We've banded together (no pun intended) to bring you a monthly roundup of live shows in Fort Worth.
MAY 3-7
Mayfest 2023
Fort Worth’s popular spring celebration returns to Trinity Park with more than 60 arts and crafts vendors, free activities for kiddos and lots of live music. This year’s music showcase features 40 local bands performing a wide range of genres across three stages. Mayfest raises several million dollars a year for local charities.
MAY 5
Cinco De Mayo at Rusty Nickel IceHouse
Rusty Nickel IceHouse recently took over the Smokestack 1948 location just east of TCU. The sprawling space that includes a cocktail lounge, outdoor stage and multiple bars and patios is the perfect destination for watching sports or catching a live show. The Rusty Nickel team is throwing a Cinco de Mayo party featuring Mexican lagers, tequilas, crawfish, mariachi bands and Latin-themed snacks.
MAY 6
Revenge of the Beards at Lola’s Fort Worth
Things could get a little hairy at Revenge of the Beards, a beard and mustache competition sponsored by the North Texas Beard Alliance. Proceeds from the contest at Lola’s Fort Worth which features 13 facial hair categories will be donated to Cancer Care Services of Fort Worth.
MAY 9-14
Performing Arts Fort Worth Presents Tootsie
Rolling Stone hails Tootsie as “musical comedy heaven” while The Hollywood Reporter calls it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” Performing Arts Fort Worth brings the newest rendition of Tootsie to Bass Performance Hall in mid-May. The hilarious musical follows the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented actor struggling to find work.
MAY 12
Holy Moly, Crooked Bones and Jacob Furr Perform at The Cicada
Newcomer The Cicada recently moved into now-shuttered Main at South Side. The revamped space has more of a lounge feel, thanks to ample indoor seating options. The Cicada, like MASS, focuses on presenting local acts. Catch the five-member cowpunk group Holy Moly in the show that features Crooked Bones and singer-songwriter Jacob Furr.
MAY 14
Mother’s Day Brunch at Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall
Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall offers superlative cocktails, classic and creative dishes by Chef Tim Love and a steady stream of local, regional and national acts in the adjacent music hall. For Mother’s Day, you can treat mom to a brunch buffet and gospel music show at 12:30 p.m.
MAY 20
Scat Jazz Lounge Presents Matthew Banks Quintet
Dallas-based multi-instrumentalist Matthew Banks performs with his quartet later this month. The bandleader for the Black Powder Vipers performs a range of jazz genres, from bebop to blues and swing. Shows run at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
MAY 27
Billy Bob’s Texas Presents Reckless Kelly
Austin-based Reckless Kelly has released several acclaimed albums and amassed a sizeable following after performing 3,000 shows across 49 states over 25 years. You can catch the Grammy Award-winning group late this month at Billy Bob’s Texas.
