Fort Worth Events

As the Marketing Communications Coordinator for the Fort Worth CVB, I work with tools such as social media, CRM, the Fort Worth blog and FortWorth.com to market Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination.

I was born and raised an Arizona gal, but came to Texas to attend Texas Christian University (which I loved!). I always thought I'd return to the West Coast, but after living in Fort Worth, I learned that this really is the place to be. When I'm not working, I love doing anything outside—whether playing tennis, golf, or simply enjoying a drink on one of Fort Worth’s amazing patios. If you love Fort Worth, Like Fort Worth on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (@VisitFortWorth)!

When it's 80 degrees out in the City of Cowboys and Culture, and there's a nice cool breeze floating through the air, there's no better place than a good patio. When in Fort Worth, anything better than a good patio is a great rooftop spot where you can take in the sights and sounds of our buzzing city. Whether you're looking for a beautiful bird's eye view of Sundance Square, TCU or the Stockyards, there's plenty of options!

Live Oak This Near Southside rooftop bar and patio on Magnolia Ave. has a fabulous view of the downtown Fort Worth skyline, 50 beers on tap, and an inventive menu of burgers, sandwiches and entrée salads that far exceeds the usual “bar food.” If you're looking for a change of pace, head downstairs for a sit-down dinner or casual concert hall which showcases marquee-name touring acts in a 500-seat superbly engineered auditorium. 

Dutch's Named after legendary TCU coach Leo “Dutch” Meyer, Dutch’s is a lively TCU-area hangout known for its all-natural, juicy-not-greasy burgers. Whether you're looking for a spot to pre-game or a casual weeknight dinner with family or friends, Dutch's patio is the place to be. Be sure to check out their weekly specials, (including 1/2 price Dutch Burger on Tuesdays) here.

Love Shack Iron Chef winner and owner Tim Love has created a gourmet burger joint featuring outdoor seating, live music, and a menu that will have you coming back for more! Love Shack has two locations, the Stockyards and the University area, but the Love Shack Stockyards offers an unforgettable view of the world-famous Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District! Grab a beer, and get a spot for the twice-daily Cattle Drive (11:30a, 4p)!

Reata Restaurant is not just famous for their down-home cowboy cuisine, but their living-room type ambiance downstairs mixed with the cocktail-party atmosphere upstairs, makes this place perfect for any occasion. Overlooking Sundance Square (and the new plaza this fall), the Reata Rooftop is one of the top Fort Worth spots to take in the city sights and enjoy cocktails with friends! Be sure to share the starter sampler for a true taste of Texas! 

Capital Bar With the additions of the Backyard and the Back House, Capital Bar is one of the top music venues in DFW in addition to having an incredible rooftop bar that offers a spectacular view of the downtown skyline on one side and the park-like Fort Worth Cultural District on the other. Before you go, check out their Summer Music Series on Wednesday nights presented by 95.9 the Ranch! 

In my opinion, there's no better gift than that of an sharing an amazing meal at one of Fort Worth's hottest brunch spots with someone you love. If you're looking for something a little less traditional to do with your mom in Fort Worth on her special day, we've come up with a few ideas for you. Nothing says Cowboys and Culture like a horseback ride along the Trinity Trails and afterwards, perusing any of the five world-class museums—all within walking distance—within Fort Worth's park-like setting of the Cultural District. Maybe your mom is an animal lover, and in that case, adopting an animal in her name from the Fort Worth Zoo, is sure to make a memorable gift. There are few moms who don't enjoy a good find, let alone in an incredible antique mall, so check out Montgomery Street Antique Mall and enjoy lunch in the Secret Garden Tearoom. If your mom just prefers (and deserves) to be pampered, you can't go wrong with a gift certificate to the Mokara Spa at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. 

If you're with me, and agree that brunch offers the best of both lunch and breakfast worlds, check out our top ten picks for Best Mother's Day Brunch in Fort Worth. Whether you choose brunch in Downtown, Near Southside or the Cultural District, there's plenty to see and do this Mother's Day! Call ahead for reservations. 

Downtown / Sundance Square 

Cantina Laredo - Mother's Day Brunch; 11a-3p.

Cast Iron - Mother's Day Brunch at the Omni Hotel; 10a-2:30

Grace - Mother's Day Brunch and Lunch; 11:30a–1:30p.

Reata Restaurant - Sunday Mother's Day Brunch; 11a-2:30p.

Near Southside

Brewed Fort Worth - Mother's Day Brunch with Free mimosas for mom; 9:30a-2:30p.

