Love festivals? You've come to the right place. This weekend's top five features one of Fort Worth's best fests, free chances to step up your dance game and more than 500 beers. Cheers!
Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival
Wander the charming red-brick streets of downtown Fort Worth, browsing among works from more than 200 visual artists, listening to music (headliners include Green River Ordinance, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Tito Puente Jr.) and checking out other performances by groups including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and multimedia troupe Squonk Orchestra. Visit the new Craft Brew Garden with 12 beers and the Wine Experience featuring tastings as well as offerings by the glass. The fest is Thursday through Sunday.
Oak Cliff Earth Day
Scenic Lake Cliff Park provides the backdrop for this family-, Earth- and pet-friendly celebration on Sunday. There'll also be live entertainment, an African drumming class, displays of environmentally friendly vehicles, the Oak Cliff Mutt Strut, chances to pet animals at the Gentle Zoo and shows with live raptors. You can also shop for plants, crafts and local art.
Big Texas Beer Fest
More than 120 breweries, including about two dozen local ones, will be pouring more than 500 beers at the Saturday fest, where you'll find plenty of rare brews. Admission is $39 in advance and includes a card worth 12 2-ounce samples. Additional cards are $2 each. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. Local bands will perform, and food will be available for purchase. (If you're more into wine, check this out.)
Dance Planet 19
Get up and move at the Dance Council of North Texas' free dance festival at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Enjoy watching and learning a wide variety of dance styles including tap, jazz, Afro-Caribbean and more. The Saturday and Sunday event will feature 30 dance and fitness classes, a performance showcase, 80 dance troupes and a Pilates Zone.
Dallas International Film Festival
Expect 164 films from 32 countries at this fest, which kicks off on Thursday and runs through April 19. Highlights include an April 18 tribute to and Q&A with director John Landis, who will be here for a screening of The Blues Brothers. There's also some free fun on the schedule, including Saturday's Dallas International Film Festival Family Day which includes a screening of Pee-Wee's Big Adventure at Klyde Warren Park with food trucks and activities inspired by the movie.
Compiled by Ann Pinson, Shannon Sutlief and Dena Hill
