07.04.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

55º | Mostly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:32 a.m. | Sunset 5:36 p.m.

We asked, you answered

The unwritten rules of Fort Worth

Here are the unspoken tips to living in Fort Worth | Photo by @lantzscape_photos

Whether you’re a Cowtown native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Fort Worthian understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share Fort Worth’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Fort Worth, these might be a little difficult to explain.

The unspoken rules seemingly everyone knows

“Your ‘nice jeans’ are perfectly fitting attire for almost any nice restaurant.”

“Never pay for parking in the Stockyards. Sign up for the Stockyards Heritage Club to receive a monthly code for free parking in the Stockyards.”

“You can play by the Trinity — maybe even float in it — but you don’t swim in it. You may grow a tail.”

We’re kind to our neighbors

“Yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir are used when talking to just about everyone.”

“It is perfectly normal to have a conversation with a total stranger in the grocery store aisle, at the gas pump, or waiting for a table at a restaurant because Fort Worthians are friendly.”

Commuting and Parking

“Take Trinity Metro to DFW Airport to save money on parking and tolls.”

“Wave in the rearview mirror if someone kindly lets you into their lane.”

“Avoid I-35 at all costs during any high-traffic periods. Maybe add 287 to that list too.”

“The easiest downtown parking spots to find are near Montessori at Sundance Square.”

Food + drink

“When locals go to the Stockyards, they are usually not along East Exchange Avenue.”

“The brewery scene has become very dense, but most people’s favorite brewery is the one closest to their house.”

“Ask a local about the MoonTower, and he/she will fondly recall it.”

“The most affordable place in the 820 Loop still might be The Tub, outside of downtown across from Martin House.”

Sports

“If you’re going to live here, even if you came from another university, you need to own at least one purple piece of attire.”

“A diehard Frog fan is maybe not someone to invite to a quaint fall gathering.”

“There are three certain things in life: death, taxes, and the Cowboys letting you down after a good regular season.”

“TCU should be considered a baseball school, or really a rifle school, more than a football school.”

“Google ‘Texas Wesleyan table tennis’ to casually drop into conversations when you’re out.”

We turned to Instagram and let you all weigh in. Here’s some of what you added:

Our relationship with Dallas

“Don’t call it Dallas.” — @mitchellrmartin

“These celebrities who come to town call it Dallas Fort Worth and we gotta cut it out.” — @syzgy

The cowboy culture

“Most of the cowboys aren’t real.” — @lalalillies

“No need for cowboy cosplay when you visit.” — @panther.city.roller

Avoiding crowds

“Avoid the line at Joe T’s by simply eating inside.” — @hilltopcoop

Speaking like a local

“The streets are pronounced Boo-wee, not Boh-wee; Hyew-len, not Hullen; Lankister, not Lan-cast-er. Also, it doesn’t matter what the compass says, you’re either on 820 West or 820 East, never North or South.” — @jpettigrew_79

The Zoo

“Never go to the Zoo on a Wednesday.” — @kimbellrealestate (Note: Zoo is half-priced on Wednesdays.)

“Get to the Zoo before opening. Also, avoid East Exchange Avenue during the day in the summer.” — @thebenseger

And one to grow on

“Those butter sculptures at the State Fair are not for eating.” — @kathymulch

Events

Tuesday, July 4

Fort Worth’s Fourth | Tuesday, July 4 | 5 p.m. | Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth | Free | Grab an inner tube to float in the Trinity River during the largest fireworks show in North Texas.
Red, White & BTX | Tuesday, July 4 | 5-10 p.m. | Chisenhall Fields, 500 W. Hidden Creek Parkway, Burleson | Free | Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring food trucks, a free concert, and a fireworks show.
Sparks & Stripes: Independence Day Concert and Fireworks | Tuesday, July 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Levy Events Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving | Free | Bring friends and family for a fireworks and drone show, live music, and kid-friendly entertainment.

