry is a given while in Kerrville!

Rest your head
The River Trail Cottages are a fun way to depart from the normal hotel experience, with a unique variety of retro overnight options like Motor Court Cottages, newly built midcentury-themed Depot Alley or River View cottages, and vintage RVs filled with modern amenities.

At the River House, all guest rooms offer direct access to the river and the Kerrville River Trail that leads straight through downtown. The facilities also come with grills, bicycles, river floats, fishing poles, kayaks, and backyard games.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Guadalupe River Camp Resort is the perfect place for families traveling with little ones. Enjoy putt-putt, jumbo-sized jumping pillows, laser tag, playgrounds, and a water slide park.

For those looking for a resort feel, a stay at Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center is an excellent choice. The hotel features a courtyard, swimming pools, 21,000-square-foot conference center, delicious dining at the full-service restaurant, and the Inn Pub, which features entertainment on the weekends and is the only dance hall in Kerrville.

Learn more about Kerrville and start planning your visit here.

Photo courtesy of Kerrville CVB

Explore downtown Kerrville.

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Lake Resort

Conroe is a natural escape for lake lovers seeking outdoor adventures

Hit the Road

Nature is at the heart of every visit to Conroe, and not only because of its famous 22,000-acre lake. It also boasts more than 250 miles of forest thanks to W. Goodrich Jones State Forest and Sam Houston National Forest — one of only four national forests in Texas.

And all this natural beauty is just north of Houston, making Conroe an easy escape. Here's a look at what else you can enjoy and explore while in town.

Lake Conroe
Let's start with the big one: Houston's aquatic playground. This massive lake is perfect for every recreational activity, from boating and kayaking to fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.

Opt for a guided fishing trip to help land all kinds of fish, from largemouth bass to black and white crappie. Tours and charters provide everything you need from the boat to the gear — all you have to do is cast your line.

The great outdoors
Off the shores of Lake Conroe, visitors can hike, bike, geocache, and more through miles of forest. In fact, the city's founder, Isaac Conroe, decided in 1881 to settle in the area based on its leafy surroundings — the original towering pines were preserved and still frame the city today.

Get your fresh air with a side of swings by checking out one of the city's many golf courses, including The Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort and Panorama Golf Club.

Be one with nature without an agenda at Lake Conroe Park and 7 Acre Wood, an old-fashioned family fun park with swings, putt-putt, and a petting zoo.

Where to eat
Many restaurants take advantage of their location and offer lakeside dining, with bonus points for sunset views while you dine. Take it a step further with a dinner cruise aboard The Southern Empress, an iconic paddle wheel boat on the lake.

Conroe’s culinary scene brings forward local flavors at more than 40 restaurants, from Tex-Mex favorites at Fajita Jack's on Lake Conroe and authentic Texas barbecue at McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers to lakeside lounging featuring the freshest catch at Margaritaville's LandShark Bar & Grill.

Visitors can also try locally crafted mead at The Ferm Meadery, or sip on craft beer and wine at spots like Copperhead Brewery, Pacific Yard House, and The Lounge on Main - B E Winery's tasting room.

What to do
View the original Lone Star Flag at The Lone Star Monument & Historical Flag Park, then head 15 miles west to sister city Montgomery to visit the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County.

Historic Downtown Conroe is dotted with decorated art benches, three art galleries, antique shopping at Conroe Central Market and Mimi’s On Main, and additional shopping at local shops and boutiques like Main Street Merchants.

Stop in at the Crighton Theatre to enjoy everything from musicals and plays to live concerts, or pay a visit to the Owen Theatre, which is home to The Players Theatre Company.

Mark your calendar
Conroe is known for hosting long-standing events such as Kidzfest on April 29, 2023, and the annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival, held this year October 13-15.

Dress up for the Texas Renaissance Festival, located just down the road, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Thanksgiving Friday, happening this year from October 7-November 26.

Get pumped for the Conroe 10 Miler in December and feel the holiday vibes at the Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration, held the second weekend of December.