Cat City Grill - Mother's Day Brunch; 10:30a-12:30p

Ellerbe Fine Foods -  Mother's Day Brunch; 10:30a-2:00p. 

Cultural District 

Café Modern - Brunch at the Modern Art Museum;10a-3p.

Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana - Mother's Day Brunch; 10:30a-2p.

The Gardens Restaurant - Mother's Day Brunch at the Botanical Gardens; 10a-3p.

Celebrate the beauty of spring, one of the best times of the year to visit the City of Cowboys and Culture. Spring in Fort Worth is evident through the incredible 75-degree and sunny weather, blooming bluebonnets and the influx of people enjoying the Trinity Trails. Each year, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden celebrates the season with a Japanese-themed Spring Festival in the enchanting Japanese Garden. On Saturday, April 20th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, April 21st (11am-5pm), discover the beautifully-lanscaped Japanese Garden, where stone, earth, leaf and water become one amongst 7-acres of wonder.

This family-friendly festival offers entertainment for all ages including Sakura Dancers, demonstration of martial arts and the deft use of Japanese swords. Attendees can wander the wavering paths of the garden, listening to koto music and taiko drumming, participate in the tea ceremony, explore the bonsai and ikebana exhibits, indulge in reiki relaxation techniques, and shop among numerous vendors selling jewlery, artwork and gifts. Enjoy an afternoon culinary delight in the food court and shop in the gift store that features Japanese tea sets, sake sets, toys and books. Bring the kids for special children's activities including kimono dress up; Japanese storytelling; origami, calligraphy, Japanese crafts and games; temporary tattoos; Japanese fish painting; and feeding the koi fish. For more information, click here.

Admission: $6.00 for adults $3.00 for children 4-12; under 4 admitted free. 

If you're looking for something fun to do in Fort Worth when the sun goes down, all roads lead to West 7th. The West 7th nightlife offers something for everyone including a dine-in movie theater, bowling alley bar and lounge and tons of restaurants and bars offering a multitude of food and drink specials. Plan ahead, and make sure to grab a bite to eat before you hit the town. New restaurants opening soon like Waters, Bonnell's Coastal Cuisine and Kona Grill are sure to be big hits with your taste buds. In addition to a full-service restaurant and upscale sushi lounge, Kona Grill, will also include an energetic bar and lounge-a great addition to the nightlife scene atWest 7th. Looking for great happy hour specials? Check out Bar Louie and Brownstone both offering incredible specials day or night!

Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2013 Brewfest on Crockett for April 13th from 5-10pm. Save the date, and get ready for some brews, live music and West 7th fun! 

This Earth Day, (April 22, 2013) Fort Worth will be celebrating in style as the city launches the Fort Worth B-Cycle, the first-ever bike sharing system in North Texas. Texas is making environmental strides as the only state with three cities to have a bike-sharing program: San Antonio, Houston and now, the City of Cowboys and Culture. If you're not familiar, bike sharing is an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation based on the shared use of public bicycles. Run by the nonprofit organization, Fort Worth Bike Sharing, the system will feature 300 specially designed Trek bicycles available for checkout from 30 docking stations located throughout the city: from Downtown Sundance Square to the Cultural District and the Near Southside.

Memberships for the new bike share program are for sale and if you sign up before the Earth Day launch on April 22, you receive a $10 discount on an annual membership by using promo code, "earlybird." An annual membership costs $80; students, seniors and military can purchase for $65. Annual members will receive "B-cards," which enable them to more quickly checkout bikes from the bike share station. Another perk for these annual members is that they can use their B-cycle memberships in other B-cycle cities, including San Antonio, Houston, Denver and Nashville. The Earth Day event launch will include a featured send-off of approximately 300 volunteers riding the bicycles from Burnett Park to each docking station. Avid cyclist, Mayor Betsy Price and Councilman Joel Burns will be among the riders. Come on out for this special Earth Day celebration at Burnett Park on April 22-Let's Ride! 

Photo: Fort Worth Bike Sharing - Jason Lamers, Mayor Price's Chief of Staff testing out the B-Cycle

Imagine a place built around color, creativity and extreme fun! LEGO® fans - young and old - are sure to love the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center located next to Fort Worth in Grapevine Mills Mall. This is the perfect spring break destination designed to thrill the minds of children ages 3-10, where they can reach out and touch the stars in the 4D cinema, learn top LEGO® building secrets from the Master Model Builder, and discover iconic landmarks in MINILAND®.

