Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas | Photo by Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas
Lucky you. You just found FTWtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events that are taking place around Cowtown each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, and text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading to in April.
38th Annual MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival | Thursday, April 10-Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | Downtown Fort Worth | Free | Peruse 18 square blocks of art from paintings to sculptures to metalworks in one of Texas’ largest art festivals.
Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival 2025 | Saturday, April 12 | 12-10 p.m. | Fort Worth Stockyards | $55+ | Chow down on barbecue samples while jamming to tunes from Treaty Oak Revival, 49 Winchester, Braxton Keith, and more.
NCAA Womens Gymnastics Championships | Thursday, April 17-Saturday, April 19 | Dickies Arena | $14+ | Watch the best collegiate athletes flip, balance, and soar in the tournament’s eighth year in Fort Worth.
Texas Rangers | 7:05 p.m. | Globe Life Field, Arlington | $33+ | The Rangers will take to the plate against the Boston Red Sox during opening weekend.
“Clue” | Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Bass Performance Hall | $44 | The classic Hasbro board game transforms into a stage play in this touring Broadway production.
Saturday, March 29
Spring Gallery Night | 12 p.m. | Multiple locations | Free | Join the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association to tour galleries, museums, businesses, and local restaurants and see artwork from local, regional, and international artists.
Arlington Renegades | 3 p.m. | Choctaw Stadium, Arlington | $18+ | The UFL football season kicks off with the home opener against the San Antonio Brahmas.
Ramon Ayala | 8:30 p.m. | Dickies Arena | $55+ | The “King of the Accordion” is bringing his “Historia De Un Final” tour to Fort Worth.
Sunday, March 30
Stephen Wilson Jr. | 9 p.m. | Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall | $25+ | Jam out to the “SØN OF DAD TOUR 2025" at the Stockyard’s newest music venue.
Sunday Family Tour | 2 p.m. | The Modern | $5+ | Meet the docent at the information desk for a tour of key works and a fun family activity.
Want to learn something new... from the comfort of your own bed? Try visiting the Museum of All Things, a new virtual museum generated from Wikipedia with exhibits on millions of topics. When the scrolling gets old and you need some real-world interaction, head to Cowtown’s IRL museums.
Ranked
In case you missed it, the US ranked No. 24 on the 2025 World Happiness Report. According to the report, sharing meals can positively impact our happiness — “on par with the influence of income and unemployment.” Make it an extra happy meal by sharing one at a new restaurant.
Stat
42%. That’s the average price increase for a meal at a chain restaurant over the past five years. While inflation is inevitable, you can spend your dollars supporting local flavors by checking out brunch spots around Fort Worth. (FinanceBuzz)
Plan Ahead
Don’t forget: The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on Wednesday, May 7. You’ll need the REAL ID (or a different federally approved identification, such as a passport) if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities. Here’s how and where to get one locally.
Travel
The opposite of sticker shock? Going’s free travel membership, which alerts you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. You’re welcome.*
Job
Your business’s hiring ad could be here reaching thousands of our daily readers. Ready to find your ideal candidate? Post your first listing on our community job board for free + level it up with a Featured Job Post.
Biz
Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.
City Guide
City Guide
☀️ Sun’s out, (cinnamon) buns out
Something great is brewing at South Main Micro Park. | Photo by @deezybgrillin
City Editor Kate, here — it’s officially coffee-on-the-patio season, which means that you can find me enjoying a cup of joe and a pastry at one of these five local cafes with outdoor seating.
Cherry Coffee Shop | Sip on 15+ menu options ranging from drip coffee and matcha lattes to an assortment of teas and pastries.
Café x José | This food truck in the South Main Micro Park is open on weekends and serves coffee and espresso drinks in addition to brunch dishes that incorporate Mexican flavors.
Ascension Coffee | Try one of each with the seasonal cortado flights and classic coffee options.
Roy Pope Grocery | Locals have loved this one-stop shop since 1943. Enjoy an iced latte at the cafe while you peruse the mini neighborhood mart.
Marché Bleu | Stop by for a coffee, a bottle of wine, or to-go snacks at this French-themed cafe and market.
Hey y’all — after three years of bringing you local news about Fort Worth, it’s time for me to wrap it up. While I may be moving on to some very exciting things — a new last name, address, and uniform that includes elbow patches and a laser pointer — I’m quite sad to be leaving your inbox. Fort Worth and FTWtoday will always be home to me. Stay funky, Funkytown.
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