Escape to Margaritaville
Margaritaville Lake Resort is a Jimmy Buffett-inspired island paradise located on Lake Conroe. Expect well-appointed rooms, heated pools, a spa, golf course, lakeside dining options, and more.

Other lodging options
The brand-new Hyatt Regency Conroe and Convention Center is accepting reservations for August 2023 and beyond, while bed-and-breakfast seekers can rest easy in The Caroline House.

Conroe is also home to hotels such as Holiday Inn Express & Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Best Western, and other recognizable names. Unique boutique stays are offered at Historic Hill House and Farm.

Conroe’s stunning naturescapes offer visitors a retreat-like getaway with a charming small-town feel, all without compromising on amenities and experiences. Plan your visit to Conroe here.

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Lake Resort

Lake Conroe is the hub for water sports.

Rendering courtesy of Omni

You can now book your getaway at the new $520 million Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Hole in One

Get your clubs ready: The $520 million new Omni PGA Frisco Resort is now accepting reservations for May 2023 and beyond.

This eagerly anticipated new hotel isn't just for golfers though — it's a complete getaway destination with its own entertainment district, full-service spa and salon, four swimming pools, 500 guest rooms and suites, 10 private ranch houses, and 13 unique dining options.

Here's everything that guests can expect:

Swing time
The resort boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, collectively known as Fields Ranch. Fields Ranch East was designed by Gil Hanse, and Fields Ranch West by Beau Welling.

Registered guests can book tee times 120 days in advance of their stay to play Fields Ranch, which will be home to 26 major championships starting in May and continuing through 2034. Local residents will also be able to book in late April.

Part of the excitement around PGA Frisco is that you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy all the happenings. Anyone can take advantage of The Swing, a lighted 10-hole, par-3 short course; The Dance Floor, a two-acre putting course and entertainment area; the first Lounge by Topgolf; PGA Coaching Center for a high-tech, data-driven club-fitting and instruction experience; Fields Ranch Practice Facility; and a variety of retail and dining concepts throughout the mixed-use development.

Oasis of wellness
Omni’s signature full-service salon and spa, Mokara Spa, boasts 20 private treatment rooms.

Guests can also refuel at Green Cactus Cafe, relax at the spa pool with private cabanas, and recharge at the fitness center and walking trails.

Mouthwatering meals
From grab-and-go to a signature steakhouse, the eatery options at PGA Frisco are sure to please any palate.

Unwind after a day of golf with classic American fare at Ryder Cup Grille or socialize with friends and colleagues over a round of happy hour drinks at the indoor-outdoor Ice House.

Get pumped for the day with Toast & Tee Coffee Collective, choose from an array of in-room and private dining experiences, or indulge in a sweet treat at Margaret's Cones & Cups.

Rest your head
The resort is debuting 500 luxurious guest rooms and suites, with rates starting at $403 per night.

Those seeking a truly luxurious retreat can book one of the 10 four-bedroom private Ranch Houses, each with panoramic golf course views, upgraded amenities, and a 24/7 Experience Concierge for an added VIP service experience.

“Omni PGA Frisco Resort is an ambitious new resort concept for the state of Texas and in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities,” says Jeff Smith, vice president and managing director for Omni PGA Frisco Resort. “The sprawling complex will be a leading destination for entertainment, dining, shopping, wellness, and golf-driven experiences that will be unparalleled for those who are advanced players, new to the game, and everything in between.”

To celebrate the launch of room bookings, guests who book between now and March 31, 2023, for stays from May 2-December 31, 2023, can enjoy up to a $200 resort credit through the Endless Experiences package.

To book and learn more about the new Omni PGA Frisco Resort, visit OmniPGAFriscoResort.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

Rendering courtesy of Omni

The resort has two 18-hole championship golf courses.

Photo by Lauren Monitz

Roll into Beaumont, the Cajun Capital of Texas, for murals, Mardi Gras, and more

Hit the Road

Turns out, you don't have to go all the way to the Big Easy to satisfy your Cajun cravings.

On the border of Louisiana, just 90 minutes from Houston and right around four hours from San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Beaumont boasts a unique Cajun-meets-Lone Star State attitude all year round — not just during Mardi Gras, which of course it does up big.

