This central hub of the mall was once bustling with people. | Photo by Glubin39 via Wikimedia Commons
Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Fort Worth is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.
Ridgmar Mall was once in its heydey. Though it’s still catering to shoppers today, Fort Worthians may remember when the ~1.3 million-sqft mall was home to over 120 retailers + a movie theater that opened in the 2000s — a far cry from what it looks like today. The mall was also a destination for community events.
Now, most of the mall’s remaining ~30 tenants are located on the bottom floor of the two-story building. However JCPenney, which opened at Ridgmar Mall in 1976 as one of the mall’s anchor tenants, is still rocking two levels of shopping.
What is your favorite memory at a local mall from back in the day?
Reader Kathryn D. recalls the one time in her teenage years when she competed in a “last hand on the car” contest at a local mall and wound up spending three whole days there.
The British Kitchen: Beef Wellington | 6:30-9 p.m. | Central Market | $110 | Join a small group and learn how to make the traditional English specialty, Scottish smoked salmon on tattie scones, and berry fool.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” | Tuesday, June 10-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Casa Mañana Theatre | $85 | Simon & Garfunkel this one is for you — hear performances of the duo’s most iconic songs including “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson.”
Wednesday, June 11
Frost Sweet Treats | 1-3 p.m. | Frost Downtown Fort Worth Financial Center | Free | Take a break from the heat and stop by for a sweet treat from Melt Ice Cream — while supplies last.
Beginner Hand Sewing Class | 2-3 p.m. | Grapevine Public Library | Free | Register beforehand and join a fun and easy introduction to sewing for ages 7 and up.
Thursday, June 12
Coffee and Connection | 5-9 p.m. | Inclusion Coffee, Arlington | Donation-based | Sip, vibe, and connect over coffee, games, and live music — plus, expect raffles and prizes at the door.
Summer Concert Series | Thursday, June 12, Thursday, July 10, Thursday, Aug. 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie | $15 | Bring your lawn chairs and grab a bite from local food trucks while listening to live music performances — the event is free for Grand Prairie residents.
Aristo Sham — the 29-year-old from Hong Kong — won the gold medal and a $100,000 cash prize at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. This year’s broadcast received over 20 million views in 145+ countries.
Open
This is tea-riffic. A Bend, Oregon-based boba tea chain debuted last month. TeaCupFuls is now open on North Tarrant Parkway. Stop by and get your fix on boba tea, coffee, smoothies, or candies. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Closing
Old Neighborhood Grill — popular for its chicken-fried steak — is set to close this month after 20 years. In 2011, the restaurant was recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the state’s best breakfasts. The last day to visit is this Saturday, June 14. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Outdoors
Due to construction, the main entrance to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is temporarily unavailable. For the next six weeks, enter the gardens via the Trail Drive gate, which can be accessed from University Drive or Montgomery Street. Additional signage will be placed to help guide visitors.
Plan Ahead
The new Betsy Price Community Center will open on Saturday, June 14, and leaders are celebrating with a ribbon-cutting and open house. Stop by at 10 a.m. for activities, a live DJ, the Saginaw High Alumni Drumline, food trucks, and bounce houses. Plus, hear remarks from FTW’s longest-serving mayor.
Community
Oakmont Park is ready for play again. After a fire destroyed its playground structure in February, a replacement has been installed. There are now two play structures at the park to serve different age groups. Join city members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Sports
As the search for the next Dallas Stars head coach begins, listen to local experts break down Jim Nill’s process, top candidates, and more with Locked On’s daily podcast episodes.
Weather
Rain and cloud cover will keep North Texas temperatures in the 80s this week. Next week looks drier, which means it’ll also be warmer. Follow WFAA weather boy Jesse Hawila for live updates.
Wellness
Improve gut health + boost natural production of GLP-1 (the same hormone Ozempic mimics for weight loss) with Bioma’s 3-in-1 formula. Use code 6AM10 for an extra 10% off.*
Older Adults
Are you 62 or older with limited income? This is a must-read. Did you know a reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62+ turn home equity into cash without monthly payments? See how it works and view Money’s list of the best annuities to find options with A+ BBB ratings and competitive pricing.*
The Buy
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Did anybody catch the 78th Tony Awards on Sunday night? Makes me miss New York City. The first Broadway show I saw was “Moulin Rouge” at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in May 2022, which coincidentally kicked off at Bass Performance Hall this week. See the full list of 2025 Tony Award winners, then review the lineup of next season’s Broadway at the Bass series.
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