We’ve parsed through the lineups and cut through the noise to bring you a monthly roundup of the best live shows in Fort Worth.
May 5-8
Mayfest 2022
The biggest party in Fort Worth is back — yay! This year’s Mayfest has fun festival foods, carnival rides, pet adoption booths, art and gift market vendors and lots of great live music. More than 40 local bands are scheduled to perform on one of three stages. With performances ranging from rock to country and bluegrass, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly outdoor festival.
May 11
Happy Hour with Johnny Case at Pinky’s Champagne Room
Fort Worth’s new jazz lounge, Pinky’s Champagne Room and Velvet Jazz Lounge, has a cozy speakeasy feel and live jazz music throughout the week. The bar specializes in sparkling wine options that are sold at near retail prices. Legendary pianist Johnny Case performs on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. The longtime performer at Sardines Ristorante Italiano and, more recently, Lili’s Bistro is known for his virtuosic renditions of straight-ahead standards.
May 13-15
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Presents Bach, Tomasi and Holst
The bulk of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s performances are conducted by music director designate Robert Spano, but locals can still catch former music director Miguel Harth-Bedoya from time to time. Harth-Bedoya leads Fort Worth’s resident orchestra mid-May for performances of works by Bach, Tomasi and Holst. FWSO principal trumpeter Kyle Sherman takes on Tomasi’s dazzling Trumpet concerto as part of the concert.
May 17
Open Mic Night at Distribution Bar
Shipping and Receiving Bar closed during the pandemic and never reopened, but Distribution Bar kept many of the features that locals loved about the popular bar while adding a few new twists. In this industrial-chic neighborhood pub, you’ll find familiar signage from the previous owner. Every Tuesday, you can order drink specials and the possibility of catching Fort Worth’s next big music act.
May 21
Jimmie Allen Performs at Billy Bob’s Texas
Multi-platinum recording artist and songwriter Jimmie Allen is having yet another breakout year. With performances on The Kennedy Center Honors, Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Good Morning America, TODAY, American Idol and other prominent shows, Allen is redefining country music while amassing a huge following. Catch Allen and special guest Neon Union at Billy Bob’s Texas later this month.
May 27
Shannon and the Clams Perform at Tulips FTW
Local, regional and national music acts abound at this Near Southside bar and music venue. Late May, catch the indie garage punk quartet Shannon and the Clams at Tulips FTW. The band that pulls from vintage influences like doo-wop, surf and classic R&B is based in California, so you don’t want to miss the chance to catch them in the 817. Arrive early (before 7 p.m.) for happy hour drink specials.
May 28
Revenge of the Beards at Lola’s Trailer Park
Near Southside contestants will likely roll deep in Revenge of the Beards, a beard and mustache competition benefiting Center for Transforming Lives. Enter one of 16 beard, mustache and hairdo categories that include mullet, business beard, full beard freestyle and something called the “world-famous Texas Red Beard™ category.”