Outside of confetti and King Cake, there are many more ways that Beaumont keeps the good times keep rolling.

As one of America's original boomtowns, the place is teaming with history. You can strike it rich at Spindletop, a recreated boomtown with a gusher reenactment and an outdoor museum that’s dedicated to the discovery of oil.

The town’s flourishing mural and art scene kicks into high gear on March 2-5 with the annual Mural Festival, featuring artists from across the United States and around the world painting the town red — and every other color imaginable — during live-painting events and more.

Another Instagrammable moment to capture while you’re there is the world's largest working fire hydrant, donated by Disney, at The Fire Museum of Texas, where you’ll also find antique engines, uniforms, and firefighting equipment.

Beaumont is also a nature-lover’s dream, with bayous, birding, and the Big Thicket, America’s first national preserve with nine unique ecosystems and more than 100,000 acres to hike, bike, and paddle.

Cattail Marsh is another way to get outdoorsy, with 900 acres of scenic wetlands and a long boardwalk where you can spot more than 280 species of birds during peak migration.

Disc golf and the botanical gardens are right in the vicinity too, or enjoy Saturday morning yoga with a view at one of the classes offered there. Namaste.

To learn more about all that Beaumont has to offer, head over to visitbeaumonttexas.com.

McFaddin-Ward House postcard in Beaumont

Photo by Lauren Monitz

Soak up the Big Easy vibes in the Cajun Capital of Texas.

Photo by Rachel Monteleone

New faith-based musical backed by Duck Dynasty stars pitches its tent in Dallas-Fort Worth

2000 Years in the Making

A brand-new "theatrical event" about the life of Jesus Christ will premiere in North Texas in May 2023.

Called His Story: The Musical, it's produced and directed by Tony Award-nominated talent and written by Dallas-based Anna Miriam Brown, now 22, who was just 16 when she started working on the book, music, and lyrics.

The show will debut at Grandscape in The Colony. A new state-of-the-art, 1,300-seat performance venue called the Broadway Tent will be set up in the (currently empty) lot in front of Grandscape's Ferris wheel. Designed by Matthew Churchill Productions, Ltd., it will feature plush seating, 360-degree overhead projection mapping, and full A/C and heating.

“Immediately on hearing the music, I knew I wanted to bring His Story: The Musical to a worldwide audience, and knew that Grandscape was the perfect place to start the journey,” says producer Bruce Lazarus, who helped produce Broadway's Say Goodnight Gracie and was the original lead legal counsel for Disney's The Lion King. “We are committed to creating a production that not only entertains and inspires Dallas-Fort Worth audiences, but we also aim to hire cast and crew locally, providing over 80 new jobs to the region.”

An open casting call will be held in Dallas in January 2023, with details to be announced. Update: Here is the casting notice for February 11.

In this contemporary pop take on the the life of Jesus, "a common man from a sketchy family arrives in the big city and defies expectations. He performs miracles and speaks great wisdom, but chooses friends from the dregs of society and hangs out in the wrong part of town. Mocked by the establishment, he is adored by the people. Melding a youthful voice with a timeless perspective, the greatest story ever told is brought into the third millennium, reminding us of the universal power of love and redemption," reads the press release.

In addition to Lazarus, the producing team includes Brad Reeves/Bill Noble, Thinking Tree LLC, Jill Wilkinson, Cooper Collins, Mike Collins, Troy Duhon/Bob Katz, and Willie and Korie Robertson, stars of the television show Duck Dynasty and New York Times best-selling authors.

“I have worked on 17 Broadway musicals, but nothing prepared me for the shock and awe of meeting this truly amazing artist, Anna Brown,” says Tony-nominated director Jeff Calhoun (Broadway's Bonnie & Clyde and Newsies). “Anna’s Gen Z perspective has made this familiar story youthful and contemporary … not exactly adjectives I had previously associated with the Bible. I am excited to use the theater to bring all types of people together to share a message that is so needed in today’s climate. My prayer is that once you experience His Story: The Musical, you will leave the theater with a renewed optimism about the potential of humanity.”