 

Comment below by Friday, March 15 at noon to be entered to win a family four-pack of tickets!

(Up to two adults and two children; valid through Oct. 2013). Winner will be emailed on Monday, 3/18. 

Looking for something free and inspirational to do this Spring Break in Fort Worth? Look no further than the Fort Worth Cultural District, where the Amon Carter Museum of American Art presents Big Pictures, a culmination of nearly 50 works inspired by photographers thinking "big". On view through April 21st, the exhibition explores the impact of scale and the history of how thinking large has developed over the past 100 years. Expanding the image (no matter how simple) allows us as viewers to slow down and notice the details, which is a nice life lesson in general. For example, one of the photos in the first room, Landscape by Kathy Sherman Suder (b. 1959) conveys a boxer; however, the image's scale allows us to look deeper and pay attention to the form of his muscles, the sweat, and the direction of movement rather than just the image as a whole. 

Divided into five sections, loosely chronological in order, Big Pictures conveys grandeur style in looking at how photographers use size to affect the audience in different ways, many times by breaking the boundaries and thus, prolonging the gaze. Many have believed that large photographic prints are a recent phenomenon in photography; but interestingly enough, this exhibition reveals otherwise. In fact, the drive to create ever larger images has intrigued and motivated photographers from the medium’s earliest years. Don't miss this incredible exhibition at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art!  

 

Over 5,000 art teachers will be in Fort Worth this Friday and Saturday, (March 8-9, 2013), for the National Art Educators Conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Downtown Fort Worth. Last year, the conference was held in New York City, so it is a great opportunity for Fort Worth and the arts programs we offer. 

On March 9, the Fort Worth Near Southside is offering a free festival for these art educators in conjunction with the conference, and are encouraging the Fort Worth community to come out and attend. The open street pet and family-friendly festival will feature a variety of non-profit groups and working artists that use art as a means to help our community thrive. Six blocks of closed streets lined with artists tents and "Make and Do" tents make up this incredible family event open to children of all ages. Activities include creating art and learning how art can benefit the community. Items from students and established artists alike will have items for sale, ranging from all price points. 

Want to learn more? Become inspired and start believing.

 

Check out this free Fort Worth activity during spring break at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where over half of the nation's currency is produced! From Tuesday, March 12 – Friday, March 15, 2013, enjoy two floors of interactive exhibits and displays showcasing the history of currency and the intricacies of the printing process. During your free self-guided tour (last tour at 4:30 p.m.), you can actually see billions of dollars being printed as you walk along an enclosed elevated walkway suspended over the production floor! It is an amazing sight to see, and kid of all ages will love this discovery! The tour experience also includes a high-definition theater film, the Moneyfactory Gift Shop, and a vending and rest area.

During the employee craft demonstrations, experience both floors of activities. On the first floor, witness Intaglio engraving artisanship at the engraver’s workbench, educational activities in the Kid’s Corral and see how currency was printed circa 1900 at the refurbished spider press (image below). Second floor activities include plate making for offset printing presses, see mutilated currency reconstructed piece-by-piece, and learn how Intaglio printing plates are “grown” in a nickel solution. For more information about this Spring Break event, click here.

For more Texas-sized fun to see and do this Spring Break, visit FortWorth.com/Spring-Break!

Photo Courtesy: Bureau of Engraving and Printing

It's no secret that we’re not all barbeque and Tex-Mex in Fort Worth. In addition to succulent steaks, righteous ribs, farm-to-table dining, and mouth-watering Mexican fare, you’ll find world-class flavors from around the globe, including sophisticated Italian dining and exotic Asian cuisine. In fact, some of the greatest culinary artists, Jon Bonnell, Tim Love and Lanny Lancarte call the City of Cowboys and Culture home. As the culinary scene in Fort Worth continues to rise, there's no better time to share Fort Worth's finest and no better way to celebrate the thriving culinary scene than Fort Worth's first annual Food + Wine Festival next spring: March 27-30, 2014!

Be sure to save the date, as you don't want to miss this celebration of the Fort Worth food culture!

 

They've found popularity among cycling cities such as Portland and Austin, but now Fort Worth has its very own Cycle Pub! Cowtown Cycling Party is a blast and one of the most fun (and active) ways to explore Downtown Fort Worth. We tried it firsthand and agree, it's perfect for any group activity from birthday parties, fund raisers, promotions, team building-up to 15 people. Completely powered by you and your friends pedaling, the Cycle Party provides a great work out while having fun and seeing the sights of Downtown cowtown. What makes it a party you ask? Cowtown Cycling Party is a BYOB Cycling Pub; you can even bring your own cooler or home-brew keg of beer! 

