Pickle festival, margaritas, concerts: Labor Day weekend events in North Texas
Labor Day weekend is the kind of holiday that invites you to slow down, recharge and maybe even try something different. The extra day off gives North Texans a chance to stretch the weekend a little longer and make it count.
Across Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas, the calendar is full of opportunities to get out and celebrate. Some plans are low-key, some are high-energy, but all are designed to help you close out summer on a high note.
However you spend it, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the long weekend. Here are some of the biggest happenings across the metroplex for this weekend, Aug. 29–Sept. 1.
Fort Worth
Friday, Aug. 29
High & Hilarious: Comedy Night
If you like your comedy with a side of chill vibes, this is the place to be. Local stand-up comics will take the stage at Emerald City’s cannabis lounge, where the atmosphere is just as laid-back as the punchlines. It’s free to attend, but spots fill fast, so you’ll want to snag a reservation ahead of time.
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Location: Emerald City Dispensary, 937 Woodward St. Fort Worth Admission: Free with RSVP at Alleventsin.com
Saturday, Aug. 30
Night Vendor Market
Head out for an evening stroll with a craft beer in hand, string lights overhead and booths packed with handmade goods. Maple Branch’s Night Vendor Market gives you the perfect excuse to shop small while enjoying one of Fort Worth’s favorite breweries.
Time: 5–9 p.m. Location: Maple Branch Craft Brewery, 2628 Whitmore St. Fort Worth Admission: Free. For more information, visit the Facebook Event page.
Saturday Night Fights VI at Ridglea Theater
Saturday Night Fights returns to the historic Ridglea Theater with a lineup of professional matches and plenty of local flavor thanks to food trucks and vendors. Beyond the action in the ring, the event also supports the Lamb IV Foundation, which helps at-risk youth through martial arts and mentorship.
Time: Doors at 6 p.m., fights start 7 p.m. Location: Ridglea Theater, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth Admission: Tickets start at $47 on Eventbrite.com.
Creators Content & Chill
Calling all influencers, creatives, and entrepreneurs: this night is designed for you. Bring your laptop and camera or just your ideas, and connect with others who are building content and businesses in Fort Worth. It’s a low-pressure way to brainstorm, network, and maybe walk out with your next big collab.
Time: 7–10 p.m. Location: Emerald City Cannabis Lounge, 937 Woodward St. Fort Worth Admission: Free. For more information, visit the Facebook Events page.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Labor Day Weekend Party with Grupo Flash
Grupo Flash is bringing their cumbia sound to Hugo’s 5 De Mayo Bar & Grill, and it’s the kind of high-energy show that will have the dance floor packed. Expect great vibes, strong drinks, and a night that feels like a true long-weekend celebration.
Time: 6 p.m. Location: Hugo’s 5 De Mayo Bar & Grill, 1521 N. Main St Fort Worth Admission: $10 cover after 6 p.m.; $25 table reservations. For more information visit the Facebook Events page.
Monday, Sept. 1
Fort Worth Pickle Festival
If you’re looking for something different this Labor Day, how about pickle-brined catfish or pickle pork chops? The Fort Worth Pickle Festival promises a little bit of everything like pickle-flavored eats, local vendors, live music and plenty of quirky, family-friendly fun.
Time: Noon–6 p.m. Location: Eventos Licon, 8629 Camp Bowie West Blvd. Fort Worth Admission: Free with RSVP; $5–$10 at the door. For more information visit Eventbrite.com.
Arlington
Friday, Aug. 29
Steins Under the Stars – Free Concert
Kick off the weekend with live music downtown. Joseph Fisher-Schramm brings his eclectic sound to the stage before Grammy-winning Brave Combo takes over with their signature mix of salsa, polka, zydeco, and more. Bring a chair, grab a bite nearby, and enjoy music under the stars.
Time: 7:15 p.m. (Joseph Fisher-Schramm), 8:30 p.m. (Brave Combo) Location: 100 W. Abram St., Arlington Admission: Free
Saturday, Aug 30
Arlington Comic Fest
Cosplayers, comic fans, and anime lovers will find plenty to geek out over at this annual fest. From celebrity guests and voice actors to panel discussions and cosplay contests, it’s a two-day celebration of fandom that draws crowds from across North Texas.
