Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. Today we’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line. Bonus points for including the type of device and software/platform you’re reading our newsletter on.
🎂 Make a wish
An event we’ve loved covering every year since launch day? MAIN ST. Arts Fest. | Photo via Geno Loro
Happy birthday to us. Three years ago, FTWtoday officially launched. Since then, we’ve been sharing Cowtown’s news updates, city history, local guides, and more with you every morning.
Stroll with us down memory lane to look back at a few of our top and favorite stories over the past three years.
Top stories
The very first time we appeared in your inbox, it was to welcome our earliest subscribers. In the inaugural newsletter, we promised to share need-to-know Cowtown information, from development updates to restaurant recommendations. Some things never change.
It’s no secret that we’re some of Cowtown’s biggest fans, but there are certain topics that we just can’t wait to cover each year. Take a look at some of our favorite annual events to write about:
Thanks for waking up with us every morning, Fort Worth. We’ve loved every minute.
Events
Events
Friday, Oct. 18
Everyday Ghost Hunter | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Benbrook Public Library, Benbrook | Free | Join TV ghost hunter Becky Vickers for an evening of ghost stories, unexplained photos, and more.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Monument’s Fall Festival at the Ballpark | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 1-5 p.m. | Globe Life Field, Arlington | $32 | This fall fest will feature batting practice for kids with Ranger alumni, games, food, and drinks.
Flying Saucer OktoberFest | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 2-6 p.m. | Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | $35+ | Explore beer tappings from around the globe, dine on bratwurst and pretzels, and enjoy live music.
Fort Worth Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 4-11 p.m. | BAR 2909 | $13+ | Put on your costume and head to multiple venues for a Halloween bar crawl.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Parent & Child: Make & Take Classic Cookies | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 12-2 p.m. | Central Market Fort Worth | $85 | Make shortbread, sugar, and chocolate peanut butter cookies alongside your kiddo.
Flip Phone: “Hocus Pocus” Drag Brunch | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 2 p.m. | Arlington Improv, Arlington | $20+ | Come out to this drag brunch that’s a tribute to the classic Halloween film — this event is for ages 18+.
🏘️ Inside Parker County’s newest live-work-play community
Presented by Willow Park North
Did we mention Willow Park is in the top-ranked Aledo Independent School District? | Photos provided by Wilks Development; GIF created by FTWtoday
Gone are the days of compromising on your dream neighborhood, Fort Worth.
Located just 15 minutes from Cowtown, Willow Park North is a master-planned community chock-full of charm in one of the state’s fastest-growing counties.
Whether you’re in the mood for a live performance at the open-air amphitheater or searching for top-rated shopping and dining options, the community has no shortage of activities.
Pro tip: Head to The District, aka the restaurant and entertainment hub, to grab a bite from The District Butcher or Melt Ice Creams.
Afterward, swing by The Shops for a little retail therapy at spots like Cary’s Lane and Lone Star Dry Goods.
Elevated living options
The best part? You can make it your home. Explore single- and multi-family homes with expansive green space along the Clearfork of the Trinity River.
Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 21. To make this election as easy as possible, we’ve curated need-to-know information about how and where to vote, along with what to expect on the ballot.
Trending
Could Goldee’s BBQ receive a Michelin star? The local restaurant — which has already garnered accolades from Texas Monthly and Food & Wine magazine — was invited to the Michelin Guide announcement that will take place in Houston on Monday, Nov. 11. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Open
A new type of Sam’s Club is now open in Grapevine. After the city’s Sam’s Club closed in 2022 due to tornado damage, Walmart is reopening the store as a high-tech, all digital version without checkout lanes. To shop, you’ll use an app to ring up purchases. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Sports
Dallas Wings’ guard Arike Ogunbowale was named to the All-WNBA Second Team for the second time. Ogunbowale led the league in steals per game, free-throw percentage, and minutes played this season. (WFAA)
Development
The new owner of Burnett Plaza — Fort Worth’s tallest tower at 40 stories — has spent $2.3 million on improvements to the building thus far. The owner said he also plans to renovate the lobby, add a fitness center, and potentially create a speculative office suite. (Dallas Business Journal)
Outdoors
It’s time to turn your lights out, Fort Worth. The city is bringing back its “Lights Out” initiative as hundreds of millions of birds migrate through the state. From11 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Saturday, Nov. 30, Texans are encouraged to turn off nonessential lights to help protect the birds.
Seasonal
What are the top trending Halloween costumes across the metroplex this year? According to a new tool by Google, Ghostbusters + Moana are some of the top area costume searches. Draculaura, Little Bo Peep, and Shrek round out the top five. (FOX 4)
Try This
WFAA’s Paul B. Livengood II shares that the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium will serve as a polling location on Election Day. Learn how you can vote there.
Listen
Want to keep up with all of the games taking place this weekend, from the Horned Frogs to the Dallas Stars? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of DFW Sports with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Did you know? By joining the Thompson’s Bookstore email list you gain access to exclusive speakeasy updates. Psst… We’ll let you in on another secret: It’s free to join.*
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Drink
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Category
Outdoors
Wide open spaces
The city will spend roughly $1.6 million on the expansion. | Photo via City of Fort Worth
The city will purchase nearly 59 acres of open land in southwest Fort Worth. Forty of those acres are set to become an expansion of Rock Creek Ranch Park near Benbrook Lake.
This is the second time the city is expanding Rock Creek Ranch Park. The first took place in 2022, adding 22 acres to the outdoor space.
The newest expansion will put the park at ~355 acres — that’s the size of over 250 average football fields.
The purchase is part of Fort Worth’s Open Space Conservation Program, with a goal toconserve high-quality natural areas + provide environmental benefits and recreational opportunities within the city.
Does all this park news have you eager to get outside as the weather cools down? Check out our hiking guide for a list of spots to get outdoors + active, or peruse 25 other local parks.
The Buy
The Buy
These best-selling flameless floating candles. Transform your living room or entryway with a touch of October magic, thanks to these candles that appear to be floating in midair.
We couldn’t keep all the birthday fun to ourselves. Most folks know that chains like Starbucks will give you free treats on your birthday, but some local spots do, too. We’ve heard that Ginger Brown’s will give you a free meal if you show your ID + Black Bear Diner will provide a free bday breakfast if you sign up for its E-Club.
Answered
Answered
How readers are getting to ArtsGoggle
According to our survey from earlier this week, most of you will be heading to ArtsGoggle this weekend via your own car. Check out these parking tips from other readers:
“Free parking garage (392 spaces) at 1201 Alston Ave.”
"[I’m] going early and just getting a coffee till it opens.”
