From spy thrillers and paint parties to Day of the Dead celebrations and live music at the State Fair, North Texas is serving up a little bit of everything this week.
Now thru Sun, Nov 1
The darkly comic spy thriller AJAX, written by Habib Yazdi and directed by Kareem Fahmy, follows the story of the CIA walking into a Tehran courtyard in 1953 and how the events that followed shaped the next 70 years of Middle Eastern politics. It screens at Amphibian Stage (120 S Main St, Fort Worth, 817-923-3012). Tickets for this show range from $29 to $67 at AmphibeanStage.com, but you get to decide what you pay to make theatre more accessible for any budget.
Thu, Oct 15
Caw, caw! Emerald City Cannabis Lounge (937 Woodward St, Fort Worth, 817-238-3025) is hosting a Murder Mystery Paint Party on Thu, Oct 15, from 7pm to 9pm with Cowtown Paints, in which guests become suspects after a renowned artist is found dead and her masterpiece vanishes during an exclusive gallery unveiling. The cost is $38 and includes all painting supplies, including an 11×14 pre-sketched canvas, and guidance. This event is for ages 21 and up only, and you must bring your ID for security to scan. Legal THC drinks and other consumables are available for purchase from the friendly budtenders. Reserve your spot at occ.sn/mMrnNCZZ.
Sat, Oct 17
With Dia de los Muertos happening soon, Sundance Square is hosting Catrina Fest in Sundance Square Plaza (425 Houston St, Ste 250, Fort Worth, 817-222-111) from noon to midnight. Contestants will wear their best Day of the Dead dresses and makeup for the Catrina Contest. There will be food trucks, live music, and vendors. There is no cost to attend.
Starting at 1pm, the fifth annual Riot Girl Fest will take place at Anderson Eatery & Distillery (410 N Bell Av, Denton, 817-203-0623). This free, all-day/all-ages event features 10 local queer and femme bands, five North Texas nonprofits, and 20 local artists and vendors. “It is important to me to make an all-ages accessible event because I am raising the next generation of Riot Grrrls,” said founder Jennifer Zooki Sturges. In the spirit of Riot Grrrl culture’s titans, like the legendary Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, there will be live music from 4Factorial, Boof, Darstar, Die A Beat Us, Hen & The Cocks, Hotcake Hand Grenade, The Roommates, and Side Chicks.
Sat-Sun, Oct 17-18
For the third year running, the artist (OK, “event”) formerly known as Guitarlington is back with its new name and location: Amigo Guitar Show at Mesquite Convention Center (1700 Rodeo Dr, 972-329-3100). From 10am to 5pm Sat and 10am-4pm Sun, you can buy, sell, or trade musical instruments of all sorts, shop among hundreds of vendors, and meet local and national musicians, luthiers, and gear enthusiasts. Admission is $25 for adults. Children aged 11 and under are admitted for free with an adult. For more info, visit AmigoGuitarShows.com.
Tue, Oct 20
If you have thick skin and a curiosity as to whether or not your own personal art is any good, this is the event for you. But remember: You asked for it. The Welman Project, winner of our Critic’s Choice for Best Arts & Crafts Events in Best Of 2026, is introducing a new monthly Art Critique Night. On the third Tuesday of the month starting tonight, join host Redmilk Crone, director of Buttermilk Gallery, from 6pm to 8pm for an evening of art talk. Bring one piece of your artwork that you would like wholesomely and kindly critiqued by your art peers to the Welman Curiosity Shop (2109 S Main St, Fort Worth, 817-824-4000). There is no cost to attend.
Wed, Oct 21
Happy (early) Halloween! We’ve always had a ton of Halloween coverage throughout the month of October, but with so much going on this year, we’re doing one big cover-to-cover special issue. From a Metro article about a witchy shop closing under political pressure to a Stage piece about local musicians launching a War of the Worlds-style podcast, there’s something spooky for everyone, hitting the stands today. Business owners, get with your Weekly person and book space ASAP, or start at FWWeekly.com/advertise-with-us.
All Weekend
Howdy, folks! This weekend is your last chance to visit the 2026 State Fair of Texas at Fair Park (3809 Grand Av, Dallas, 214-670-8400). Concerts are included with your admission, and Wed-Thu adults and seniors can get tickets for just $10 after 5pm. Come for concerts by 3OH!3, Gym Class Heroes, Muscadine Bloodline, and others; grab iconic food made by the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards finalists (“Big Tex Brings Big Taste This Year,” Sep 2, 2026); and take in the Midway lights before heading home. The fair is open 10am-9pm Wed-Thu, 10am-10pm Fri-Sat, and 10am-9pm Sun. For more information or to secure your tickets, visit BigTex.com.
Next Week
Mecum Auctions returns to Dickies Arena (1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, 817-402-9000) from Tue, Oct 21 to Fri, Oct 24, bringing an impressive lineup of approximately 1,500 collector vehicles to the auction block. From iconic American muscle cars and classic Corvettes to trucks, SUVs, exotics, hot rods, customs and more, there’s something for every automotive enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to sell, bid or simply take in the action, the public is invited to experience all the excitement as the cars cross the block. Three-day passes are $75, and daily tickets are $30, at Mecum.com/tickets/.
