With Labor Day behind us, we are now in the midst of the fall migration season for migratory birds, so the annual Lights Out initiative has begun. Along with helping our feathered friends as best we can, you can also see artistic representations of them at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, like Scott and Stuart Gentling’s “Black-Crowned Night Heron,” which is in the Of Birds and Texas collection.
Now thru Oct/Nov
Thru the end of November, with the critical period being now thru the end of October, millions of birds will travel through Texas as they make their way south for the winter and will be using the night sky for navigation. Artificial light from buildings and homes can interfere with that journey, drawing birds off course and increasing the risk of collisions with windows and buildings. But you, dear human, can help. Daily from 11pm to 6am, turn off or dim outdoor lights, close blinds or curtains to reduce light shining through windows, and limit landscape lighting that illuminates trees, gardens, and other areas where birds may rest. You can also use timers or motion sensors so outdoor lights turn on only when needed. You don’t have to live or work downtown to participate. Reducing unnecessary light at night wherever you are will help. Learn more about Lights Out at Audubon.org and monitor local migration activity at Birdcast.org.
Every Tue-Sun
In their words, not mine (surprisingly), the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-738-1933) proclaims, “Our collection is for the birds!” Maggie Adler, a Carter curator, says the museum is home to thousands of birds. “Well, not live ones because that would be really messy, but thousands of images of birds.” Besides the Gentling brothers’ work, one of the Carter’s largest bird collections is by John James Audubon. Considered one of the most important American ornithologists in history, Audubon made it his mission in 1826 to chronicle all the birds of North America, resulting in a monumental publication. The Birds of America was not merely a scientific pursuit but an artistic accomplishment of great ambition. Read more in the blogs at CarterMuseum.org and visit the museum 10am-5pm any Tue-Sat or noon-5pm any Sun.
Courtesy Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Fri, Sep 11
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on our country, the City of Grapevine is hosting a remembrance ceremony at 7:30am at its 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial (1000 Texan Trl). Dedicated in 2008, the memorial honors the 33 flight crewmembers and more than 200 passengers who died on 9/11. Artist/sculptor Dean Thompson worked with a team of volunteers for more than three years to complete it. Immediately after the ceremony, uniformed first responders from the Grapevine Fire Department, Police Department, and multiple other agencies will walk a 1.3-mile route from the memorial down Wall Street through historic downtown. Known as MARCH 455, this procession honors the 455 firefighters, law enforcement officers, K9s, EMS personnel, and flight crew members lost on Sep 11, 2001. You can also livestream today’s events at Facebook.com/CityofGrapevine.
Courtesy City of Grapevine
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
If this is it, please let me know. Yes, Huey, this is it, and this is us letting you know. Anyhoo, today is the last day to submit your ballot for the Readers’ Choice portion of our Best Of 2026 awards. For a full rundown of the categories, the rules, and how business owners can #PromoteTheVote, go to Bit.ly/FWW_BestOf2026.
