On Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, the holiday season kicks off in Fort Worth with the 13th annual Central Market/H-E-B Feast of Sharing – a free community dinner at Dickies Arena that welcomes thousands each year. The event runs from 3 to 7 p.m., with organizers prepared to serve up to 10,000 meals.
This year, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker will join Central Market/H-E-B leaders to kick off the festivities, underscoring the event’s importance as a true community tradition.
A Holiday Meal for All
At the heart of Feast of Sharing is a Thanksgiving-style dinner served with warm hospitality. Guests will enjoy turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and pumpkin pie – prepared in the Central Market/H-E-B Mobile Kitchen, which can serve up to 5,000 meals per hour. Unlike cafeteria-style events, this celebration features table service, with more than 1,000 volunteers welcoming guests, delivering meals and ensuring the evening feels festive and personal.
“Feast of Sharing is about more than just a meal. It’s about creating a space where our entire community can come together, share in the joy of the season and know they are valued,” said Austin Jourde, General Manager of Central Market/H-E-B Fort Worth. “We’re proud to continue this tradition that truly embodies the Fort Worth spirit.”
Food, Fun and Entertainment
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Feast of Sharing offers much more than food. A lively Kid’s Zone with Santa and Mrs. Claus, access to health and family services and an impressive lineup of live entertainment create a festive atmosphere where children can laugh, parents can connect with resources and the entire community can celebrate together.
This year’s performers include:
- Kendi Jean & The Velvet Smoke Show – Fort Worth–based Americana singer-songwriter blending Motown roots with cowboy boots.
- Suzy & The Sissies – A local group offering a mix of classic rock, country and pop hits.
- Legacy 4 – Known for Motown, R&B and classic hits.
- Paladin – A Dallas-Fort Worth band delivering high-energy rock.
- Michael Hix & The Classix – A Texas native with powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, entertaining crowds for more than 15 years.
Adding to the excitement, the Southwest High School Drum Corps and the Arlington Heights Color Guard will bring rhythm, color, and school pride to the start of the evening.
A Tradition of Service
Feast of Sharing is part of a much larger story. H-E-B launched the tradition more than 30 years ago in South Texas, and today the company hosts 35 dinners across Texas and Mexico, serving more than 340,000 people every holiday season.
Central Market/H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing event is a celebration aimed at bringing the community together and is also the company’s culmination of a year-round commitment to fighting hunger throughout Texas.
Free Transportation and Parking
To ensure that everyone has a place at the table, Central Market/H-E-B is providing free parking in the Dickies Arena south parking lot and free bus transportation to and from Dickies Arena at key community locations across Fort Worth, including:
- Presbyterian Night Shelter – 1513 E. Presidio St.
- Women’s Center Tarrant County – 1723 Hemphill St.
- LVT Rise Community Center – 8201 Calmont Ave.
- Salvation Army Mabee Center – 1855 E. Lancaster Ave.
- One Safe Place – 1100 Hemphill St.
- Tarrant County Samaritan Housing – 929 Hemphill St.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Event
Feast of Sharing is made possible by the dedication of volunteers – individuals, families, businesses, churches, schools and organizations from across the city who give their time and energy to serve others. From plating meals to greeting guests, their presence transforms the arena into a place filled with joy, compassion and community spirit.
“This event would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and community partners,” Jourde emphasized. “Their generosity of time and spirit transforms Dickies Arena into a place of warmth and welcome, ensuring that every guest feels like family.”
An Open Invitation to the Community
The Feast of Sharing is more than a dinner – it’s a symbol of unity. Central Market/H-E-B invites everyone to come together, give thanks and celebrate the kickoff to the holiday season.
The doors of Dickies Arena will be open on November 12 to all who wish to be part of this holiday tradition.
If you are interested in volunteering at Feast of Sharing, or if you know of an individual or group who would benefit from this meal, please visit centralmarket.com/feastofsharing.
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