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. 

TULIPS

Tulips, the new mid-sized music venue in the Near Southside, retains much of the charm of its industrial-chic predecessor, the Collective Brewing Project. Proprietor Jason Suder has created a warm inviting space that offers primo coffee, hand-crafted cocktails, well over a dozen craft beers on tap and nightly music acts that hail from near and far. Musical savant Big Mike performs every Tuesday through December.

Country star Dylan Wheeler performs December 11, singer-songwriter Matthew Logan Vasquez (of Delta Spirit fame) takes the stage December 12 and Austin-based Americana artist David Ramirez performs December 17 and 18. Do yourself a favor and check out this bar/music venue soon. The staff strictly limits capacity, and there’s a deli in the back that makes freshly grilled paninis. 

DECEMBER 12

John Baumann Performs at The Post at River East

The Post at River East earns high marks for offering a great menu, everything from top-shelf drinks to Lonestar beers and almost nightly music performances. On December 12, catch John Baumann (of The Panhandlers fame) as he performs originals in the acoustically rich, open-air music venue. 

DECEMBER 12

Ballet Concerto Presents A Holiday Special

Ballet Concerto presents its annual holiday special at Arts Fifth Avenue in the Near Southside in mid-December. Enjoy dancers and musical performances that follow scenes from Hanukah, the Nativity and popular Christmas scenes.  

DECEMBER 12 

Opera in the Garden

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on December 12, hear the Fort Worth Opera’s Lesley Resident Artists perform arias, duets and holiday songs in the parking lot between the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and The Botanical Research Institute of Texas and in nearby Leonard Courtyard. Opera in the Garden is part of Holiday in the Garden, which offers fun outdoor holiday events and photo opportunities.

DECEMBER 13

Lola’s Local Holiday Farmers Market

Lola’s Trailer Park is a great outdoor space to catch a live show, order a beer and unwind. Later this month, the park is hosting more than 30 vendors as part of Lola’s Local Holiday Farmers Market. Shop for holiday crafts and art as Blan Scott Duo brings the sounds of West Texas to Cowtown. Mexican-styled street tacos and tamales will be sold from two on-site food trucks.

DECEMBER 30

Robert Earl Keen’s Merry Christmas from the Fam-O-Lee Secret Santa Christmas

Billy Bob’s Texas is a microcosm of Texas culture. With smoked meats, bull riding, dance lessons and regular live country acts, this world-renown honky tonk welcomes visitors and locals for a Fort Worth experience unlike any other. Legendary songwriter Robert Earl Keen added Billy Bob’s Texas to his list of stops for the Fam-O-Lee Secret Santa Christmas tour. Speaking about the upcoming tour, Keen said, “The magic of the holiday season is the element of surprise, and this year we have a surprise for you.”