Patrons watch the festivities at the 2023 edition of Fort Worth’s Fourth. | Photo via Pexels + Designecologist
Yes — it’s that time of year again. Fourth of July festivities begin as early as Thursday, July 3 so be sure to check the dates and plan accordingly. Plus, most events are free to attend, unless noted otherwise.
On Thursday, July 3, bring the whole fam for bounce houses, a corn dog eating contest, a patriotic salute to veterans, the Texas All-Star Jazz Orchestra, and fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.
This unique event was voted No. 3 best fireworks show in the country by USA Today. Get $10 tickets for Thursday, July 3, when an airshow — which includes aerobatic planes performing stunts in the air — starts at 7:15 p.m.
Open Mic Night: AJ Houston | 7:30 p.m. | The Dock Bookshop | $7 | During the last night of AJ Houston’s host residency, come share your truth or be inspired by others — whether you’re a poet, singer, musician, or comedian.
Wednesday, July 2
Art Night for Adults | 6-7:30 p.m. | Grapevine Public Library | Free | Not all art has to be fine art — make fun art with the supplies provided during this fun-filled evening for adults ages 18 and up.
Thursday, July 3
2025 Light-Up Arlington: VIP + Reserved Fireworks, Chicken and a Chair | 6-10:30 p.m. | Arlington Music Hall, Arlington | $35+ | Upgrade your ticket to the “Chicken and a chair” package that includes a Babe’s Chicken dinner, one drink ticket, and a guaranteed, unobstructed view of the fireworks.
“Oh Say Can You Cake?” Decorating Class | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Southern Honey Giftique, Azle | $71 | Achieve the perfect frosting finish with the parchment tearaway technique, decorate eye-catching star cookies for your toppers, and learn to assemble a multi-tiered cake.
Thin White Dukes | 7 p.m. | Tulips Fort Worth | $17+ | Watch a tribute band perform smash hits and fan favorites from the late David Bowie.
Friday, July 4
Fort Worth’s Fourth | 5 p.m. | Panther Island Pavilion | Free | You’re invited to watch one of the biggest fireworks shows in DFW on the banks of the Trinity River — featuring festive food, drinks, kids’ activities, and live music.
On Sunday, most stores inside the Hulen Mall reopened after a two-alarm roof fire occurred last week. Hulen Mall advised shoppers wondering about operating hours to contact the department stores and restaurants directly. The cause of the fire is unknown. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Shop
Two new retailers have opened up in Sundance Square. Stretch and Tone is a yoga studio and athleisure shop located on Main Street, while Sundance Clay is a handcrafted and curated pottery store specializing in dinnerware located on West 2nd.
Weather
It’s heating up out there. WFAA meteorologist Pete Delkus shared a 14-day forecast on X. This week is calling for lows in the upper 70s and highs in the upper 90s. Delkus predicts the temperature will reach triple digits next Thursday, July 10.
Plan Ahead
Look forward to three family swim nights this summer. On Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, Aug. 23, grab the kids and some swim goggles for Family Nights at Forest Park Pool at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 26, head to Marine Park Pool. Admission is $15 for a family of four.
Read
Goldee’s fans — this October, the top-rated barbecue joint is releasing its first cookbook. The book will be filled with 256 pages of recipes, tips, techniques + methods for smoking, trimming, and seasoning various meats. Look out for “Goldee’s Bar-B-Q: A Cookbook” on digital shelves Tuesday, Oct. 21, for $45. (Fort Worth Magazine)
Eat
The Asian grocer H Mart is set to open in early 2026 at the corner of Loop 820 and North Beach Street. More than 30 other tenants may enter the 16-acre, 200,000-sqft center as well, including restaurants, retailers, and salons. (Fort Worth Report)
Environment
Fort Worth is receiving a federal grant to support air monitoring operations. The grant is worth $380,000 + goes towards monitoring air quality, performing regular audits, and maintaining the city’s air monitors between June 1 of this year and May 31, 2026. (Fort Worth Report)
For Kids
Your little ones are going to have a wildly fun time at Zoo Preschool. This fun introduction to education features an immersive and interactive approach to development that prepares them for their next steps into a classroom. Enroll your child.*
Biz
Converse intelligently about business locally with this newsletter. 817 Biz brings you insider info every M-W-F morning in an easy-to-digest format. Written by veteran journalists who are successful entrepreneurs, they scour hundreds of sources so you don’t have to. Stay informed and gain a competitive advantage.*
Stat
100%. That’s Homebuddy’s no-clog guarantee on their premium, top-rated gutter guards. Get a free quote and join 410,000+ other homeowners who trust the maintenance-free gutter solution.*
Plan Ahead
Hosting an event? Spread the word with FTWtoday. Explore our self-service ad portal to find the perfect fit for your budget — from standout banner ads to scroll-stopping social content. Promoting your event has never been easier.
Sports
Will Lebron James force his way onto the team? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Mavericks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
The Buy
A ZlumberLock secure sheet holder. Say goodbye to tangled + bunched up sheets with this easy-to-install, patented product. It fits all sheet types and boasts a sleek, discreet design.
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.
Through ticket sales and this year’s raffle, Fort Worth Magazine raised $30,699 from its 2025 Fort Worth Dream Home. Funds went to Wish with Wings, a local nonprofit that grants wishes to kids with life-threatening medical diagnoses. Last year, Wish with Wings fulfilled a record 64 wishes.
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