The weather is cooling off, but downtown Fort Worth will be hot this weekend during an annual chili cook-off led by local firemen. Other highlights from this week’s lengthy list include a patio clam bake, a wine tasting featuring 30 Napa wineries, and the debut of a popular local baker in her first Central Market cooking class.
Wednesday, October 22
Fall Tea Dinner with Chef Victor Villarreal & Choke
Choke stands for Creating Her Own Kinetic Energy, and it’s the name of a late-night tea house in Fort Worth (120 St. Louis Ave.). Chef Victor Villarreal (Star Café & Cocktails) will partner with Choke for a fall-inspired tea-pairing dinner with lots of mysteries, including the menu and the location. Tickets are $90 and the dinner will run from 6-8 pm with the site to be revealed just before the event.
Baltra Bar Pop-up at Bowie House
One of The World’s 50 Best Bars will transport its Mexico City cocktail experience to Bowie House, Auberge Collection in the Cultural District for a four-night takeover from October 22-25, with a limited-edition menu of three to four of Baltra’s signature creations, alongside an exclusive cocktail for the residency. As part of the pop-up, they’re hosting a cocktail class on Thursday, October 23 at 6 pm. Tickets are $78.
Thursday, October 23
Cattleman’s Wine Pairing with Fort Worth Cattle Co. at Roy Pope Grocery
Enjoy chef-curated bites created with beef from Fort Worth Cattle Co. during this wine pairing event at Roy Pope Grocery. Leave with recipes and steak grilling tips, too. Tickets are $30 and the event will run from 6-8 pm.
The Napa Valley Wine Experience
Take a trip to Napa without leaving Fort Worth. Hosted by the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation, this exclusive wine tasting will feature more than 30 Napa Valley wineries presented in partnership with the Napa Valley Vintners Association. Light bites are included in the $159 ticket price, and the event will take place at The Ostreum from 6-8:30 pm.
Clam Bake at Grace
Annual patio party showcases chef Blaine Staniford’s rendition of a traditional New England clam bake, featuring littleneck and chowder clams, diver scallops, Maine lobster, jumbo prawns, Moosabec mussels, and snow crab with Texas corn and fingerling potatoes. Also on the menu are Parker House rolls with smoked ocean trout dip, shrimp remoulade salad, and poached pears with almond crumble and spiced wine syrup. Tickets are $189 plus tax and gratuity, and wines are included with each course. Arrive at 6:30 pm for a champagne reception before dinner at 7 pm.
Silver Oak Wine Dinner at Fixe Southern House
There are just a few seats left for this six-course wine dinner paired with prestigious Silver Oak wines. Menu highlights include filet mignon with truffle potato puree, blackened scallops with parmesan risotto, and Fixe’s famous buttermilk biscuits with pimento cheese and country ham (the latter paired with Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut in an elevated twist.) Tickets are $175, inclusive of tax and gratuity, and dinner begins at 6:30 pm.
Friday, October 24
Oktoberfest at Crystal Springs Hideaway
The folks who produce Fort Worth Oktoberfest are the same folks who own Crystal Springs Hideaway, and they’re keeping the party going with one more weekend of German food, drink, and culture. Visit for a special German menu of bratwurst, schnitzel, and roasted chicken, $6 German draft bier, chilled German steins, giant Bavarian pretzels, stein hoisting contests, prizes and giveaways, along with live German polka music. The party will run Friday-Sunday.
The Perfect Pie with Sweet Lucy’s Pies at Central Market Cooking School
Learn to nail that flaky pie crust from Sweet Lucy’s Pies during this demonstration class lead by baker and owner Lindsey Lawing in her debut at the Central Market Fort Worth Cooking School. The holiday-inspired menu will include TX Whiskey pecan pie, roasted pumpkin pie, and cranberry buttermilk pie. Wine is included in the $90 ticket price, and class begins at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, October 25
Fort Worth Firefighters Chili Cook-Off
Taking place in General Worth Square downtown, this annual event pits area firefighters against each other in a battle of the best chili in town. More than two dozen fire stations participate including Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, Euless, Crowley, Irving, North Richland Hills, and even one from Denver. Chili samples in categories of red, green, and non-traditional will be sold for $1, or get a bowl for $5. Back this year is an on-site bar by The Rabbit Hole Pub. The family friendly event will run from 10 am–2 pm and admission is free.
Los Guapos Anniversary Party
The West 7th Street street taco joint will celebrate its first birthday with $1 tacos, live music, face painting, and guest vendors including Gustos and Ribbee’s along with Morgan Mercantile and more. The event will run all day through late night from 11 am-2 am.
Costumes & Cocktails at TX Whiskey Ranch
Visit the Fort Worth distillery for its annual costume contest along with axe throwing, DJ music, a food truck, and TX Whiskey cocktails. Prizes will include a TX Whiskey barrel. Tickets are $15 and include your first cocktail. The party will run from 12-5 pm with the costume contest set for 3 pm.