Time: Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: Arlington Expo Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington Admission: $25–$50 adults; $5 kids; discounts for military & first responders.
For more information visit ArlingtonComicFest.com
Punk & Junk at the Sunshine Bar
Get loud with four local bands — The Two Watts, Catacosmic, Die-A-Beat-Us, and Beach Goths— at this late-night Arlington show. With cheap cover and a lineup of raw energy, it’s a classic night out for punk fans.
Time: Doors at 9 p.m., music at 9:30 p.m. Location: Sunshine Bar, 902 W. Division St. Arlington Admission: $10 cover, 21+
For more information visit the Facebook Events page.
Rootin’ Tootin’ Paint Pawty with Kitties
At this event, the Cozy Catfe combines painting, wine, and adoptable cats. You’ll follow along with an instructor to create your own cowboy kitty artwork, all while surrounded by furry friends looking for forever homes.
Time: 6 p.m. Location: Cozy Catfe, 740 SW Green Oaks Blvd. Arlington Admission: $30; reservations required at thecozycatfe.com.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Music Alley Market & Community Concert
Levitt Pavilion is turning into a community hub for live music, food trucks, and vendors. The event is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and completely free, making it an easy Sunday night plan.
Time: 6–10 p.m. Location: Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. Arlington Admission: Free. For more information visit the Facebook Events page.
Monday, Sept. 1
The Pop-Up Show at Texas Live!
This one’s a little mysterious. The headliner is a surprise, but past Pop-Up Shows have featured Texas legends like Bonnie Bishop and Cody Canada. Expect an intimate concert vibe with big-name energy inside Troy’s at Texas Live!
Time: 7–10 p.m. Location: Troy’s at Texas Live, 1650 E. Randol Mill Rd. Arlington Admission: $33.50 GA at Arlington.org
Dallas
Friday, Aug. 29
Riverfront Jazz Festival
This annual festival is a must for music lovers, bringing together national names and local talent across jazz, R&B, funk, and blues. Highlights this year include Anthony Hamilton, P.J. Morton, Peabo Bryson, Tank & the Bangas, and Lyfe Jennings. With multiple stages inside Fair Park, it’s three days of music to close out summer.
Time: Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m. Location: Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave, Dallas Admission: Single day $95, three day pass $190
For more information visit tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org
Saturday, Aug. 30
Trap Wine Fest
Dallas’ mashup of wine tasting and trap music is back, and it’s as over-the-top as it sounds. Expect 30+ wines, DJs spinning the hits, local chefs, and plenty of dancing at Carpenter Park.
Time: 3–9 p.m. Location: Carpenter Park, 2201 Pacific Ave, Dallas Admission: Tickets start at $15.95 on Eventbrite.com
Pirates Invade Medieval Times
Join this annual pirate takeover at Medieval Times, complete with a dinner tournament and an after-party at Ferris Wheeler’s.
Time: 8 p.m. Location: Medieval Times, 2021 N. Stemmons Fwy. Dallas Admission: Tickets start at $50. Purchase at Partners.medievaltimes.com.
Converse vs Adidas Day Party
Pick a side and show off your kicks at this sneakerhead day party with DJs, contests and dancing.
Time: 2–9:30 p.m. Location: Cash Cow, 402 N. Good Latimer Expy., Dallas Admission: Tickets start at $30 at AllEvents.com
Sunday, Aug. 31
Labor Day Margarita Fest
Who makes the best margarita in Dallas? Ten restaurants will compete for the crown at this brand-new festival in the West End. Expect live music, photo ops, giveaways and more while sipping your way through the lineup.
Time: 4–9 p.m. Location: 1701 N. Market St., Dallas Admission: Tickets $20–$30 at Eventmania.com
Monday, Sept. 1
WET: The Labor Day Rooftop Pool Party
Wrap up the long weekend with skyline views, DJs, and a rooftop pool at Canvas Hotel. Tickets sell fast, so grab yours early if you want a cabana or table.
Time: 3–8 p.m. Location: Canvas Hotel, 1325 Botham Jean Blvd. Dallas Admission: Tickets start at $19 on Eventbrite.com