The show features choreography by Eamon Foley (Annie at The Hollywood Bowl), music supervision by Rick Hip-Flores (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 and In Transit on Broadway), and arrangements by Rick Hip-Flores and Paweł ‘Bzim’ Zarecki.

The original concept recording of His Story: The Musical is available on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and all major platforms. The show also enjoyed a workshop in New York City.

Producers held a press preview on December 15 at Grandscape, where the show's creatives and even The Colony's Mayor Richard Boyer spoke about the musical, which is initially set to run through September 10, 2023.

Performances begin May 5, 2023, with opening night set for May 18. For further information, including performance schedules, visit www.HisStoryTheMusical.com.

Tickets range from $39-$139, with VIP packages starting at $219. Special rates for groups of 12 or more are available by emailing groups@hisstorythemusical.com or calling 855-HIS-STORY (855-447-7867).

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty

Walsh: A dreamy, new world-class neighborhood that thrives on community

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in Fort Worth that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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While the term "master planned community" is frequently used, real estate professional Adrianne Holland, GRI, will tell you that Walsh is in a class of its own in this category.

Located in Fort Worth, the new, 7,200-acre development is one of the largest of its kind in a major U.S. city and includes commercial development, residential neighborhoods, and mixed-use areas.

“The developer invested in more than a decade of research and design to ensure every factor that makes a world-class neighborhood was planned out in detail,” says Holland, who was born and raised in Fort Worth. “This included many forward-thinking, long-term investments, such as a tree farm, integration with a top school district, 2,300 acres of green space, and some of the most advanced internet connectivity available in the United States.”

She’s so inspired by the area that she’s building her own custom home in Walsh and will be moving there in 2023.

“From creative neighborhood events that happen year-round to outstanding amenities and the friendly waves of passing golf carts, this neighborhood has a thriving community experience that is missing from so many others,” adds Holland.

One of her greatest joys is helping her clients find their perfect home, for whatever phase they are moving into in life. Another great joy? Halloween decorations! "My decorations definitely lean to scary rather than whimsical, and every year I try to build on what I did the year before," she says.

Holland is also a frozen yogurt aficionado — it's her "kryptonite" — and she will detour on road trips and block time to try new places.

Fro-yo aside, she offered up some of her personal favorites about life in Walsh. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
While Fort Worth is a mere 12 minutes away for anything you might be craving, Holland also suggests two excellent options even closer to Walsh: Fire Oak Grill in Weatherford and Railhead Smokehouse BBQ in Willow Park.

“Both places have Texas-style decor and laid-back ambiance," says Holland. "Definitely ask for my favorite off-the-menu item at Railhead: the fried turkey.”

Where to play
Walsh has 120 acres of green space in addition to a state-of-the-art Athletic Club with sport courts and two huge swimming pools.

But Holland’s go-to hangout is Lake Park — especially in the summer months — where you can rent a kayak, lounge in an Adirondack chair, or go for a swim in the nine-acre lake. There’s also a two-tiered, shaded playground with a cushioned floor to keep little ones safe while they play on swings, slides, and a globe spinner.

Holland also loves Makerspace, a creative lab and gathering place that provides innovative tools and technology like 3-D printers, robotics, laser cutters, woodworking tools, sewing equipment, and kid-friendly arts and crafts. Access to Makerspace is an included amenity for all Walsh residents.

What to see
“Don’t miss a chance to visit downtown Weatherford,” says Holland. “It has a rich Western and pioneer history that can be seen and explored in its downtown square and historic district.”

It’s also the Peach Capital of Texas, and there’s an annual Peach Festival where you can sample many fruity creations.

Where to live
Holland shares that Walsh allows future residents to select from a broad range of architectural styles, with one to suit almost any taste.

There are eight unique styles from which to choose: Colonial Revival, Mediterranean, midcentury modern, Arts and Crafts, modern farmhouse, Texas vernacular, transitional, and Tudor.

