Things may look a little bleak, but summer fun reminds us what’s worth fighting for. Every year for a while now, we’ve put out a summer issue, a.k.a. Summer Edition, and it’s been through all kinds of political winds. Still, there’s enough going on and enough people, places, and products to support that we think there’s no reason to stop now. You could even say Summertime 2026 is … hot. (Sorry.)
Between these pages, you’ll find a plethora of good words and things to do that don’t always involve spending a ton of money. On pg. 7, we take an initial gander at Texas’ newest state park, this one just a short drive away in Palo Pinto. Some really useful tips on everything from complimentary angling (no license required!) to making sure you bring your own potable water to the primitive campsites are included.
The rest of the book is equally entertaining and arguably as helpful. On pg. 10, we’ve got all your needs for summer soccer camps covered, while on pg. 37, we run down our favorite big touring shows coming to the region and local artists who’ll be playing here and elsewhere this summer, with more local touring news on pg. 21. On pg. 25, we hear from the great Jim Schusler, who’s closing down his beloved J&J’s Oyster Bar to make room for new development — between the Oyster Bar, J&J’s Blues Bar, and, to me, the coolest dive bar Fort Worth’s ever known, the ski lodge-esque J&J’s Hideaway, I could have put 10 kids through college. We’ll miss ya, Jim.
All this and more await inside, so roll down the top, cue up that summer playlist, and step inside.