• Riders must be 14 years of age or older 
• You must book your tour at least 48 hours in advance: Standard tour start times Monday-Saturday are 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm, 5:30pm and 8pm. Sunday start times are Noon, 2:30pm, 5:00pm & 7:30pm. 
• Wear layered clothing as you may work up a sweat. No flip-flops; you will want shoes that stay on!
• Alcohol is BYOB – canned beer, boxed wine, pouches, pony kegs and home-brew kegs. No glass, hard liquor or half-barrel kegs.

There's no doubt, Fort Worth has romance in the air. Just take a walk through Downtown Sundance Square and the tree lit sidewalks mixed with the historic atmosphere, will create the perfect setting for your Valentine's date night. Fort Worth offers plenty of Downtown dining options where you can dress it up at Mercury Chophouse, Del Frisco's or Ruth Chris and dress it down at Riscky's or Frankie's Sports Bar. 

If you're looking for an ideal Valentine's date night in Downtown Fort Worth, we recommend appetizers and drinks at Reata Restaurant in Sundance Square. If it's a nice evening, try to get a spot on the recently renovated rooftop patio. Walk down Main Street for a dining experience like no other at Grace Restaurant where award-winning Chef Blaine Staniford creates Modern American Classics like bacon wrapped scallops.

The highlight of your evening will take place at one of the most romantic spots in Downtown, Bass Performance Hall where Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Broadway at the Bass: Memphis (February 12-17, 2013). Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Memphis is a show-stopping, thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love with explosive dancing and irresistible songs. After the show, indulge in a gourmet cupcake at The Cupcakery or step into Scat Jazz Lounge, for live music and a nightcap.

Share your Fort Worth love this Valentine's Day, and you could win two tickets to see Memphis on February 14 plus a $20 gift card to Grace Restaurant! To enter, upload a photo of something you love about Fort Worth or a loved one, using the tag #LoveFortWorth. For more contest info, visit FortWorth.com/Love. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Instagram and Facebook on Monday February 11 at 2pm. 

Fort Worth offers plenty of options for 2013 Super Bowl watching-parties to cheer on your favorite team! Here's our Top 3 picks for Sunday, February 3:

Frankie's Sports Bar in Sundance Square is making things easy with an all-inclusive Super Party. Guests will receive an unlimited food from a select menu, six drinks, and a "swag bag" full of party favors and gifts for $50/person. Plus, there will be chances to win more prizes with a raffle each quarter.

Reservoir, just off of Seventh Street, is one of the newest hangouts in Fort Worth and offers a non-traditional sports bar atmosphere but includes all the sports amenities a fan could need: drink specials, 38 HD screens and a projection TV on Super Bowl Sunday. Try some of their specialties on the menu including chicken and waffles or slow-roasted pork ribs.

BoomerJack's Grill & Bar located in Montgomery Plaza is known for accommodating big game specials, and for the 2013 Super Bowl, they do not disappoint.  Each location in the metroplex is offering 59-cent wings and $3 You Call It (Crown and Down) this Sunday.

If football isn't your thing, check out the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo this Sunday where you can catch everything from the "World's Original Indoor Rodeo™" to the Regional Red Angus Cattle Show and enjoy tons of carnival rides at the Midway!

This weekend, enjoy one of the most beloved films of all time backed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and travel to the wonderful world of Oz with Oz with Orchestra, sure to be a magical multimedia production! Experience The Wizard of Oz with a whole new treat for the senses as you watch the restored film on the big screen in the beautiful Bass Performance Hall and listen to Judy Garland's original 1939 studio recordings with live orchestration from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. This is sure to be a treat for children of all ages, but adults alike who hold that special place in their heart for Oz. You can catch the performances Friday, January 25 at 8:00 PM, Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 PM in Bass Performance Hall.  Click here to purchase your tickets (range from $27-$79). 

In just a few days, on January 19, 2012, there is a show at the intimate Casa Manana Theatre that is sure to have you dancing, rocking and singing along.  Fort Worth’s own Josh Weather’s Band, the best thing you might not yet know about, and the legendary Eddie Money are teaming up to put on the show you’ll be talking about for the rest of the year.

The Casa Manana Theatre is a terrific place for a show and delivers on all of the important details you would want. It is a small, intimate venue without a bad seat in the house. You want to make sure you get there early to see the opening act, Josh Weather’s Band. They are known for their big soul-infused rock sound with even bigger energy that will have you humming for days and ready to download their music on iTunes as soon as you get home.   

