The final weekend of September is a big one event-wise in and around Fort Worth, and that’s not even counting making the trek to Dallas for the State Fair of Texas. Choices include three theater productions (including a national tour), screenings of a charming new film, a big Oktoberfest celebration, the openings of area haunted houses, a rodeo competition, two concerts, a home tour, classical music in a unique location, and a dance production.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city’s best events.

Thursday, September 25

Fort Worth Oktoberfest
The annual Fort Worth Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration of German culture with the best in Bavarian entertainment. Thursday’s ceremonial ‘Tapping of the Kegs’ kicks off the fun and the festival continues through Saturday with carnival rides, dachshund races, Siegi’s Sausage Brat Eating Contest, bier barrel rolling, stein hoist competitions, the Oktoberfest 5k, and more. The event takes place at Trinity Park.

Broadway at the Bass presents Life of Pi
After a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a 16-year-old boy named Pi survives on a lifeboat with four companions – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Told with jaw-dropping visuals, world class puppetry, and exquisite stagecraft, Life of Pi creates a breathtaking journey for audiences. The production runs through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.

Friday, September 26

Magnolia at the Modern: Eleanor the Great
After the death of her best friend of 70 years, Eleanor (June Squibb) moves to New York City to live with her daughter (Jessica Hecht). While she seeks a fresh start, making new friends in her nineties proves difficult. Longing for connection, she befriends Nina (Erin Kellyman), a 19-year-old journalism student – but Eleanor’s tale takes on a dangerous life of its own. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Jubilee Theatre presents I Got the Last Laugh!
I Got the Last Laugh! steps into the world of Jackie “Moms” Mabley, a trailblazing comedian, fearless truth-teller, and one of the most influential voices in American entertainment. Through humor, heart, and unapologetic wit, the production celebrates her groundbreaking career, her resilience in the face of adversity, and the laughter that made her a legend. The production runs through October 19 at Jubilee Theatre.

Onstage in Bedford presents The 39 Steps
The 39 Steps is a parody play, adapted from the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, that calls for the entirety of the adventure film to be performed with a cast of only four. One actor plays the hero, Richard Hannay; an actress plays the three women with whom he has romantic entanglements; and two other actors play every other character in the show, each occasionally playing multiple characters at once. The production runs through October 12 at Onstage in Bedford.

Haunted house openings
Halloween season kicks into high gear with the opening of three area haunted houses. Moxley Manor Haunted House in Bedford features three haunted houses for one price. Cutting Edge Haunted House in Fort Worth is a dark attraction filled with live actors, special effects, and monsters located in a 100-year-old abandoned meat packing plant. Hangman’s House of Horrors includes three separate attractions: the classic Hangman’s House of Horrors; Outbreak! featuring zombies, and The Beauty of Horror, a twist on the interactive art exhibit. Each of the haunted houses will be open through at least November 1.

Texas Rattlers presents PBR Rattlers Days
The Rattlers are Dallas-Fort Worth’s first-ever professional bull riding team, competing in a league which transforms bull riding from an individual to team-formatted competition. The three-day event will feature all 10 of the PBR league teams competing in multiple head-to-head competitions. The Rattlers will compete against the Oklahoma Wildcatters, Austin Gamblers, and Kansas City Outlaws. The event takes place at Dickies Arena through Sunday.

Joe Nichols in concert
Country star Joe Nichols has been crafting hits since his breakout in 2002 with his sophomore album, Man with a Memory. Thanks to songs like “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” and “Gimmie That Girl,” he’s remained at the top of the genre for over 20 years, releasing 11 albums in his career. He’ll play at Billy Bob’s Texas in support of his 2024 album, Honky Tonks & Country Songs.

Saturday, September 27

2025 AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour
The annual AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour is a two-day, self-guided event that showcases six homes by local architects. Visitors can explore unique designs and meet the architects and vendors that bring each home to life. Proceeds support AIA FW programs that advance architecture and design in the community. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

The Cliburn presents Cliburn Family Concerts: “The Carnival of the Animals”
In “The Carnival of the Animals,” playful pianists impersonate the animal kingdom, from a stately lion and an energetic kangaroo to crazy donkeys and more. Fort Worth Zoo Animal Ambassadors will make special appearances throughout the concert. Two pianos bring Saint-Saëns’ humorous suite, The Carnival of the Animals, to life like never before. There will be two performances on Saturday at the Fort Worth Zoo.

Ballet Frontier presents Firebird
A dazzling fusion of myth and music, Firebird tells the story of a magical creature who helps a young prince defeat evil. In addition to Firebird, Ballet Frontier will perform the fun and joyous ballet Wedding Party. There will be performances on Saturday and Sunday at I.M. Terrell Academy.

Jamey Johnson in concert
Country singer Jamey Johnson should be a bigger star than he is at this point in his career. After releasing his first album with a big label, The Dollar, in 2006, he went on to release three top 10 records, including the No. 1 The Guitar Song in 2010. But a dispute with his original label made him fade into the background for a long time until he finally released his sixth album, Midnight Gasoline, in 2024. He’ll play in support of that album at Billy Bob’s Texas.

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Oktoberfest