08.03.2023

Today’s Forecast

108º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 8:21 p.m.

The newest place to kick back and relax

Willow Park North’s new entertainment destination: The District

Willow Park is the second largest city in Parker County. | Rendering courtesy of Wilks Development

There’s a new entertainment destination getting ready to open in Willow Park North — a neighborhood in Parker County about ~25 minutes west of Fort Worth.

The District is the third phase of a master-planned community from Wilks Development off I-20 next to the Clearfork River. The neighborhood features parks, trails, 45 acres of green space, and will soon be an entertainment hotspot for live music and high-end restaurants.

With the entertainment destination expected to open Labor Day Weekend, we’re diving into what guests can expect in the bustling new neighborhood.

FTW-The District — The neighborhood features 45 acres of green space. | Rendering courtesy of Wilks Development

🎵 Entertainment

North Texas is known for fostering major musical talents — including artists like Selena Gomez, Kelly Clarkson, and Post Malone — and The District hopes to become another Music-Friendly Community.

In May, boot maker Lucchese signed on to sponsor a music stage within a 1,500-2,000 seat amphitheater. The Lucchese Stage will bring concert-quality sound, lights, and a 20-ft LED wall.

Wilks Development expects entertainment to kick off in September with live music, karaoke, trivia, and sports games on the big screen. If you’re a local singer or band interested in setting the stage, contact The District to learn more about future bookings.

FTW-The District at Willow Park North — Guests can look forward to high-end restaurants. | Rendering courtesy of Wilks Development

🍽️ High-end dining

The District Butcher will be the neighborhood’s first restaurant created by longtime cattle ranchers Jimmie and Kim Cummings, and chef Travis Holder, who has worked in meat plants across Texas. The restaurant will serve high-end meats sourced from Cummings Ranch in Gatesville, along with ready-to-go meals, catering, and cooking classes.

Once phase three is complete, the neighborhood will feature two-story restaurant spaces with nearly 360° views of the outdoor amphitheater.

🏠 Luxury living

Last year, Willow Park North completed its residential community with 208 apartments, 195 single-family homes, and 110 townhomes conveniently located within walking distance of The Shops at Willow Park and The District.

Events

Thursday, Aug. 3

Public Meeting for Gateway Park | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 6 p.m. | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth | Free | The city’s Park and Recreation Department will conduct a public meeting to gather input for the Gateway Park Master Plan.

Friday, Aug. 4

“Weathering with You” | Friday, Aug. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | The Modern, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth | $7-$10 | The anime film follows a teenage runaway who has fled to a future Tokyo where climate change threatens the city with near-constant rain and flooding.

Saturday, Aug. 5

Arlington ISD Back To School Kickoff | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington | Free | The back-to-school fair will have free school supplies, dental + health screenings, and haircuts for students.
Community Yoga | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 9-10 a.m. | Keller Farmers Market, 400 Bear Creek Pkwy., Keller | Free | Enjoy a relaxing yoga flow, then browse the market for fresh produce and artisan goods.
Adapted Luau | Saturday, Aug. 5 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Marine Park Pool, 303 NW 20th St., Fort Worth | Free | Enjoy an evening of swimming, water activities, food trucks, and sensory-friendly games at the first annual luau.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

Don’t miss the latest chapter of Thompson’s Bookstore

Try This: Don’t miss the latest chapter of Thompson’s Bookstore

Presented by a FTWtoday Partner

Photo of a library-themed bar with plush lounge furniture and a wall of alcohol bottles.

The old fashioned, library-themed bar is located in the former Hell’s Half Acre and has new finishes and details. | Photo by FTWtoday

City Editor Kate here. I stopped by the newly renovated Thompson’s Bookstore for a sneak peek of the downtown bar — and y’all don’t want to miss this.

Falling back on the history of Hell’s Half Acre, the establishment that was once a bookstore and pharmacy is once again a place for books and medicine — except the reading material is a cocktail menu, and the medicine is top-shelf bourbon.

The fan-favorite bar at 900 Houston St. reopened at the end of July, expanding its cozy interiors to include an underground speakeasy, light-filled event space, and luxurious cigar lounge that hold 65-70 people each.

What we tried:

Each space has its own signature drinks. You can’t go wrong with a “100 Years of Solitude” (made with bourbon and a blow torch) from the bestseller menu or the summery, Sangria-like “The Blood of Flowers.”

Go to the next chapter

News Notes

Opening

The Cultural District’s Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection is now taking reservations for stays beginning in December. According to its booking site, reservations are available starting Friday, Dec. 1. The four-story hotel features 106 rooms, a lobby bar, a barn-inspired spa, and an outdoor pool.

Coming Soon

It’s official — Portillo’s confirmed its expansion to Fort Worth with a location near Alliance Town Center. In May, we reported that Portillo’s applied for a building permit with construction expected to start sometime this month. It will feature a garage-style design, a drive-thru, and an outdoor patio.

Film

EarthXFilm will host an evening of film, music, and discussion at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis Theater on Friday, Sept. 8. “A Party for the Planet” will include a performance from Fort Worth artist Abraham Alexander, three short films, and a conversation with EarthX Film’s Laura Shaunette. Tickets start at $40.

Award

Collin Zreet, the co-founder of Funky Picnic Brewery, is now part of an exclusive beer club. Collin passed the Advanced Cicerone exam, a certification recognizing professional expertise in beer, making him one of eight in Texas to receive the honor. Read more about his amazing accomplishment. (D Magazine)

Watch

Elizabeth Rowe, the owner of The London Baker in Lewisville, is on Netflix’s newest season of “Is It Cake?” We won’t give away any spoilers, but the show features bakers who try to fool the judges by making the most realistic cake creations. Stop by the bakery at 4440 State Hwy. 121.

Cause

Hao’s Grocery & Café will host a Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, Aug. 6 in partnership with The Welman Project. Guests can make a donation to The Welman Project for school supplies for teachers + get a free beer. Hao’s will also be serving banh mi hot dogs.

Ranked

No. 5. That’s what DFW ranked for the number of coworking spaces in the US with 231. Researchers at CoworkingCafe looked at data from June that shows availability in the 25 largest markets, as well as their size and distribution. Use our guide to find a coworking space near you.

Edu

📝 A wish to clear the list

Help local teachers stock their classrooms with school supplies

The outside of Campbell Elementary School.

It’s back-to-school season — learn more about your local districts. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

With the new school year right around the corner, we put a call out in our newsletter last week asking teachers for their school supply wishlists. Here’s how can help:

Christine Grimm | Comanche Springs Elementary

“This teacher is new to the area and starting her second year as a 4th-grade teacher but has taught for 15 years.”
Wishlist

Cynthia Copeland and Delayne Rodrick | Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary

“An amazing second-grade mother-daughter team.”
Wishlist

Kylie Gathright | W. A. Porter Elementary

“This former Aggie begins her second year teaching 4th grade with enthusiasm and creative plans. Plus, she’s my granddaughter!”
Wishlist

Gina Morris | Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary

“A veteran elementary teacher who taught my baby.”
Wishlist

If you’re still looking for supplies, the Goodwill Outlet at 2452 Mansfield Hwy. will have a surplus sale on Saturday, August 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Items will be sold for .99 cents per pound to teachers with valid ID.

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

It’s hard to believe that football season is nearly here. The Dallas Cowboys will be back in action at AT&T Stadium for a pre-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, Aug. 12. Tickets for the lower level start at ~$36.

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