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. In Features, 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. In Stuff, we’ve got all your needs for summer soccer camps covered, while in Music, we run down our favorite big touring shows coming to the region and local artists who’ll be playing here and elsewhere this summer. In Eats & Drinks, 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. Welcome to Summertime 2026! — Anthony Mariani
WHAT’S INSIDE SUMMERTIME 2026?
We’re glad you asked!
Feature // Story of a State Park
Palo Pinto, our newest nearby state recreation site, has a tale worth your time. Read about it here.
Sports Rush // Pro Insight
Your children stand a greater-than-normal chance of taking an interest in the sport of soccer and in soccer camps this summer, thanks to the buzz around the FIFA World Cup. For suggestions and words of wisdom from local players, click here.
Getaways // Top Spots for Kids
To read about five international destinations that are especially well-suited for traveling with children this year, click here.
Calendar // Art: Summer Preview
From the boards to the walls, we’ve got your theater and art experiences covered. Read all about it here.
Calendar // Big Ticket: Here Comes The Sun
As the intense Texas sun lingers overhead and the year reaches its brightest point, lovely light illuminates the evening sky during the Summer Solstice. Read about it here in Calendar.
Calendar // Crosstown Sounds: Sizzling Suggestions
Award-winning local bands are taking it to the streets in our town and up the road a piece over the summer. To read about who’s playing where during this season’s national holidays, from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, click here.
Music // Big Shows
Summer’s here, and the time is right for … seeing touring and local bands here and beyond! Read all about it here.
Music x Sports // Music as a Team Sport
The voice of the Texas Rangers introduced local baseball fans to some new (and old) tunes at his recent benefit birthday party. Read about it here.
Screen // Summer Movie Preview
No Marvel movies, no problem (or so movie theaters hope) this summer. The blockbuster crowd will still have plenty to chew on, including Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Supergirl, and Toy Story 5, plus the Scary Movie franchise gets a reboot. Read all about it here.
Eats & Drinks // Ate Days of J&J’s
As crawfish season comes to an end, so does one of the area’s favorite seafood spots. After being in business for nearly 50 years, the time has come for J&J’s Oyster Bar to close. We’re sad to see it go, but we will always have warm memories of cold beer, hot chili, and long chats with the husband-and-wife owners, Jim and Cathy Schusler. Read a letter from Jim, and a list of our favorite things at J&J’s here.
Last Call // Lemon, Lime & Lager
Summer vibes and family fun await you at Maple Branch in the Foundry District. Join them for a day, afternoon, or evening of craft beers, scratch-made pizza, and games. Read more about them here and in their Living Local feature.
Classifieds // Avoiding a Summer Soak
To read about the top five mistakes that North Texas homeowners make every summer (and how to avoid them), click here.
The End
Did you miss your chance to pick up Summertime 2026 in the stands? No worries. We’ve got you covered. To see this special issue in a flipbook, cover-to-cover format, click here.