After Weather’s concludes rocking it, Eddie Money, one of the best entertainers and musicians you’ll ever experience, will perform live. He will be thrilling the crowd with some of his classic rock hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Think I’m in Love,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” etc., while also showcasing his unbelievable talent playing the saxophone.

So, let Josh Weathers welcome you and have Eddie Money make you “Wanna Go Back” in this can’t miss show to really kick start your 2013. Get your tickets today!

 

While walking along Magnolia Avenue to one of my favorite Near Southside eateries, I had the most wonderful surprise of stumbling across the new Magnolia Cheese Company. I decided it was fate that I was to eat lunch there instead of my usual spot.This open and inviting space is home to a cut-to-order artisan cheese shop, boutique market and cafe with a full menu of sandwhiches and salads, fresh to order for lunch or dinner. You can try local and regional cheeses to take home or enjoy with a glass of wine with friends. They're open Tuesday - Thursday: 11am-9pm; Friday - Saturday: 11am-10pm and Sunday: 11am-6pm. With friendly service and cozy atmosphere of mismatched antique furniture and hues of blue and yellow, Magnolia Cheese Co. is the perfect addition to Magnolia Avenue and we look forward to coming back again and again. 

What we tried: the Veggie Love Sandwhich: hummus de jour, avocado, cukes, sherry glazed mushrooms and sprouts on a 5 grain bread. It is fresh deliciousness. And this hardly needs to be said, but don't skip on the cheesecake! 

 

The decorations are hung and the gifts are wrapped, but what about the food? If you're in Fort Worth this holiday season and prefer to dine out rather than in, we're here to help! We've gathered a list of Fort Worth restaurants open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do you know of a restaurant that is open on either of these days but not on the list? Be sure to comment below!

Restaurant	Christmas Eve	Christmas Day
Cooper's BQ	part day	closed
Cattleman's	closed	closed
Billy Bob's	part day	closed
El Rancho Grande	part day	closed
Capital Grill	open	closed
Cowtown Diner	open	open
Del Frisco's	open	closed
Ferre	open	closed
Mi Cocina	closed	closed
Reata	open	closed
Ruth Chris	open	closed
Texas de Brazil	open	closed
Pappadeux Seafood	open	closed
Silver Fox	open	closed
Eddie V's	open	open
The Keg	open	open
Worthington Hotel	open	open
Omni Hotel Cast Iron	open	open
Mercury Chophouse	open	open
Mexican Inn	closed	closed
Oliver's	open; closing early	closed
PF Chang	open	closed
Ashton 610 Grill	open	open; reservations required
Taverna	open	closed

 

Show your support for the great men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces at the 10th anniversary Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl as the Air Force Falcons take on the Rice Owls at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 29th! Click Here to purchase your tickets!

Enjoy an action-packed weekend of football, pageantry and much more! Rev up for the game Friday, December 28th at the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Pep Rally at the Flying Saucer from 6-7pm (free). On game day, check out the Armed Forces Adventure area and enjoy a free pregame concert by Good Question Band and postgame concert by Le Freak.

This truly is more than a just a bowl game. All five branches of the service are prevalent throughout the game and each quarter honors a different service branch. Pregame ceremonies include flyovers and skydivers, joint military color guard, 36th Infantry Division band and Texas State Guard flag bearers. 

  

The Forest Park Miniature Railroad is one of Fort Worth's many kid-friendly gems. Located next to the Fort Worth Zoo off Colonial Parkway in Forest Park, the main train depot (there are two) provides a great attraction for kids and always a great add-on activity from a day at Trinity Park, Fort Worth Zoo, Log Cabin Village or the Cultural District Museums. 

The five-mile route (35-45 minutes round trip) takes you from Forest Park to the Duck Pond in Trinity Park and back with one stop at the Trinity Park Depot where passengers may board the train if seats are available. Whether your child expresses interest in trains or not, this is a wonderful way to see Fort Worth as the train crosses six bridges over the Trinity River.

This winter, the train runs Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays: 11am - 4:30pm; weather permitting. Plan ahead by calling before your visit to ensure they are open: 817-336-3328. The Miniature Railroad accepts cash only, but is an inexpensive attraction that offers a whole lot of fun! For adults (13+), tickets are $4.00. Tickets for children (1-12; any child under one can ride on their parents ticket) and Seniors (65+) are $3.50. For more family fun attractions and things to do in Fort Worth, click here.