Night & Day: Wake Me Up When September Ends

Septembers are weird. Right, Green Day? Feels like fall, yet it’s still hot. The first week, we celebrate the labor movement and enjoy an extra day off from work, only to turn around on Week 2 and lament a national tragedy. On the local front, we’re in the middle of our annual Best Of season, culminating in a big special issue at month’s end. So, forgive me if the calendar listings in the coming weeks are a bit schizophrenic. Rather than our usual Wednesday-to-Tuesday curated list of day-by-day awesome events each week, I’m just going to do my best. To that end, here is a wide array of September (and October) happenings.

Thu, Sep 3

On Thursdays for the rest of the summer (now thru Thu, Oct 1), Lake Worth Boating & Ski Club (4001 Marina Dr, Fort Worth, 817-237-4731) has open-play sand volleyball every Thursday evening from 5pm to 10pm. It’s family-friendly, all ages are welcome, and frosty beverages are available to purchase for those 21 and up.

Sat, Sep 5

Let’s do the time warp again but with paint this time! In honor of the legendary Tim Curry, who died last week, Painting With a Twist (1424-M Airport Frwy, Bedford, 817-600-8613) is hosting Ohhhhh, TIM!, a night of painting, watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and singing along with your fellow creatures of the night. The fun starts at 7pm. While the film rolls and the soundtrack plays, local artists will guide you step by step as you create a themed masterpiece on canvas. This event is BYOB, so bring your favorite libations, craft beer, or midnight-movie snacks to enjoy right at your easel. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get checked in, pour your drinks, and get settled before the show begins. Costumes are highly encouraged! Tickets start at $37 per person at PaintingWithaTwist.com.

Sun, Sep 6

Hosted by Shayne Hollinger from 95.9 The Ranch, Band of Heathens and special guests, The Wilder Blue, are playing the Sixth Annual Banding Together for Kids concert at Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth, 817-624-7117) in the Stockyards. This benefit show raises money for Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas, helping kids across the state access therapies, medical care, dental care, and other basic human needs. Tickets start at $20 at BillyBobsTexas.com.

And the Atlanta Rhythm Section will perform at Arlington Music Hall (224 N Center St, 817)-226-4400) if that’s more to your liking. The group that formed in 1971 has long been considered one of the best and most prolific Southern rock bands. They’ve recorded some of the most memorable songs of the ’70s, including “Spooky” (a remake of Classic IV’s 1968 hit), “So Into You,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” “Imaginary Lover,” and more. Along with their Southern-fried style, they are also known for smooth, soulful sounds, catchy hooks, and memorable melodies.  Tickets start at $66.42 on Eventbrite.com. The show starts at 8pm.

Sat-Mon, Sep 5-7

Tanger Outlets (15853 North Fwy, Fort Worth, 817-464-5400) is working with Pop Markets to put together a special Artisan Market for Labor Day weekend. Local makers, crafters, and small businesses are offering one-of-a-kind shopping experiences from handcrafted jewelry and unique home accessories to specialty foods and creative gifts. Find the Artisan Market at the Center Court near Polo Ralph Lauren from 11am to 7pm Sat-Mon.

Tue, Sep 8

As they say, no vacation goes unpunished. Our printing press, bless their hearts, is doing double duty today after being closed during yesterday’s national holiday, and they need our help. While we normally don’t send them our pages until late Tuesday night, today we’re all workin’ 9 to 5 (R.I.P., Dolly). Business owners, book your space for our Wed, Sep 9, issue as soon as possible. Reach out to your rep or use our portal at FWWeekly.com/advertise-with-us.

Sat, Sep 12

Trinity Park Duck Pond (2200 Trinity Park Dr, Fort Worth) is this year’s location for the Trinity River Book Festival, brought to you by The Dock Bookshop. From 9am to 3pm, the park becomes a vibrant literary village for all ages and backgrounds, celebrating National Literacy Month. Along with the Run-to-Read 5K and 1-mile fun run, activities include book signings, cultural showcases, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and live music. Featured authors will be in attendance representing various genres, including children’s, young adult, romance, mystery, poetry, memoir, self-help, cooking, faith, sci-fi, history, and others. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit TrinityRiverBookFest.com.

Sun, Sep 13

Last call for milkshakes! (Great song, right? If you don’t know, look it up.) Anyhoo, today is the last day to submit your ballot for the Readers’ Choice portion of the Best Of 2026 awards. Selfishly, I’d love for you to focus on (or at least not forget) the calendar-oriented categories like Art Gallery Exhibit, Arts & Crafts Event, Cultural Event, Festival, Haunted Attraction, and more in the Arts & Culture section. For a full rundown of the categories, the rules, and how business owners can #PromoteTheVote, go to Bit.ly/FWW_BestOf2026.

Sat, Sep 19

Speaking of weird, the Fort Worth Weird Mom’s Club, a Facebook group turned real-life nonprofit, is hosting its Seventh Annual Weird Mom Prom hosted by Liam from the Haltom City Rainbow House. Find that old quinceañera dress, tuxedo, or Halloween costume from the back of your closet and give it life once again tonight at the Ridglea Theater (6025 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-738-9500) from 6pm to 10pm. This event is open to the public and, as the organizers put it, definitely for weirder, kinder souls. Light bites and sweets will be available throughout the evening. Clever Girl Creations, Charcuterie, & Cocktails will be creating charcuterie grazing tables, and Barbour’s Bake Shoppe is bringing the sweet treats. The venue will also have a full bar with drinks available for purchase, plus there will be drag performances by Moan Jett, Nova Gina, Vander Graph, and Vivienne Vermuth. Tickets are $39.19 at FWWMC.org, but you can use promo code “DragMeToProm” at checkout for $10 off.