“The variety of architecture is so appealing, but if none of those styles perfectly match your taste there are custom-designated areas, such as Cline Park, that allow you to further customize your dream home,” adds Holland.

Holland represented the buyer of 2600 Paladora Drive, which is a quintessential example of a custom home in Walsh.

“Located in Cline Park, this modern hacienda home is elegant, timeless, and welcoming with its beautiful red tile roof, several alfresco gathering spaces, and a neutral color palette that garners a sense of relaxation,” she says.

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Adrianne Holland works and plays in Walsh. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email aholland@briggsfreeman.com, or call 817-988-7955.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty

Agent Adrianne Holland.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

These are the 12 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend

Weekend Event Planner

Music in its many forms is the theme of the weekend in and around Fort Worth. There will be two events featuring classical music, a local production of a famous musical, three country music concerts, and a K-Pop concert. Also on tap will be staged readings of new plays, a visit from a famous comedian, screenings of an Oscar-nominated film, a chance to peruse local art galleries, and a local theater production aimed at kids.

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, March 23

The Cliburn presents Benjamin Grosvenor
Benjamin Grosvenor has been heralded as one of the most important pianists to emerge from the United Kingdom in several decades. He’s racked up an impressive display of awards in Europe, from Gramophone, Classic Brit Critics’, UK Critic’s Circle, BBC Young Musician Competition, and Diapason d’Or Jeune. He'll play at Kimbell Art Museum.

Arts Fort Worth presents Original Work Series
As part of their Original Work Series, Arts Fort Worth will present staged readings of two new works. Upright Theatre Company will perform Tennessee Wet Rub by Kim E. Ruyle, about an older couple taking shelter in a storm in 1951 who are suddenly met with a young interracial couple whose presence tests their values and compassion. Proper Hijinx will perform Next of Kin by Gabby Wilson, about a girl named Riley Peters who struggles with relationships with her mother and possible new boyfriend.

Amphibian Stage Productions presents Phoebe Robinson
Phoebe Robinson is a multi-talented standup comedian, New York Times best-selling writer, and actress best known as the co-creator and co-star of the hit podcast-turned-TV show, 2 Dope Queens. She also has a second podcast, Sooo Many White Guys, in which she interviews today’s biggest stars and groundbreakers. She'll perform three times through Saturday at Amphibian Stage Productions.

Friday, March 24

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Jake Fridkis in Concert: Schumann, Reinecke, and Liszt
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra principal flute Jake Fridkis steps to the front of the stage to perform Reinecke’s Flute Concerto, a work of nimble grace and charm that showcases the flute’s lyrical and technical capabilities. The evening opens with Schumann’s stately Symphony No. 4 and closes with Liszt’s innovative Les Préludes, the first symphonic poem on record. There will be three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.

Magnolia at the Modern: The Quiet Girl
For the second time in three weeks, Magnolia at the Modern will present a film that was nominated for Best International Film at the 2023 Oscars. The Quiet Girl is set in rural Ireland where nine-year-old Cait is sent away from her overcrowded, dysfunctional family to live with foster parents for the summer. Quietly struggling at school and at home, she has learned to hide in plain sight from those around her. She blossoms in their care, but in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth. There will be seven screenings through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Artisan Center Theater presents West Side Story
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. The production runs through May 6 at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.

Triston Marez in concert
A name like Triston Marez conjures up idea of a Latin music superstar, but in reality Marez is an up-and-coming country singer out of Houston who just released his first EP, That Was All Me. In this concert at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, Marez will show how he was influenced by singers like Chris LeDoux, Aaron Watson, and Cody Johnson through songs like the title track, “Where Rivers Are Red, Cowboys Are Blue,” and “Dizzy.”

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 eight albums in his career, most recently 2021's Famous Friends, which features collaborations with Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Mitchell Tenpenny. He'll play on both Friday and Saturday at Billy Bob's Texas.

Saturday, March 25

Fort Worth Art Dealers Association presents Spring Gallery Night
Twice a year, the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association invites the community to take in the visual arts and the community’s unique cultural richness during Gallery Night. Most participants are open from 12-9 pm. Visitors can take a stroll through participating galleries, museums, retail businesses, and area restaurants, and enjoy the many artists featured during this community event. For a full list of participating venues, click on this link.

