Formerly known as Foto Fest, Fort Worth Camera’s annual Funkytown Focus event series has been happening all over town daily since last week. Thursday, there is a Photo Safari at the Fort Worth Zoo (1989 Colonial Pky, Fort Worth) 9am-1pm ($30 on Eventbrite.com); a free classroom presentation of “ The Good Boy ” at Fort Worth Camera 2pm3pm featuring man’s best friend on the hunt as captured by photographer Shawn Michael; a free happy-hour event at the Amon Carter (see: below); and Light Up Funkytown at the Fort Worth Water Gardens (1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth) 7:30pm-11pm ($30 on Eventbrite.com). As for Friday to Monday (and Wednesday, if you picked up an early copy of this paper), there are many other festival events ranging from free to $30. See all the options at Facebook.com/FWCamera/Events.
At 5pm, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-738-1933) hosts an evening of cocktails, conversation, and live music at Second Thursdays: Toast & Tunes . Themed cocktails will be available for purchase in the atrium. Then, head to the Porch from 5pm to 8pm to create art based on works in the museum’s permanent collection while listening to live music by The Voice Season 26 finalist Danny Joseph and Graceland Ninjaz , plus get your photo taken in the style of Richard Avedon as part of Fort Worth Camera’s annual Funkytown Focus. RSVP for free at CarterMuseum.com.
Seance director Lily Wolff has returned to Amphibian Stage (120 S Main St, Fort Worth, 817-923-3012) to direct the regional premiere of RIFT, or White Lies . In this play by Gabriel Jason Dean, inspired by his own life, two estranged brothers face their deep differences and uncover a shared painful past. One is a progressive writer, the other a convicted murderer and member of an alt-right prison gang. In this unique production, the actors switch roles throughout the run. Come twice on the closing weekend for a unique look at family conflict. Showtimes include 8pm Fri-Sat and 2pm Sun. Tickets start at $27 at AmphibianStage.com.
The Fairmount Neighborhood Association is hosting its 42nd Annual Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes noon-5pm today and Sunday, with the proceeds benefiting the neighborhood’s arts programs and improvements to the infrastructure,
HistoricFairmount.com/Home-Tour with ticket pickups happening noon to 4pm both days at Arts Fifth Avenue (1628 5th Av, Fort Worth, 817-923-9500).
Take Mom to celebrate Mother’s Day at one of two matinee shows — 3pm or 5:15pm — by Ricki Derek & His Big Band at Scat Jazz Lounge (111 W 4th St, Ste 11, Fort Worth, 817870-9100). Ricki and his swinging crew will perform the songs of Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. This show is for 21+ only. Tickets are $40 at Scat.TurntableTickets.com. For brunch ideas for today, see our Ate Days a Week column.
including parks and schools. This year’s tour will feature eight houses and begins with an outdoor fair at Fairmount Park (1501 5th Av, Fort Worth, @
HistoricFairmount) on Saturday with local artists and food trucks. Presale tickets are $20 at HistoricFairmount. com/Home-Tour or $25 on Sat-Sun at
The Cicada (1002 S Main St, Fort Worth, @ The_Cicada_FTW) is hosting another DIY artsand-crafts event. At 8pm, custom-paint a wooden snake and make it your own. Tickets are $25 on Eventbrite.com and include all the materials needed for the project, as well as one drink ticket to imbibe while you craft.
At 6:30pm, the Fort Worth Film Club and the Reel House Foundation are hosting a screening of A New Leaf (1971), a comedy directed by and starring Elaine May, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth, 817-738-9215). The film follows Henry Graham (Walter Matthau), a spoiled and broke playboy who plans to marry a wealthy woman (Elaine May) to maintain his lifestyle. As he schemes to secure his fortune, he unexpectedly finds himself falling in love. This evening is a pay-what-you-can event with a suggested donation of $5.
By Jennifer Bovee
Formerly known as Foto Fest, Fort Worth Camera’s Funkytown Focus event series is happening all over town this week.
Amphibian Stage’s final performances of RIFT, or White Lies are Fri-Sun.
NIGHT & DAY
May the Fourth Be With You This Weekend
Mayfest (Trinity Park, 2401 University Dr, 817-3321055) is back for its 53rd anniversary 3:30pm-9pm Thu, 3:30pm-10pm Fri, 10am-10pm Sat, and 11am-7pm Sun. Entertainment includes an art and gift market, a beer and wine garden, a children’s area, food and beverage booths, an expanded carnival midway, live music on seven community stages, and the annual fun run. Tickets are $7-12 at Mayfest. org. For artist and performer info and other updates, follow Facebook.com/Mayfest or visit Mayfest.org.
If you don’t already have a Fort Worth Public Library card, now would be a great time to get one. Now thru Saturday, go to your local public library, present your card, and receive one free ticket to Mayfest while supplies last. To find the location nearest you, go to FWPL.info/location.
May Day typically celebrates workers and the labor movement internationally. This year, those voices need to be heard more than ever. Mobilize. us has announced several day-of-action-type events. At 3pm will be a Car Caravan at Old City Hall (200 Texas St, Fort Worth) for the purpose of uniting to defend labor rights and immigrant justice. Organizers feel the time for solidarity is now. “In just a few months, [Donald] Trump’s attacks on unions, federal workers, immigrants, and trans and genderqueer people have rolled back decades of hard-fought progress. These assaults demand a united response. The labor movement and the immigrant rights movement must stand together to resist these attacks and demand dignity for all.” May Day organizers ask that you bring your signs, your people, and your power. For more information or dates of other likeminded North Texas events, visit Mobilize.us/mayday.
Artspace 111 (111 Hampton St, Fort Worth, 817-692-3228) is hosting an opening reception from 5:30pm to 8pm for two new exhibits. A Humble Gift showcases the works of Ariel Davis, while The Soft Parts features art by Stella Alesi. Both solo shows run now thru Sat, Jun 7. The gallery is open 11am-5pm, Tue-Sat every week.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival (2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, @SRFestival) is now open for the 2025 season 10am-7pm every Sat-Sun, plus Memorial Monday. Along with an artisan market, turkey legs, jousting shows, and fun for the kids, every weekend features a different theme. This Sat-Sun is Fantasy Weekend, where cosplay is encouraged, and May Day and the beginning of spring are celebrated with flower adornment. Tickets are $38 for adults, $28 for children 5-12, and free for kids ages 4 and under at SRFestival.com.
The good folks at Holocron Toy Store (3613 W Vickery Blvd, Ste 105, Fort Worth, 817-489-5600) — and Star Wars fans in general — love a good pun, especially “May the Fourth be with you.”
Along with next-door neighbor Muy Frio Margaritas, the Holocrons are spending their very niche holiday to help a nonprofit up the block. The parking lot party, 11am5pm Sat, will include activities, food trucks, and raffle prizes benefiting The Wellman Project, which provides schools with art
resources for the classroom and beyond. There is no cost to attend, but school supply donations are encouraged.
Fort Worth Camera is hosting one of its Funkytown Focus events (previously known as Fort Worth Foto Fest) in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Grab your camera and join them at Joe T. Garcia’s (2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, 817-626-4356) to experience the colors and excitement of an authentic Mexican fiesta, complete with a mariachi band and ballet dancers from Ballet Folklorico. Tickets are $50 on Eventbrite and include dinner in the reserved Los Portales area of the restaurant, as well as premier shooting access to the evening’s entertainment. Fort Worth Camera recommends bringing a moderate-to-telephoto lens and leaving your tripod at home. (For more Cinco de Mayo events, see this week’s Ate Days a Week column.)
By Jennifer Bovee
Mayfest has teamed up with the Fort Worth Public Library for a ticket giveaway again this year.
There’s a pro-labor rally at Old City Hall on Thursday afternoon.
Ate Days of Cinco de Mayo 2025
While many of us think of Cinco de Mayo as an extra day of tequila, it means much more. What began as a commemoration of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Thanks to beer and liquor advertising campaigns in the 1980s, it’s now a big deal in the U.S. Along with bars and restaurants, many municipalities in North Texas are also joining in this year. Here are eight happenings for your consideration.
Here in The Fort Shogun Taqueria (formerly Paco’s Mexican Cuisine) (1500 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-759-9110) and neighboring Gustos Burgers + Bar are hosting Cinco de Mercado on Sunday from noon to 8pm, with food and drink specials, face painting, a jump house, and vendors, plus music by DJ Richie. There is no cost to attend.
Rex’s Bar & Grill (1501 S University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-968-7397), open daily 11 am-midnight, is celebrating with food and drink specials Sat-Sun. Follow their event page at Facebook.com/RexsBarandGrill for updates.
Then, on Monday, head to Los Vaqueros Stockyards (2513 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth, 817-759-9110) for the Cinco
de Mayo Fiesta from 4pm to 9pm, with swag and tastings from Gran Malo and live music by Latin Express. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are recommended at LosVaqueros.com.
Arlington
The parking lot of 20 After 4 Vape Shop (3701 S Cooper St, Arlington, 682-252-4116) is the location of the free Cinco de Mayo Car Meet & Market from 1pm to 6pm Sat. There will be a car and bike show, eats and drinks from food trucks, face painting and other family activities, and a vendor market with handmade and vintage finds, plus onsite dog adoptions.
Burleson
The City of Burleson has a free, family-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebration 6pm-8pm Sat at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza (141 W Renfro St, Burleson, 817-426-9600). Entertainment provided by Texian Internet Radio will include live music by the Daniel Lopez y Aventura Band and Ballet de Folklorico de Fort Worth.
Grand Prairie
The Grand Prairie Hispanic Association for Culture and Education and the City of Grand Prairie will hold a Cinco de Mayo Parade and Celebration on Saturday. The parade begins at 10am at the intersection of Main Street and Belt Line Road and ends at City Hall (300 W Main St). This all-day celebration includes food, vendor booths, and live entertainment in downtown Grand Prairie
Up Yonder
This Monday, Cantina Laredo is making it easy to celebrate in style with festive cocktails and shareable menu offerings available for dine-in or to-go at the locations in Addison (4546 Belt Line Rd, 972-458-0962) and Frisco (1125 Legacy Dr, 214-618-9860). Seasonal cocktail options include: Red Pepper ’Rita (Espolòn Blanco Tequila, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Reàl Pepper Puree, fresh
lemon, and lime juices); Dos Hombres Michelada (Dos Hombres Mezcal, Modelo Especial Draft, Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix, fresh lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce); Cabo Flip ’Rita (Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice, topped with a lime boat filled with Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila); and Sotol Sunrise (Nocheluna Sotol, Finest Call Grenadine, and orange juice). For info on appetizer packs, family fajita packs, and other food options, visit CantinaLaredo.com.
Cinco de Mayo at Grandscape (5752 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony) from 6pm to 9pm Mon will feature live music by the Dreaming of You Selena Experience and Mariachi Águilas de UNT. While no outside alcohol or coolers are permitted, you are welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the vast lawn seating area. For more information, go to Grandscape.com/visit/.
By Elaine Wilder
Gran Malo will be handing out swag and samples on Monday at Los Vaqueros Stockyards.
Courtesy Gran Malo
Mariachi Águilas, the UNT mariachi band, will perform at Grandscape on Monday.
UNT
Headed north on Monday? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Addison and Frisco.
