by David Moreno, Fort Worth Report
April 23, 2026

Happy Thursday,

After a blazing debut last year, the Lone Star Smokeout returns this weekend to light up the parking lot outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. This year’s festival is bigger than ever with performances from three of country music’s biggest superstars: Riley Green, Koe Wetzel and Shaboozey. Find out more about the festival below. 

Speaking of live music, the Fort Worth Report is excited to announce The Soundcheck, a new column from writer Hailey Green. Every two weeks, Hailey will keep you in the loop on what’s happening across the Tarrant music scene, from local artist features to concert previews. 

In her first column, she spoke with Cut Throat Finches front man Sean Russell about musical influences on the rock band’s latest record.

Sip on your favorite beer at return of country music festival

Some of Texas’ biggest barbecue names will serve up food including, Hurtado Barbecue, Panther City BBQ and Slow Bone BBQ. Guests can also shop items from Tecovas and design their own cowboy hat at the Rancher Hat Bar.

What: Lone Star Smokeout

When: 3 p.m. April 24; 1 p.m. April 25, 26

Where: AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington

Admission: $69-$1,442

Watch curtain fall on longtime theater professor’s final production

Joe Allen Brown, who has worked at Texas Wesleyan University for over 40 years, prepares for retirement with his final production as director. The show is sold out, but an in-person-only wait list will be available one hour before each performance.

What: Little Shop of Horrors

When: 7:30 p.m. April 23-25; 2 p.m. April 26

Where: Thad Smotherman Theatre, 1205 Binkley St., Fort Worth

Admission: $10-$15

Find emerging musicians across multiple venues

Doors are opening at 17 businesses and venues in the Near Southside for local musicians across all genres. Trinity Metro is providing free shuttle service. Click here for list of participating locations.

What: Lost ’N Sound

When: Noon-Midnight April 25

Where: South Main Village, Fort Worth

Admission: Free

Grab your keys to see Fast and Furious engines rev up in Cowtown

The show features more than 700 custom and exclusive cars, including some movie cars from the Fast and Furious franchise. A portion of event proceeds benefit Reach Out Worldwide, the charity founded by Paul Walker.

What: FuelFest

When: 1-8 p.m. April 25

Where: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth

Admission: $35-$572; free entry for children 12 and under

Honor Mexican American, Chicano heritage at Cultural District party

The Cinco de Mayo celebration features performances from multiple Latino groups, including Ballet Folklorico de Fort Worth and Rondalla Caballeros Paso del Norte de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

What: Cinco in the District

When: Noon-5 p.m. April 26

Where: Gendy Street outside Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Admission: Free

Thanks for reading! Do you have a Weekend Worthy event? Add it to our community calendar.

David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.

The Fort Worth Report’s arts and culture coverage is supported in part by the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation and the Virginia Hobbs Charitable Trust. At the Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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