Casa Mañana presents Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook
Something terrible happened to Junie B Jones at school today - someone stole her new furry mittens! When Junie B. finds a wonderful pen of many colors, she should be allowed to keep it, right? Because finders keepers, losers weepers. And guess what? There’s a new boy in kindergarten and he is the handsomest. The only thing is both Grace and Lucille want him to be their boyfriend. Maybe he will love Junie B. when he sees her wonderful pen. It is okay to keep it, right? Junie B. Jones is not a crook … or is she? The production runs through April 9 at Casa Mañana.

Luke Combs in concert
There was no wait-and-see period with country star Luke Combs; he was big out of the gate, going to No. 1 with his 2017 debut album, This One's for You. He maintained that popularity with his next two albums, so there's no reason to think that his just-released fourth album, Gettin' Old, won't have the same success. He'll be joined at this huge concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington by special guests Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry, and Brent Cobb.

Sunday, March 26

Stray Kids in concert
The success of K-Pop group BTS has seemed to open up the floodgates for other K-Pop groups trying their hand at stardom. The latest group to come to Fort Worth is Stray Kids, an eight-member boy group formed in 2017 when they appeared on the reality show from which they took their name. Their output is prolific, with three EPs released in 2022 and a new album, The Sound, released this past January. They'll perform on both Sunday and Monday at Dickies Arena.

Photo courtesy of Stray Kids

Stray Kids will perform at Dickies Arena on March 26 and 27.

Netflix series Waco: American Apocalypse debuts with newly unearthed footage

Documentary News

Netflix has a new series on the tragedy that took place in Waco three decades ago: Called Waco: American Apocalypse, it's a three-part series documenting the standoff between cult leader David Koresh and the federal government that ended in a fiery inferno, televised live, with 76 people dead.

The series debuts on March 22, to coincide with the 30-year anniversary of the event which took place from February 28 to April 19, 1993. There's a trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scZ2x7R_XXc.

It's an oft-told tale and not the only new release to try and exploit the 30-year anniversary: Jeff Guinn, former books editor at the Fort Worth Star Telegram, just came out with a book in January, also described as definitive, called Waco: David Korsh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage.

Waco: American Apocalypse is directed by another "local": Dallas native Tiller Russell (Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer), who obtained never-before-seen videotapes of FBI negotiations, as well as raw news footage and interviews with insiders.

Those insiders include one of David Koresh’s spiritual wives; the last child released from the compound alive; a sniper from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team; the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit Chief; journalists; and members of the ATF tactical team who watched colleagues die in the shootout against the heavily armed members of the religious sect.

The FBI videotaped inside the hostage negation room, thinking they'd be there maybe 24 hours, not 51 days.

"These are video cassettes that were sitting in somebody’s closet for 30 years, that show the mechanics of hostage negotiations in an intimate setting - not the hostage negotiation scenarios you see in films, but a team of people grinding, day in and day out, for 51 days," Russell says.

He also procured footage from Waco TV station KWTX, who had a reporter embedded in the initial gunfight.

While the standoff was broadcast live on TV at the time, much of it was out of camera range. The film uses 3D graphics to recreate the details of the compound.

Russell acknowledges that the tale of the cult leader who was also a pedophile, the debate over the right to bear arms, the constitutional limits of religious freedom, dredge up painful conversations that continue today.

"It cast a long shadow, pre-saging the Timothy McVeigh bombing in Oklahoma, the shooting at Colombine, and a growing distrust of government, but I think it's important to reckon with our past so we don't repeat mistakes," he says.

"So much of what’s roiling in culture today can be traced to Waco, a story about God and guns in America with all these children at the center whose lives were determined by the adults around them," he says. "There was no playbook for what happened, everyone was out on a limb, and people made mistakes. But almost everybody was trying to do their very best."

"I think this is a story that's often recalled in politicized terms, with finger-pointing on who screwed up and how did we get here, but there's a profound humanity to it all," he says.

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