Wednesday, July 5

Weird Wednesday | Wednesday, July 5 | 5-10:30 p.m. | Southside Preservation Hall and Rose Chapel, 1519 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth | Donations encouraged | BYOB, shop the night market, and settle in for a secret screening of an Andy Sidaris film.

Thursday, July 6

Miniature Making | Thursday, July 6 | Thomas Place Community Center, 4237 Lafayette Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Community members ages 55+ are invited to socialize and enjoy making miniature models come to life.

Friday, July 7

First Fri-YAY | Friday, July 7 | All day | Fort Worth Bike Sharing Stations | Free | Explore the city on wheels with a free bike rental courtesy of Fort Worth Bike Sharing and the Blue Zones Project — use promo code 92020APP.
I Love The 90’s Tour | Friday, July 7 | 7:30 p.m. | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving | $23-$69 | The tour features performances by a revolving line-up of iconic 90s artists including Vanilla Ice, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc, and Rob Base.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

🍹 Give it up for this (zero-proof) marg

Add a splash of mango or passion fruit juice to your margarita for an added tropical punch. | Photo via Ritual Zero Proof

Your new favorite summer cocktail? An alcohol-free marg made with Ritual Zero Proof tequila. The best part? It’s hangover-free.

Virgin all day margarita

Ingredients:

2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Lime slice

Directions:
Shake all ingredients (except lime slice) in a shaker with ice. Pour into a cocktail glass with ice and garnish with a lime slice.

More recipes

News Notes

Open

The upscale Asian fusion eatery Musume is now open inside the brand-new Sandman Signature Hotel. The downtown restaurant is currently open for lunch and dinner, with breakfast service starting tomorrow. Menu items include sushi, table-side ramen, and dessert. Take a look inside.

Development

The T&P Warehouse will need about $2 million in repairs to maintain the historic building’s structure, with a new report by the Fort Worth Local Development Corporation citing several issues throughout the building. City officials said they would work with the property owner to complete the necessary repairs. (Fort Worth Report)

Travel

Expect crowds if you’re flying out of DFW Airport today or tomorrow. The airport said it’s expecting the busiest Fourth of July travel period ever, with more than 1.4 million passengers over the holiday weekend. It’s recommended that travelers get to the airport at least two hours early to find parking and get through security.

Community

The parking options have changed at Fort Worth Coffee Co. on Camp Bowie. Parking is now available in the front and back of Wag, following the closure of The Original Mexican Eats Café, which owned the original parking lot adjacent to the coffee shop.

Learn

Texas A&M AgriLife will host a Junior Master Gardener program on Thursday, July 20 for teachers. The on-site class will combine academic achievement, gardening, fresh vegetable exposure, and school + family engagement. The $50 program will be held at the Tarrant County Plaza Building.

Outdoors

There are new members of the flock at the Fort Worth Zoo’s Flamingo Bay. The zoo is celebrating the hatching of two Caribbean flamingo chicks, with more to come. Pro tip: See the new additions + enjoy half-price admission on Wednesdays.

Sports

⚾ Take me out to the ball game

Summer baseball forecast

Maybe you’ll even catch a foul ball. | Photo by @FTWtoday

It’s the Fourth of July, which means it’s time for the three Bs: brats, beer, and baseball. This summer’s season is packed full of games and events.

From pregame happy hours to baseball card giveaways, the summer is just heating up for the Rangers.

About the team

The Texas Rangers date back to 1961 as the Washington (D.C.) Senators. They weren’t known as the Rangers until 1972 when the team moved to Arlington. Nowadays, the team plays at Globe Life Field. Did you know? Globe Life’s field is astroturfed, making the Rangers one of only five major league teams to play on artificial grass.

Upcoming games

On Tuesday, July 4, we hit the road to take on the Red Sox at 12:35 p.m. Watch the game at MLB.TV.

Check out the rest of the schedule.

Play ball

Share FTWtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_11}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rebecca

From the editor

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Fourth of July. Here’s a friendly reminder that most city offices, including City Hall, will be closed today for the Independence Day holiday. Emergency services will be available as usual.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY