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September 23-29, 2026

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9/25 (or 9 to 5) will be a great time to celebrate the American icon all over North Texas. B Y

STATIC O’Hare faces First Amendment lawsuit, Pride Kel-So readjusts, and Big Bend wall construction begins. BY ANTHONY MARIANI

E L A I N E

EATS & DRINKS Looking for the “best” burgers and pizza took us to the Near Southside and near-Keller. BY ANTHONY MARIANI

W I L D E R

STUFF Don’t look now, but we’re making space in Dak’s trophy room for his NFL MVP Award. BY PAT R I C K H I G G I N S

MUSIC Benefits and other shows abound this week and beyond, with Son of Stan, Spring Palace, Heavy Petal, and more leading the way. BY STEVE STEWARD

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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Vo l u m e 2 2 | N u m b e r 2 2 | S e p te m b e r 2 3 - 2 9 , 2 0 2 6

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METROPOLIS

5 Metro // Standing with Bo French: Top Texas Republicans knew the Railroad Commission candidate’s history of racist comments but still supported him. By Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune 7 Static// News Roundup Time: County judge faces First Amendment lawsuit, Pride Kel-So readjusts, and Big Bend wall construction begins. By Anthony Mariani

STUFF

8 Sports // Cowboys Recap: Dak for MVP! The QB led the way to victory over the hapless Commanders. By Patrick Higgins 10 Sports Rush // Pro Bull-Riding: In early October, Fort Worth’s team, the Ariat Texas Rattlers, lead a weekend full of rowdy action. By Rush Olson

ARTS & CALENDAR

12 Big Ticket // Dolly Day: Town overflows with ways to celebrate the recently departed country-music and film legend. By Elaine Wilder 13 Night & Day // All the Best: The best First Lady, Michelle Obama, is in town, perfect for our annual Best Of issue coming up. By Elaine Wilder

E AT S & D R I N K S

15 Eats Review // Pick-’em Party: Best Of research takes us to Pal’s near Keller and Felina on the Near Southside. By Anthony Mariani 19 Ate Days // Rattlesnake Boogie: PBR Teams: Rattler Days next weekend, Oct 2-4, celebrate our hometown pro bull-riding team and will be full of bucking — and noshing — action. By Living Local

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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MUSIC

21 Cover photo by Lee Newquist

21 HearSay // Notes & News: Son of Stan, Spring Palace, Heavy Petal, and more will flip your wig this week. By Steve Steward

CLASSIFIEDS

23 Living Local // Keeping Fort Worth Beautiful 24 Classified Bulletin Board

STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Anthony Mariani Art Director: Ryan Burger Special Projects Manager: Jennifer Bovee Calendar Editor: Elaine Wilder Film Editor: Kristian Lin Music Editors: Patrick Higgins, Steve Steward Proofreader: Emmy Smith Editorial Board: Anthony Mariani, Emmy Smith, Steve Steward, Elaine Wilder Contributors: E.R. Bills, Jennifer Bovee, Jason Brimmer, Todd Camp, Amber Chadwick, Jess Delarosa, Buck D. Elliott, Danny Gallagher, Ozzie Garza, Juan R. Govea, Mark Henricks, Patrick Higgins, Laurie James, Patrice Jones, Kristian Lin, Cody Neatherly, Rush Olson, Jeff Prince, Emmy Smith, Kena Sosa, Steve Steward, Jennifer Zooki Sturges, Teri Webster, Ken Wheatcroft-Pardue, Elaine Wilder, Cole Williams Owner / Publisher: Lee Newquist Director of Operations: Bob Niehoff Director of Sales: Michael Newquist Director of Marketing: Jennifer Bovee Account Manager: Julie Strehl Sr. Account Executive: Stacey Hammons Account Executives: Tony Diaz, Wendy Maier, Sarah Niehoff, Wyatt Newquist Brand Ambassador: Clint Newquist COPYRIGHT The entire contents of Fort Worth Weekly are Copyright 2025 by Ft. Worth Weekly, LP. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the publisher. Please call the Fort Worth Weekly office for back-issue information.

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METROPOLIS

Top Texas Republicans knew Bo French’s history of racist comments but still supported him. B Y A L E J A N D R O S E R R A N O , T H E T E X A S T R I B U N E

Texas Railroad Commission candidate Bo French, seen on May 21, 2026, has been ducking a battery of criticism — even from within his own party — over his racist comments on social media.

Ultimately, French won the primary, and Abbott and the Republican Party unified around French. Now with fewer than 50 days to go until November’s midterm elections, French is ducking a battery of criticism directed squarely at him — even from within his own party — after he posted a picture on social media of mostly South Asian students at the University of Texas at Austin celebrating an epic football victory last weekend with a caption that said the scene shows “how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners.”

Even as a long line of Republicans condemn French — calling his comments racist — none have rescinded their endorsements. Meanwhile, some party leaders — like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — have remained silent. Others have offered thin castigations that don’t address French or his words. French did not respond to a request for comment or interview. This week, he has doubled down, made fundraising pitches off the scandal, and suggested that he’s received an outpouring of support.

Among French’s loudest critics this week was Rep. Jeff Leach of Plano, who told French to delete the post on Sunday. Leach also shared a photo of his son, another UT student, at the game with a caption saying, “Bo thinks it’s a ‘problem’ they don’t all look like and have the same skin color as [him]. I think that’s racist — and it makes me sick.” But Leach said this week he still plans to vote for French. “I’m voting for every Republican up and down the ballot,” Leach told WFAA. “Look, in that race I might have to hold my nose to do so, but voting for the Democrat in this race? I know [ Jon Rosenthal], and he’s a radical.” On Sunday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows quickly called on French to delete his post for continued on page 6

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In the days leading up to the GOP primary runoffs in May, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a stern warning about Bo French, a Republican running for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission that regulates the state’s oil and gas industry. “His agenda would wreck the miracle that we have in producing more oil and gas than ever before,” Abbott said at an event where he stumped for French’s primary opponent, Jim Wright. Abbott wasn’t the only Texas Republican fighting to keep French out of office. GOP leadership up and down the ranks opposed him. At the time, however, none of those Republicans attempting to topple French made mention of his long and well-documented history of routinely racist, antisemitic, homophobic, able-ist, and anti-trans comments on social media, including when he declared just last October that an approaching end to SNAP services would be “National Chimp Out Day.”

“It’s hard to separate yourself from the top of your ticket. It’s something all of them have to bear because that’s your party.”

K a y l e e G r e e n l e e f o r T h e Te x a s Tr i b u n e

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“demeaning people because of their race or ethnicity” and adding that “this post has crossed the line.” Asked if the speaker plans to endorse French or campaign with him, Burrows said in a statement that his “position has never changed. I support the entire Republican ticket. Period. Full stop.” Only two Republicans so far have said they are moved enough to withhold votes for French. First, Karl Rove privately said at an Austin luncheon that he plans to vote for French’s Democratic opponent — the first time Rove will not vote for a Republican in three decades, The Texas Tribune reported. “The GOP has a growing number of Bo Frenches — and not only in Texas,” Rove later wrote in a Wall Street Journal column confirming the report. “These people are diminishing the Republican Party, not building it. I’ll have no part of it.” On Thursday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who was the first Republican to publicly criticize French over his tweet, confirmed he would not vote for French, though he did not commit to voting for Rosenthal, a state representative and Houston Democrat who is also an oil and gas engineer. French, Cornyn said, is “an embarrassment to the Republican Party, and he’s going to drag the whole ticket down because of his racist comments. I may just leave it blank.”

“I stand with Bo. It has nothing to do with skin color. It’s about preserving our Texas way of life.” Democrats, eager to capture their first statewide victory in Texas since 1994, point out that Republicans had ample opportunity to draw a line with French. The silence is a choice, they argue. “I am not being facetious: Bo French is an opinion leader within the base of the Republican Party, and it is why the top nominees are afraid to so openly break with him,” said Democratic strategist Matt Angle. “They believe they need Bo French in order to keep their base riled up.” Indeed, French’s reputation is well defined. By the time he announced his Railroad Commission bid in November, he had questioned whether Democrats were “retarted [sic],” or “gay”; polled his social media followers about whether Muslims or Jews posed “a bigger threat to America?”; urged the federal government to “denaturalize and deport” a Democratic state

lawmaker born in Pakistan and who is a naturalized U.S. citizen; and contemplated a “deep dive” into Texas Democratic House leader Rep. Gene Wu’s family, writing in a social media post “the [Chinese Communist Party] connection is strong I bet.” He also called for Wu’s deportation. French has been deleting old posts, according to his social media. Once a candidate in a competitive primary, French did not stop — even as Wright, the incumbent, racked up the backing from key industry leaders and other elected officials. Three weeks after forcing a runoff, French encouraged Republicans to openly embrace “Islamaphobia” and called for the deportation of 100 million people. By high-end estimates, there are some 14 million undocumented people in the country. After winning the primary, this summer, he said, “It’s time to go round up all the Chinese and send them packing!” and that he “won’t rest until every muslim [sic] is gone.” During the primary season, Abbott was the most critical of French among Wright’s allies. The governor changed his tune when French was declared the victor on election night. “Republicans are UNITED and ready to win in November to keep Texas, TEXAS!” Abbott said in a social media post congratulating the same man he had roasted on the campaign trail. Abbott then endorsed French. When asked about French’s UT post Sunday, the governor said “that is not my message” and that the photograph actually depicted how Texans unite. “That doesn’t mean that Texas cannot also lead in having the toughest immigration laws of any state in America and freezing H1B visas at our universities,” he added.

Two of the students in the image have since said that they are U.S. citizens. Abbott’s campaign did not respond to a list of questions that included whether he plans to campaign with French or whether he took issue with any of French’s previous slurs or antisemitic remarks or his promotion of deporting and denaturalizing people with whom he disagrees. Or why the state’s commander-in-chief included the section about immigration and visas in his statement. Patrick, who last year condemned French for an antisemitic post and called on him to resign as Tarrant County GOP chair, has yet to weigh in on French’s comment. His campaign did not respond to a list of questions. Rosenthal, who is Jewish and has been the recipient of some of French’s antisemitic attacks, is hopeful the French baggage — paired with the numerous scandals of Ken Paxton, a French ally who is the Republican Senate nominee — will hurt all GOP candidates. “It’s hard to separate yourself from the top of your ticket,” Rosenthal said. “It’s something all of them have to bear because that’s your party.” No less, an abundance of supporters have emerged to defend French — even as party leaders toe a fine line. One of them is Brandon Hall, who sits on the state board of education, the governing body charged with establishing curricula, standards, and policies for nearly 5.5 million school children. “I stand with Bo,” Hall wrote on social media. “It has nothing to do with skin color. It’s about preserving our Texas way of life.” l A version of this story originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.

Static News Roundup B Y

A N T H O N Y

M A R I A N I

Texas Civil Rights Project Files Complaint to Defend Free Speech

This column reflects the opinions of the editorial board and not the Fort Worth Weekly. To submit a column, please email Editor Anthony Mariani at Anthony@FWWeekly.com. He will gently edit it for clarity and concision.

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

Pride Kel-So (Keller-Southlake) is on the move after Southlake City Council denied the queer festival’s permit application last week. The official festival will take place on an April Saturday with a concrete date to be determined. The festival’s previous date, Sat, Oct 3, will become the Pride Kel-So Block Party from 2 to 6pm at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church (223 S Pearson Ln, Keller/Southlake, 817-431-2396). “Scaled down,” said the married couple behind the event, April and Shaina Dreyson, “but not scaled back.” With a maximum capacity of 999, the block party will offer food trucks, vendors, and a fundraiser for Pride Kel-So and other local LGBTQ+ organizations.

The first major wall construction in the Big Bend region has begun. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has started installing panels on Big Bend 1, a

a wall. That is why landowners went to federal court on Monday, and why none of us are going anywhere. Hundreds of us are standing together, and a few steel panels going up doesn’t change that.” In the coalition’s suit, the collection of landowners and activists asks the court to block construction throughout the region. Work in Big Bend National Park remains paused until Sep 30. The pause covers only the park, not the rest of the region. l

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

Pride Fest Down but Not Out

Construction in Big Bend Underway

47-mile segment of a 30-foot wall from south of Sierra Blanca to Big Bend Ranch State Park. “The threat of a border wall in our region is now a reality,” said Clara Bensen, board member with Conserve Big Bend and director of communications for the No Big Bend Wall initiative. “This is heartbreaking, especially for the families who have worked this land for generations.” In a federal lawsuit filed recently, a coalition of Big Bend groups argued that border wall construction and infrastructure can be fast-tracked only in areas of “high illegal entry.” That’s not Big Bend, the group argues. CBP’s “own numbers show the Big Bend Sector has had the fewest apprehensions of any southwest border sector every year for 53 years,” Bensen continues. “Nothing in that record justifies

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County Judge Tim O’Hare allegedly rules over commissioners court meetings like a despot, tossing out any public speaker who goes a few seconds over the allotted time, disparaging crowds for engaging in moments of silence for dead county-jail inmates, censuring attendees for laughing or clapping … In response, a coalition of women represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) and Peter B. Steffensen and Thomas S. Leatherbury of the First Amendment Clinic at SMU Dedman School of Law has filed a complaint in federal court. Their main hangup is the commissioners’ Decorum Policy. Giving the county judge seemingly unlimited discretion, as the coalition argues, has allowed him to violate the First Amendment by throwing out or cutting off numerous public speakers, including the four plaintiffs. Another local recently kicked out by O’Hare is former state rep Lon Burnam, who recently filed a petition to have O’Hare removed for alleged official misconduct or incompetency for repeatedly booting speakers, including Burnam. A Texas district judge dismissed it, saying in a court filing that Burnam and his lawyers did not prove official misconduct or incompetency. Instead, the judge said that Burnam’s allegations “present a dispute about the lawful scope of meeting control.” The petition was filed by Fort Worthian Burnam after he was hauled off by sheriff ’s deputies for grabbing a hot mic during the public-speaking segment of a recent county commissioners court meeting downtown. Burnam, who represented Tarrant County in the Texas House for 18 years, was booked on a charge of disrupting a meeting or procession, a Class B misdemeanor with a maximum of 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. “I have been an outspoken advocate for civil rights for nearly 50 years,” said Reed K. Bilz, a TCRP plaintiff and Fort Worth resident, “and this is the first time I have had my right to speak freely challenged by an arbitrary decorum policy. The policy and consequences of violating it have forced me to alter what I would like to say to the commissioners.”

Southlake City Councils’ decision, the organizers said, “may feel like a message of, ‘You don’t belong here,’ but the thing is, we absolutely do, and we are a resilient people who have always fought for our rights throughout history. We’re not going away. We’re pivoting and bringing more joy to the community.” All the money raised between now and April will go into “making Pride Kel-So bigger, safer, and harder to ignore next time around.”

There Goes My Hero

Against the Commanders, the Cowboys showed again that they’ll go as far as Dak Prescott takes them … or as the defense allows. B Y

P A T R I C K

H I G G I N S

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It’s Week 2, and I’m already block walking and knocking doors in the campaign for Dak for MVP. “Hello. Do you have a moment to discuss

Beginning Sunday, September 27, there will be some changes to Trinity Metro Bus Routes 2, 4, 30, and 52. We’re also adjusting bus bay assignments at Fort Worth Central Station to make it easier to find your bus. Plan ahead – check out the updated maps now at RIDETRINITYMETRO.org/SERVICECHANGES.

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STUFF

our lord and savior, Rayne Dakota Prescott? Please, take a flyer.” The Mississippi State product has just entered his 11th campaign, and through the first two weeks, he’s already playing as if it could be his best yet. As is typically the case against this particular foe, Prescott was unstoppable in Sunday’s home opener at AT&T Stadium against the Washington Commanders. He was the undisputed star of Fox’s nationally broadcast America’s Game of the Week, accounting for more than 300 yards (279 through the air) while completing 26 of 31 passes for a staggering 84% completion percentage and throwing for four TDs, earning a shiny 143.8 passer rating and my heart growing two full sizes. All this without the benefit of any supporting run game. The win pushes Prescott’s all-time record against the former Washington Football Team (they should have kept that name) to an eye-popping 14-2. In addition to his continued historical dominance over the NFC East (38-11 all time), more legacy was being built on Sunday for No. 4. The last of the four touchdowns on the night to come off his arm made Prescott the franchise leader in career touchdown completions with 249. This is a milestone reached in nine fewer games than previous record holder, Tony Romo, in 248 matches. With yet another franchise QB record added to the ledger, it leaves only the regular season wins total, currently held by Troy Aikman with 94, for all-time Cowboys regular-season accolades, a mark he has an outside shot of attaining this year. Granted, postseason successes remain another matter.

That’s my quarterback. Dak Prescott became the Cowboys’ franchise leader in touchdown completions on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

Yet with all due respect to his predecessor, it is undeniable that Dak is now the greatest Cowboy quarterback of the 21st century. In most other NFL franchises, Dak’s regular-season accomplishments would already put him in their Ring of Honor as their best ever at the position. Most franchises, however, have never had a Troy Aikman. Much less an Aikman and a Roger Staubach.

There is, of course, a very large and vocal contingent of Cowboys fans who will say, “So what? I don’t give a rip about the regular season. Playoff success is all that matters, and Dak is a choker in the playoffs.” To me, nothing outs a person faster as a football casual than that tired take. If you can look at the last 10 years of Cowboy football,

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as mediocre and disappointing as it might be, and think it could have been just as good or (even more laughable to think) better with any other option the Cowboys could have reasonably (highlighted, underlined) acquired at quarterback, that tells me you might know a lot of things, but football isn’t one of them. Prescott may not be the most valuable player in the league, but he is without a doubt the most valuable player to this team. That’s the main reason I’m banging the proverbial drum for his MVP chances. It’s the fact that the first two games of the season are illustrating that it will require nothing short of that level of play from him for Dallas to make the long-awaited deep playoff run that fans are hoping for and that many thought during the offseason was within reach.

If not for Dak’s heroics (and a little help from Jayden Daniels’ insecure elbow joint), the Cowboys would undoubtedly be sitting in a 0-2 hole. This defense may ultimately end up where we all were hoping it would be, which is really only middle of the pack, but they’ve got a long way left to go to get there. Right now, they look flat atrocious. The line is a bright spot, but the linebackers and secondary are a complete mess.

With all the new personnel, young players, and a first-time defensive playcaller, we should have expected growing pains, but so far, the product on the field is disheartening. Communication mistakes, on-field confusion, poor tackling, wide-open zones — it’s all still there.

If not for Dak’s heroics (and a little help from Jayden Daniels’ insecure elbow joint), the Cowboys would undoubtedly be sitting in a 0-2 hole. Prescott was the only reason they had any shot at all against the Giants in Week 1, and if he’d had more than just five possessions in that game, we might be sitting at 2-0. Next week’s opponent offers another challenge. A mobile quarterback appears to be the Dallas defense’s kryptonite, and Baltimore has the best one to play the game since that dog murderer in Atlanta from a decade ago. With the way this defense manages a QB with legs, Lamar Jackson might run for 250 yards on the day. There’s no question, though. If the Cowboys have any shot at all in leaving Brazil with a win, it will be because of No. 4. So, give him his flowers, cheer him on, and keep your damn mouth shut about the playoffs. We’ll deal with that if and when we get there. Make no mistake. If we’re able to have that conversation, it will be because Dak put us in the position to do so by dragging the rest of the team there. l

THEATRE WESLEYAN PRESENTS

The Gnome Knows...

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Additional Material By Hunter Foster and Eric Price Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE Original Music by Michael Holland

Directed By CHERYL PENLAND

A NEW COMEDY BASED ON THE BOARD GAME & CLASSIC FILM!

OCTOBER 7-11 All Tickets $10 txwes.edu/theatretickets

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CLUE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com

Illustration: Rocky Olguin

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Turn off sprinklers when it’s raining. If it’s raining, just rained or rain is coming, turn those sprinklers off. Never water more than two days a week and if it’s raining you may not need to water at all. Sign up for free weekly watering advice and know exactly how much to water. And next time you’re outside, swing by and say hello.

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How to save water.

Back in the Saddle

In early October, Fort Worth’s professional bull-riding team, the Ariat Texas Rattlers, leads a weekend full of rowdy action. B Y

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“Each of the 10 teams in the league hosts a home event, so we have one homestand. It’s a three-day event: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Every day there are five games, and all 10 teams compete each day.”

“We get it a lot,” said Fort Worth Sports Commission Executive Director Drew Hays. “You’re the largest city in the country without a professional sports franchise.” The Rattlers, however, have some factors in their favor that previous ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and other former Fort Worth pro teams did not have. For one thing, their sport has spent more than 100 years stomping its way into the city’s identity.

“We know what our brand is, and it’s the Western heritage,” Hays said. “To have a professional organization like the Texas Rattlers that just cohesively fits our brand helps us tell that story.” Cowtowners who grew up going to the Stock Show and Rodeo and who are steeped in the agriculture industries or the Stockyards ethos can easily relate to the sport they’d see at Rattler Days. But another advantage this franchise has is that continued on page 11

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Chad Blankenship describes his Professional Bull Riders team’s Rattler Days as “a distinctly hometown event.” The happening includes the Ariat Texas Rattlers franchise staging their 2026 home games across the Fri-Sun, Oct 2-4, weekend along with fan-festival-style elements.

Andre Silva

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The Rattlers this week unveiled city jerseys, which serve as the Rattlers’ walkout jersey during team introductions during Rattler Days. They’re designed to celebrate their hometown: Fort Worth. The 2026 version ties into military heritage. Previous versions referenced Western heritage and the Panther City nickname. As any city-based professional sports franchise looks to become an established part of its community, they need to develop the passionate fans who purchase tickets, watch match broadcasts, and buy the latest jerseys. Home games are the fulcrum around which team success revolves, and in the PBR Team Series, each franchise hosts only one set of them. “Each of the 10 teams in the league hosts a home event, so we have one homestand,” explained Blankenship, the team’s president and general manager. “It’s a three-day event: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Every day there are five games, and all 10 teams compete each day.” Each PBR Team Series game includes five competitors per squad. A rider from one team rides, followed by one from the opposing side, alternating until all 10 have gone. Qualified rides of eight seconds are scored by judges, and the team with the highest cumulative score wins. Now in its fifth season, this form of competition has brought a collaborative element to a historically individualized sport. “The team series has introduced these dynamics that I think are quite similar to a lot of other team sports,” Blankenship said. For his team to succeed, Blankenship will need Fort Worth area citizens to buy into those dynamics and turn into a true fanbase. That’s proven a challenge for previous Cowtown-based pro teams.

kimbellart.org Support for the Kimbell is provided in part by Arts Fort Worth and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Pensionante del Saraceni, Still Life with Melon, Watermelon,and Other Fruits (detail), c. 1610–20, oil on canvas. Kimbell Art Museum

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Rattler Days presented by Germania Insurance Tailgate party 3-7pm Thu, Oct 1, in the Stockyards followed by the weekly PBR Stockyards Showcase individual (not the teams) bull-riding competition at the Cowtown Coliseum. • Tailgate party 3-7pm Fri, Oct 2, followed by PBR Teams games in Dickies Arena beginning at 7:45 p.m. The Rattlers take on Oklahoma City on Hispanic Heritage Night. • Tailgate party 10am-7pm Sat, Oct 3, with an 11:30am parade in the Stockyards with Rattlers riders and team mascots, then the riders sign autographs at noon. Competition in Dickies Arena starts at 6:45pm, with the Rattlers facing the Austin Gamblers on Defend the Fort Night. • Sunday is all about bull riding, starting at Dickies Arena at 1:45pm. The Rattlers take on the Arizona Ridge Riders.

“We get it a lot. You’re the largest city in the country without a professional sports franchise.”

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AND NORTH TEXAS’ OWN

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the story Hays wants to tell resonates with ticket buyers beyond just North Texas. “Fort Worth is a drive market from Austin and Oklahoma City for fans of those teams to get into town,” Hays said. “It’s a three-day event, so if you’re looking to come in, you can spend the weekend here.” Other than a single pre-Stars Central Hockey League season when Dallas Freeze fans drove down I-30 to swell Fort Worth Fire crowds at the convention center, Fort Worth franchises haven’t historically been able to tap into appreciable revenues from visiting supporters. In their final season, Panther City Lacrosse’s closest opponent, the Colorado Mammoth, was based more than 700 miles to the Northwest. Rivalries can make a difference both in terms of rallying one’s own fans and attracting those of the opposition. The ability to draw fans of the other PBR teams and of the sport itself has advantages for creating goodwill in the city, too. Merchants like it when an event brings in patrons who do business with them during their visits. The fan festival offers visitors more chances to patronize local businesses over the weekend. It also represents a chance for the team to strengthen bonds with fans. “We have mascots. We run a FFA charity pancake breakfast. We have a parade. We do autograph signings,” Blankenship said. “The fan fest helps make our team and our athletes accessible.” Hays added, “There might be a personal level to going down to an autograph session or whatever it may be to meet some of these athletes, where if you’re watching from the stands, you might not get that personal connection.” Blankenship noted that the team activates in the community throughout the year as well, including through FFA and 4-H programs and the sports commission’s elementary-age reading program. Much of the roster lives in the area, which is also an asset. The PBR Teams’ riders also rank among the best in the world in their sport. That matters, too, because a perception that a team is “minor league” hurts in a media market saturated by NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, and MLS teams with their big-league pedigrees. The Rattlers’ athletes compete in a modern, well-equipped venue, Dickies Arena. That’s an advantage most of their pro sports forerunners in Cowtown did not have. The Rattlers also just opened a purpose-built training facility in Decatur with an eye to developing another element vital to creating fan loyalty: winning games. So far, they’ve done pretty well with that aspect of the equation. “Fans like winners,” said Blankenship, whose franchise won the 2023 championship. “We all like to be associated with winners, and so it helps that we win a lot of our games.” In the first four seasons, he continued, the Rattlers won 11 of 12 home games, 11 of them at Dickies and one at Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards. “That is the strongest home dirt record by a margin across the league.” If those wins can come in dramatic fashion, so much the better. “It sometimes comes down to the last rider on, if they’re going to win the competition that night,” Hays said. “It’s high energy.” The Rattlers will look to create as much energy as they can Oct 2-4 with eye to putting themselves in position to register qualified rides into the future in Cowtown. l

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Big Ticket: Dolly Day B Y

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On Friday, we shall tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, where we will pour ourselves a cup of ambition. Yes, it’s Dolly Day! (9/25 … 9 to 5 … get it?) As an ode to one of the legend’s biggest hits, 9/25 has become 9 to 5 all around the country. Here in Fort Worth, there are many ways to celebrate Dolly Parton, the beloved icon we recently lost.

9 to 5 Mahjong Party

Wear pink — or anything Dolly-inspired — to Mahj Ranch (7540 Confederate Park Rd, Fort Worth) for a special 9/25 Mahjong Party honoring Dolly Parton, 5pm-8pm. It’s open play and costs $25 per person. Seating is limited, so DM @MahjRanch to reserve your seat.

Dolly Day at Basic Bar

You are invited to dress the part, grab a drink, and celebrate all things Dolly at Basic Bar (904 Houston St, Fort Worth, @BasicBarFW). Starting at 4pm, enjoy a Dolly-inspired afternoon complete with merchandise, drink specials, and a $100 Dolly look-alike contest.

Dolly Parton Day at Second Rodeo & Truck Yard C

CMY

A New Fall Tradition for the Whole Family

Tribute & Celebration at VFW Benbrook

Saturdays, Sept. 26 – Oct. 31 + Sunday, Nov. 1

Starting at 4:30pm, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (1000 Stevens Dr, Benbrook) is hosting the Tribute & Celebration of Dolly Parton with free

When you get a moment, swing by The Stagecoach Ballroom to see the new Dolly Parton mural, recently completed by Juan Velazquez.

cover, live music by Petty Betty, themed drink and shot specials (including $3 Buttery Nipples, Hot Damns, and Tequila Roses), and a Dolly costume contest with prizes.

Parton Party in Mansfield

The City of Mansfield is hosting the Parton Party at Geyer Commons (605 E Broad St, Mansfield, 817728-3390) complete with a DIY glam booth, a glitter bar, and lots of other photo ops. Vendors will be onsite with a market, food, and drinks for purchase. Things kick off at 6pm with Dolly Bingo, followed by a Dolly look-alike contest (adult and kids’ categories), then the Parton My Dolly show with music by Rhonda Kay Medina. There is no cost to attend.

At Your Leisure

When you get a moment, swing by The Stagecoach Ballroom (2516 E Belknap St, Fort Worth, 817-831-2261) to see the new Dolly Parton mural, recently completed by Juan Velazquez, who painted it for his daughter, Anavea, who was sad about Dolly’s passing. Fort Worth is also home to another Dolly Parton mural. Katie Murray (@ KatiePaintbrush) created the one on the side of The Market at Ridglea (3400 Bernie Anderson Av, Fort Worth, 817-744-8630). Another thing you’ll have to do on your own is watch 9 to 5. The 1980 office satire starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin follows three secretaries who decide to get revenge on their tyrannical, sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. The film is screening at Rooftop Cinema Club on Thu, but it is sold out. You can get on their waiting list, or you can just watch it at home. Thankfully, it’s streaming on Hulu, Netflix, and just about everywhere else you can think of right now. R.I.P., Dolly. We will always love you.

GET TICKETS ScarboroughsHollow.com

Cour tesy the ar tist

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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This popular Stockyards spot (122 E Exchange Av, Fort Worth) is hosting a 9 to 5-themed Dolly celebration with special commemorative cups, themed decor, and music all day. So is their sister concept, Truck Yard Alliance (3101 Prairie Vista Dr, Fort Worth). Skip work, day drink, hang out, and have a good time. From 11am to 11:30pm, there will be Dolly music, themed drinks like the Cup of Ambition, limited-edition pink wristbands, and more. Cover is free at both locations, but they suggest you reserve a spot on Eventbrite.com.

Cour tesy the ar tist

CALENDAR

This older Dolly Parton mural by Katie Murray is on the side of The Market at Ridglea.

Fort Works Art (2100 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, 817-759-9475) is turning its Sat Cultural District gallery into a runway for one night, staging a fashion and art experience called The Marilyn Effect alongside an exhibition of Marilyn Monroe photographs by Lawrence Schiller. The event pairs Schiller’s historic images with looks from Western-wear maker M.L. Leddy’s and luxury retailer Forty Five Ten, plus styling from Fort Worth silk brand Wild Silks. Tickets start at $250. SEPTEMBER

CALENDAR Night & Day: Simply the Best B Y

E L A I N E

Best Of 2026 hits stands today in all its glossy-bound glory. See who your fellow readers and our Wed beloved critics chose in a variety of categories, including Getting & Spending, People & Places, Arts & Culture, Good Grub, and On the SEPTEMBER

Town. Business owners, if you’d like to book space in this bad boy, I’d do it sooner rather than later. Contact your rep by this Friday, por favor, or use the portal at FWWeekly.com/advertise-with-us.

Congratulations to three artists you may know from Artspace111 (111 Hampton St, Fri-Sat Fort Worth, 817-692-3228) who were selected to exhibit at Texas Vignette’s annual Art Fair: Janet Chaffee, Martha Peters, and Carroll Swenson-Roberts. Texas Vignette is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting, supporting, and connecting women in the arts across the state. Its signature Vignette Art Fair exclusively features women artists from Texas, with Alison de Lima Greene serving as curator, noon-7pm Fri and 10am-5pm Sat. Tickets available at TexasVignette.org OCTOBER

2-3

Michael Lives Forever is headed to College Park Center (600 S Center St, Arlington, Tue 817-272-5584) at 7:30pm for a one-night-only tribute to the king of pop. Tickets start at $87 at MichaelLivesForeverTX.com/go. OCTOBER

OCTOBER

The best First Lady ever, Michelle Obama, is in town helping Opal Lee celebrate Wed her 100th birthday. Obama is here for a special installment of the United Voices Speaker Series at 6pm at the Fort Worth Convention Center (1201 Houston St, Fort Worth, 817-392-6338), moderated by Matrice Ellis-Kirk. For ticket info, visit NationalJuneteenthMuseum.org.

W I L D E R

With our annual Best Of issue en route, I’m focusing on a few key events happening before and after our main event. Here are the best things to do before and after Best Of 2026 on Wed, Sep 30. SEPTEMBER

Happy Dolly Day! The world has decided that today is her day since it’s 9/25 (9 Fri to 5, get it?) For citywide celebrations, check out this week’s Big Ticket. Also, our friends at KKXT/91.7-FM will play a different Dolly Parton song at the top of the hour from 9am to 5pm. Listen there or stream on the iHeartMedia app.

FREE ADMISSION

September 25–27

MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107

themodern.org

Pictured: Rashid Johnson, Antoine’s Organ, 2016/2026. Collection of the Artist. © Rashid Johnson. Installation view, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

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A Poem for Deep Thinkers

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

Cour tesy National Juneteenth Museum

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First Lady Michelle Obama will speak at the latest installment of the United Voices Speaker Series on Oct 7.

Rashid Johnson

Closing Weekend Celebration

WHAT’S IN STORE WEEKLY SAVOR PRICE VALID 9/23/26-9/29/26

PUMPKIN BROWNIES 3 CT.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 6-9:00 PM

JESSE LEE & THE BAND POP, COUNTRY, SOULFUL POP

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 5:30-9 PM

JORDAN WHITMORE INDIE, POP & COUNTRY

5.99/EA.

SAVE $1 Cakey and moist brownies made with pumpkin purée and pecans. Spiced with cinnamon and cloves and topped with our famous sweet cream cheese icing.

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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4651 WEST FREEWAY | I-30 @ HULEN | 817-989-4700

FIND YOUR FIESTA Ready to experience some of Fort Worth’s most fun and festive neighborhoods? Ride La Línea Rosa to shop, eat, play and more between Downtown, the Near Southside, Hemphill and La Gran Plaza. Plan your party now at RIDETRINITYMETRO.org/ROSA.

EATS & drinks

Felina, 401 Bryan Av, Fort Worth. 469-507-8626. 11am-9:30 Tue-Sat. • Pal’s Bar & Kitchen, 5636 N Tarrant Pkwy, Ste 120, Fort Worth. 682-593-0494. 11am-10pm Sun, 4-9pm Mon, 11am-9pm Tue-Wed, 11am-10pm Thu, 11am-11pm Fri-Sat. B Y

A N T H O N Y

M A R I A N I

Every year for the past 30 or so, we’ve put out a Best Of issue, long before some far less reputable 817 media outlets started doing the same. Part

Pal’s cheeseburger tasted fine but lacked juiciness.

A b e e k u Ya n k a h

Doing some tasty “research” for Best Burger and Best Pizza takes us to the Near Southside and near-Keller.

Cour tesy Pal’s/Instagram

Pick-’em Party

The pies are tasty at Felina — and floppy.

of the fun of writing the blurbs, which we do as a team, is trying out new places. Best Taco? Best spa? Best car mechanic? I dunno. Let’s go commit some journalism. As a critic who picked two juicy categories in particular this year — best burgers and best pizza — I felt I needed to give some new spots a try. I’m still undecided about one of them. For one new burger spot, I recently grabbed

my 14-year-old son, a burger master not only on the noshing end of them but grilling them himself, and took him to a new place out by our house beyond The Wall, a.k.a. north of Meacham Airport. Pal’s Bar & Kitchen hasn’t been open long, and to be honest, I don’t see how it’s going to stay open that much longer. The food itself isn’t the problem (more on that later). It’s the location. Off North

Tarrant Parkway en route to Haltom City from Keller-esque Fort Worth, the place sits in a small strip mall set way back off the road, whereas nearby Slim Chickens essentially jumps out at you and stops your car. Pal’s may be the local tavern that people within this godforsaken, soulless hellscape of strip malls needs, a little slice of city living whose closest approximation is a 20-minute drive away or longer, if you want to get technical — bar-bars do not exist outside downtown areas. Suburban “bars” all must serve food, and while Pal’s could do a better job with atmo and quality, the service was exceptional. My son and I were greeted by a young bartender/waiter as if we were old friends. He seemed genuinely glad to see us, and though continued on page 17

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Eats & Drinks

Cour tesy Pal’s/Instagram

A b e e k u Ya n k a h

Pal’s accommodated only a few other customers at the time, I refuse to ascribe his attentiveness and kindness to boredom. This dude was just good at his job. Point: Pal’s. I only wish the burgers were a little better. Arriving as perfectly shaped circles, they tasted fine and were cooked to order but lacked any real juiciness or semi-crumbly or handmade texture or feel. Not sure if a burger that doesn’t conjure summertime grilling qualifies as a “best.” Then again, that’s not what Pal’s is here for. With a bona fide bar counter and an extensive menu that also encompasses pasta and Tex-Mex, Pal’s is here to give the Keller bourgeoisie a taste of gritty, vibrant city living. I’ll have to go back during a big game and let you know if Pal’s succeeds at bonhomie. For one of a couple new-to-me pizza establishments, the fam and I traveled to Felina in SoMa on the Near Southside, and let me tell you, Felina’s pizza tastes phenomenal, with emphasis on “tastes.” Zesty, chewy, and gooey, with top-quality ingredients, a Felina pie is well worth the gourmet price tag. My wife, son, and I tried three different specialty versions. As my boy’s order arrived with succulent, mouthwateringly grease-filled pepperoni coins and my bride’s margherita brimmed with zesty punch, I still dream about Felina’s Hot Mess. The blend of salty soppressata and fior di latte mozzarella pecorino combined with sweet San Marzano tomatoes and hot honey, plus tempering basil and whipped ricotta, did the Tarantella with every single taste bud in my mouth. Unto death will the Hot Mess and I part.

A b e e k u Ya n k a h

continued from page 15

Off South Main Street on the Near Southside, Felina combines coziness with upscale elegance.

Felina’s pepperoni coins overflowed with mouthwatering grease.

Pal’s is here to offer the Keller/Fort Worth bourgeoisie a taste of gritty, vibrant city life.

The (minor) problem is the floppiness. Don’t @ me. I lived in New York City for half a dozen years or so back in the day. I’ve had a million floppy slices that you fold longways and eat. And I’ve enjoyed most of them. Still, I wasn’t a big fan of the form then and — 30 years later — am still not wholly sold on it now. My stance does not mean I’m pro-cardboard cuts that don’t flop at all. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask, especially for a Best Of.

In terms of flavor and authentic style, Felina is near the top, based on the Hot Mess alone, so this is going to be a tough Top 3 Best Pizza award for me to decide on. I’ve got two of the picks nailed down. Still semi-looking for a third at this point, with Felina in the lead and not just for flavor — located off South Main in the cozy space formerly occupied by Funky Picnic, the joint has a groovy Old World atmosphere with lots of natural lighting and is family-friendly and hip at the same time. The service on our visit was friendly but a little distracted, and ours was one of only a few tables.

Our 31st or 32nd Annual Best Of issue hits the streets on Wed, Sep 30, and the interwebs not long afterward. Try to act surprised when you read my picks. l Felina Hot Mess ..................................................... $23 Pepperoni pizza .......................................... $19 Margherita pizza ........................................ $18 Pal’s Bar & Kitchen Cheeseburger ............................................. $12.99

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EATS & drinks

Ate Days of Rattlesnakes L I V I N G

L O C A L

Yes. Yes, you can eat rattlesnake meat. In fact, the PBR Teams: Rattler Days will feature a Can-Am Cookout on the lawn of Cowtown Coliseum, with Chef Tim Love cooking rattlesnake sausage from 4:30pm to 5:30pm Thu-Fri, Oct 1-2, and 5:30pm to 6:30pm Sat, Oct 3. And this is just one of the fun things to do at this year’s PBR Teams: Rattler Days next weekend, Oct 2-4.

Get the weekend started early with the Rattler Tailgate Party with fan activities and Thu Rattlers activations at the kick-off celebration from 3pm to 7pm in the Stockyards Rodeo Plaza (2501 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth). Then at 7:30pm, the PBR Stockyards Showcase featuring professional bull riding begins inside the historic Cowtown Coliseum (121 E Exchange Av, Fort Worth). OCTOBER

The celebration continues with another Rattler Tailgate Party (same details Fri as above). Then at 7:45pm, the team starts its three-day homestand against the Oklahoma Wildcatters at Dickies Arena (1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, 817-4029000). Friday is also Hispanic Heritage Night, OCTOBER

Cour tesy Love Management

B Y

Yes. Yes, you can eat rattlesnake meat. Chef Tim Love serves it occasionally at his gourmet restaurant in the Stockyards, Lonesome Dove.

OCTOBER

Sat

Saturday will be the biggest full day of activities, with a major focus on FFA, agriculture, and the Rattlers’

Experience the adrenaline rush as riders unite for ultimate glory! This is your chance to witness talented bull riders going head-to-head with powerful bucking bulls to see which team can come out on top! Who will you cheer for? For tickets and more promotional information, visit PBR.com.

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

The Can-Am Cookout on the lawn of the Cowtown Coliseum during Rattler Days will feature rattlesnake sausage cooked by Chef Tim Love.

Zach Simmons

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

The Rattlers close out their hometown weekend against the Arizona Ridge Riders Sun during Family Day, with family- and kid-focused activities surrounding the final afternoon of competition. A pre-show celebration will feature live music from Dusty Moats outside Dickies Arena at Simmons Bank Plaza before the bull riding begins at 1:45pm. OCTOBER

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Western roots. From 10am to 7pm, enjoy the third day of the Rattler Tailgate Party (same details as above), but today’s festivities include the Rattler Parade. At 11:30am, Rattlers riders and mascots will make their way through the Stockyards, followed by a official rider meetand-greet from noon to 1:30pm at the Ariat Store (128 E Exchange Av, Ste 600, Fort Worth, 682-267-9390). For those interested in being a part of the parade, entries are still being accepted at form.jotform.com/252176602693157. Then, the main event at Dickies Arena at 6:45pm brings the biggest games of the weekend as the Rattlers face their in-state rivals, the Austin Gamblers, for Defend the Fort Night. A pre-show celebration will feature live music from Party Crowd outside Dickies Arena at Simmons Bank Plaza before the bull riding begins.

with a pre-show celebration featuring live music from Banda La Celestial outside Dickies Arena at Simmons Bank Plaza before the bull riding begins.

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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MUSIC HearSay

Son of Stan, Spring Palace, Heavy Petal, and more will flip your wig this week. B Y

S T E V E

S T E W A R D

Chill Out at the Collective Salon A/C Repair Benefit

On Sun at The Cicada, help the stylists at Collective Salon keep their cool.

stylists have booked a solid lineup of their friends, who happen to be three of the heaviest hitters in progressive indie-rock in all North Texas: Fort Worthians Son of Stan, Spring Palace, and Heavy Petal. The cover is $10, and it all goes to keeping Collective and their clients cool. Even if you don’t have hair, this will be a fun time!

Return of JAMBALOO

Worshippers of Boognish, on Fri, Sep 25, area Ween tribute band Awesome Sound is playing the Granada Theater (3524 Greenville Av, Dallas, 214-841-4900), and their set is 12 Golden Country Greats in its entirety, in honor of the record’s 30th anniversary. Nirvana tribute band Oatmeal Pizza opens the show. Doors are at 7. Show starts at 8. Tickets are $20-30. Also on Friday, there’s an electronic/ambient/jungle/cyborg/chillzone show at the Boiled Owl Tavern (909 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth), featuring emt_dsc (a.k.a. designer/DJ/producer Phil Ford) and Service Model (a.k.a. multi-instrumentalist/synth-lord Alex Atchley). The 21+ show is free. Saturday night, head to Magnolia Motor Lounge (3803 Southwest Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-332-3344) for Americana/country act Lucas Jagneaux & The Roadshow and opener Ben Danaher. Doors are at 7, show starts at 8, cover at the door is $20, and the show is 21+. Seems like you’ll hear some cool Telecasters tonight! Also on Sat, another dope salon-related party! Stargazer Salon (2231 N Main St, Fort Worth, 817-207-4848) is celebrating its fourth anniversary by throwing a party in support of La Colectiva, a grassroots community organization that provides collective care and on-the-ground mutual aid for families who have been separated by ICE locally. Stargazer is collaborating with local promo peeps Other Voices and the Away from the Numbers DJ community to raise money for La Colectiva. The lineup: DIGIMECHANOID, Breath Play, Xochitl Sol, Diosa, Vorta, and Scarlett K. Gusto’s Burgers Bar + More and Chef Daddy Tex-Mex are bringing the food. The pay-what-you-want/ suggested donation is $5, and the party goes from 6 to 11pm, with an official afterparty on the Near Southside at Jackie-O’s (609 S Jennings St, Fort Worth). Don’t sleep on this one! l

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

Along with Son of Stan and Spring Palace, Fort Worth indie stylists Heavy Petal will rock The Cicada on Sun, Sep 27.

Noteworthy

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

Nikolai Wittwer @bigfooman

Cue: John Williams fanfare! JAMBALOO, the annual free week of live music presented by the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, returns to more than 15 independent venues across DFW Feb 1121, 2027. Now in its third run, JAMBALOO will showcase more than 60 acts, so expect to see a lot of your local favorites in addition to the yet-to-berevealed headliners. Mullen & Mullen Injury Law, the Dallasbased firm that sponsors the fest, has opened submissions for the 2027 JAMBALOO Music Prize, which awards $20,000 and additional industry support to the winning local artist. The inaugural winner was Fort Worth singer-songwriter

Matthew McNeal for his HIGH LONESOME. If you or your band have a full-length record you made this year, find out how to shoot your shot at Jambaloo.live/music-prize. The competition for the 2027 prize culminates with a party and show on Jun 5 at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas.

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One thing I think about in the wake of the World Cup’s descent on America this summer: You have to hand it to the French for living so long without air conditioning. I guess there are some benefits to existing in a comparatively young country like the United States, where the buildings are newer and more easily fitted with HVAC architecture than an apartment building that’s been around longer than Les Miserables. Air conditioning is baked into American culture. And when it craps out, the ordeal is kind of demoralizing, especially when it happens at your job. The stylists at Collective Salon (618 S Jennings St, Fort Worth, 817-420-9034) have been without a/c since Aug 29, and the experience has been very much a bummer. The financial details are not mine to share, but fixing the air in there is going to be a huge expense. So, since each stylist has cut and styled a ton of local musicians, a benefit concert has been put together for Sun, Sep 27, at The Cicada (1002 S Main St, Fort Worth) from 6 to 10pm. In addition to raffles and haircuts, Collective’s

Kari Sanders

Notes and News

RIDGLEA THEATER ROCKY HORROR SAT 10/17 PICTURE SHOW FRI 11/14 SCALIA/GINSBURG AND SAT 11/15 AN OPERA BY DERRICK WANG

RIDGLEA ROOM

FOUR DAY WEEKEND FOUR DAY WEEKEND SAT 10/10 FOUR DAY WEEKEND FRI 10/16 ANDREW SALGADO SAT 9/26

SAT 10/3

RIDGLEA LOUNGE FRI 9/25

THE CALEB RAINS BAND, THURBER MINGUS AND MORE!

THU 10/22

TOM BRETON

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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W/ BANTER & DANTRI

Join the 2026 Neighborhood Litter Stomp! Keep Fort Worth Beautiful invites residents to head outside and pick up litter in their neighborhoods on Sat, Oct 17 from 8am to 11am. By Keep Fort Worth Beautiful

Trinity Park. This hub is the perfect location for first-time volunteers or anyone looking for an easy way to get involved. Join the fun in cleaning up Fort Worth; it’s easy and free to participate!

Before the Event

Step 1. Mark your calendar. Neighborhood Litter Stomp is an annual fall event. Participate as an individual or organize a group. Step 2. Choose your cleanup location. Select a public area that is meaning ful to you. Not sure where to start? Join KFWB at Trinity Park, Pavilion #4 (Get Directions). Step 3. Register to participate. Volunteer as an individual, a family or a group. (Dates, times, and location details for cleanup supplies will be provided by email after registration) Step 4. Pick up your cleanup supplies. Step 5. Pick up litter on October 17.

Choose a location that is meaningful to you — whether that is your own neighborhood, a nearby park, or a favorite walking trail. Volunteers can participate individually or gather with family and friends to pick up litter together. Free litter cleanup supplies and event T-shirts will be Litter Cleanup Supplies available while supplies last. Not sure where to Keep Fort Worth Beautiful provides litter volunteer? Join Keep Fort Worth Beautiful at cleanup supplies to all registered volunteers.

Cour tesy City of For t Wor th

LIVING LOCAL

Supply pickup will be at the Business Assistance Center (1150 South Fwy, Fort Worth) 9am-5pm Wed-Thu, Oct 14-15, and 9am-3pm Fri, Oct 16. Equipment is also available, upon request, to help any volunteers who are elderly or have mobility concerns/other disabilities.

Scrap Tire Collection

Peace Center for Neighborhoods (818 Missouri Ave, Fort Worth) for residents to responsibly dispose of tires, divert waste, and help reduce illegal dumping. Residents can bring unwanted tires from their homes or collect littered tires from roadways and neighborhoods. Cleanup participation is not required to dispose of tires.

As part of the Neighborhood Litter Stomp, the For more promotional information about City of Fort Worth will host a free scrap tire col- Neighborhood Litter Stomp or Scrap Tire Collection, lection event on Sat, Oct 17 at the Hazel Harvey visit FortWorthTexas.gov/LitterStomp.

fwweekly.com SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026 FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY 23

BULLETIN BOARD

ADVERTISE HERE! Email Stacey@fwweekly.com today. Are You Road-Trip Ready? CALL COWTOWN ROVER!

With our handy pick-up and drop-off services, having your car checked out could not be easier.

www.CowtownRover.com 3958 Vickery | 817.731.3223

BEST OF IS NEAR! Book space now for Best Of 2026, in stands on Wed, Sep 30. Start here: FWWeekly.com/advertise-with-us DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL

Get ready to sling it and swing it with Penny and The Flamethrowers Friday Oct. 16 at Denton’s Day of the Dead festival. Penny and the boys will open for the great Matt Hillyer under the big top, downbeat 6 p.m. It’s Lonestar rockabilly -- a mash up of rockabilly, psychobilly and a twist of Americana country -- rocket fueled rock and roll based on three chords and rebellion!

ELEMENT COCKTAIL LOUNGE Best Monday Happy Hour In Town!

We have Champagne, Silver Star Texas Mules, and vodka strawberry limeade on draft, along with over 20 varieties of beer.We offer specials every day and live music on the weekends. Sunday Funday kicks off with Mimosa Flights all day, starting at $12. Late Night Cocktail Hour is Mon-Thur 9pm-12am. Join us at 200 N Mesquite St in Arlington #105, Arlington!

Cowtown Materials, Inc. has an opening for a Project Engineer in Fort Worth, TX. Duties include the following: Identify potential jobs and customers, build a relationship, and close bids. Review specifications to ensure mgmt is informed of market cond. and means to better our door div. Prep. all submittals and shop drawings for apprv. by owner & architect. Perform site visits as needed to oversee work and advise field personnel to make sure proper construction procedures are being followed. Investig. damages, accidents or loss of materials & work with ins. and vendors to reverse sched. delays. Prep. & submit proposals by conducting take-offs, perf. cost est. in accurately and timely manner. Prepare conceptual cost estimates, value engineering reports, budgetary and feasibility est. for pre-constrc. processes. Manage closed proj. work from order through installation. Act as a liaison between vendors, purchasers, salesmen, and contractors to ensure a quality installation and to increase company sales/margin dollars on specialty ceiling products. 10% Domestic travel req. (incl. site visits 1-2 days). Min. Req.: Bach.’s degree in Eng., Constr. Mgmt., or related field and 18 months of exp. in a Proj. Mgmt. or Estimating occupation. Exp. must include: 18 months. of exp. with building and constr. ind. and biz. practices; with drawings, specif., and blueprint plans; with CAD and Revit Sftwr. And 12 months of exp.: in Sales and Marketing within building ind.; with Cost Estimation; with Quantity Take-off; with Bluebeam - Quantity Takeoff Sftwr or similar sftwr; with On-Screen Takeoff (OST) – Quantity Take-off Sftwr; and with Dodge Data, ISqft, Construct Connect - Bidding Platforms. Apply at https:// cowtownmaterials.com/s/content/career-opportunitiesJob ID: REQ54552 or email resume to Leena Aldibbeh at leena.aldibbeh@srsdistribution.com.

FO R T WO R T H W E E K LY

SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2026

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EMPLOYMENT

Principal IT Software Engineer (Henry Schein Inc., Fort Worth, TX): Define, dvlp, test, analyze & maintain new complex s/ware applications. Write, code & test complex applications & reports. Dsgn, dvlp, modify, debug & implmt short- & long-term solutions to IT needs through new & existing applications, systems architecture, n/ work systems & applications infrastructure. Reqmts: Bach’s or foreign equiv deg in Comp Sci, Comp Info Systems, Mgmt Info Systems, Engg (any field), Math, or closely rltd field; + 5 yrs of progressive exp in position offered or rltd occupation. Must have 5 yrs of exp in: RPG, RPG-ILE, CL, SQL, AS/400 environments, DDM, DB2 D/base, XML, FTP, SFTP, & MQ; supporting business-critical production environment; working w/ distribution business systems & warehouse mgmt s/ware; working w/ change mgmt tools/systems; translating Business reqmts to IT Systems reqmts; working w/ offshore teams & multi-location teams; & project estimation, agile methodologies, managing backlogs & sprints. 3 yrs of exp in: Web services; integrating application systems w/ iSeries; reverse engg & documenting legacy application; & data migration from legacy application. Must report to co. office in Fort Worth, TX 2 days/wk. May work from home 3 days/ wk w/in commuting distance of Fort Worth, TX. Apply Online: https://www.henryschein.com/us-en/corporate/ career/default.aspx Ref. Job #. R134887.

HISTORIC RIDGLEA THEATER

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9/14/26

7:33 PM

THE RIDGLEA is three great venues within one historic Fort Worth landmark. RIDGLEA THEATER has been restored to its authentic allure, recovering unique Spanish-Mediterranean elements. It is ideal for large audiences and special events. RIDGLEA ROOM and RIDGLEA LOUNGE have been making some of their own history, as connected adjuncts to RIDGLEA THEATER, or hosting their own smaller shows and gatherings. More at theRidglea.com.

NEED A FRIEND? Ronnie D. Long Bail Bonds

Immediate Jail Release 24 Hour Service. City, County, State and Federal Bonds. Located Minutes from Courts. 6004 Airport Freeway.

817-834-9894

RonnieDLongBailBonds.com NO MORE GUTTER CLEANING!

LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection, will help you eliminate gutter cleaning forever. Schedule a FREE estimate today. (MB)

Call 1-877-689-1687

PICKLE LOVERS REJOICE

C The World’s Largest Pickle Party 2026 is coming November 7th to Globe Life Field and Texas Live. Nicole “Snooki” M Polizzi will headline The Big Dill®️ and be crowned its Pickle Queen. Get ready for a dillicious celebration like noY other with plenty of family-friendly activities.

Visit BigDill.com for event details! VETERAN CAR DONATIONS: Increase Your Tax Deductions!

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support CMY our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction. Call 1-844-450-1590 today!

A New Fall Tradition for the Whole Family

WINE by OMAHA STEAKS!

Receive 12 world class wines (and bonus gifts) for ONLY $79.99 (plus s/h) and save $160! That’s 12 new wine selections plus a FREE $25 Omaha Steaks E-reward card every three months. Cancel anytime. 100% guarantee! Call 1-855-275-7565 and mention code AGJF002 or visit GetOSWine.com/sip275. (MB)

Saturdays, Sept. 26 – Oct. 31 + Sunday, Nov. 1

GET TICKETS ScarboroughsHollow.com