Thu, Aug 20
Xtreme Knockout returns to Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth, 817-624-7117). Tonight’s XKO Fight Night End of Summer Bash features talented Texas-based fighters doing Muay Thai, the combat sport called the “art of eight limbs” as it typically involves punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, along with clinching. Traditionally, Muay Thai is held in a roped ring, but XKO is the first MMA promotion to feature it in a squared cage. Doors are at 6pm, and the fights start at 7pm. Tickets start at $66.77 at BillyBobsTexas.com.
Fri-Sun, Aug 21-23
After yeeeears of pressure from animal-welfare advocates, PETA among them, the world-famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus finally relented and phased out the animal acts in its traveling show. Their elephants were allowed to retire in 2016, then the whole show shut down the next year. Now, they’re back with people doing #StupidHumanTricks as of 2023. Are we ready to forgive them for their past grievances against animal-kind? I think I kind of am. Would be nice to support cruelty-free entertainment. Now, how do we get them to ditch the clowns? So creepy! See them and the rest of the traveling circus at Dickies Arena (1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, 817-402-9000) at 7pm Fri, 11am/3pm Sat, or noon/4pm Sun. For tickets starting at $33.05 plus fees, visit Ringling.com.
Wed, Aug 26
Dream City PAC, a local political action committee focused on building progressive civic participation, invites the community to a screening of 2016’s Backpack Full of Cash at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas (5727 W I-20, Arlington) at 6:30pm. This feature-length documentary explores the growing privatization of public education and its impact on public schools and some of America’s most vulnerable students. Seating is first-come, first-served, with tickets available by suggested donation of $10 or more per ticket, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Arlington and Mansfield school districts’ education foundations.
Courtesy BackpackFullofCash.com
Fri-Sun, Aug 28-30
The Sixth Annual Fort Worth Fall Home & Garden Show returns with a hall full of ideas, shopping, education, and family-friendly activities for homeowners, gardeners, and DIY enthusiasts at Will Rogers Memorial Center (3401 W Lancaster Av, Fort Worth, 817-392-7469). Visitors can catch gardening seminars from local experts covering everything from growing tomatoes and companion planting to edible landscaping, propagation, vegetable gardening, irrigation, and fall planting. Food lovers can check out live cooking demonstrations with bestselling cookbook author and Chef Kayla Butts, plus a $5 cooking class with Chef Dazore Bradford. There are also $5 Terrarium Make & Take classes with Gisella Kaendler, free crafts including birdhouses and a Tree of Thanks, and a Tree Discovery Experience with the master gardeners. Families and pet lovers can explore pet adoptions, K9 obedience demonstrations, training tips, and pet treats, while shoppers can browse plants, artisan goods, gourmet foods, home décor, and specialty products. Exhibitors will showcase everything from landscaping and outdoor living to home remodeling, kitchens and baths, smart-home technology and more. Admission is free all weekend. Parking is $15. Visit FortWorthHomeShow.com for the full schedule and additional details.
Courtesy Show Technology
Now thru Mon, Sep 7
Forty-three of Tarrant County’s finest dining destinations are gearing up for a major milestone this summer: the historic 30th anniversary edition of DFW Restaurant Week. When folks dine out at participating local restaurants, 20% of their meal will benefit Lena Pope, the 96-year-old Fort Worth nonprofit dedicated to strengthening children and families through counseling, education, and behavior intervention programs. For the full dish on DFW Restaurant Week, visit DFWRestaurantWeek.com and follow them on socials.
