What to do in Fort Worth in November — Holiday Fun, George Strait and Mad Scientists Take Center Stage

November brings plenty of fun to Fort Worth. In fact, the sheer number of things to do in the city can be a tad overwhelming. Not to worry, we’ve come up with a list of the Nine Best Things to do in Funky Town this month, so you don’t have to sweat it.

These are the Fort Worth events and happenings you don’t want to miss:

Lone Star Film Festival

November 13 through 17

Location: Sundance Square

This year marks the 13th annual Lone Star Film Festival. Come check out panel discussions, parties, celebrity appearances and more than 150 film screenings.

And it all takes place at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. For the most up to date schedule of events, download the Lone Star Film Festival app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

And don’t forget to read PaperCity‘s full preview of the movie magic.

Mad Scientist Ball

Saturday, November 16

Location: Fort Worth Museum of Science & History

The Mad Scientist Ball will be held at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Legorreta Building and the 70th anniversary of the Museum School. The theme is “Back to the Future” and the evening is chock full of fun activities including Four Day Weekend, a Delorean Time Machine replica, magic from Brian Masters and Anthony Dempsey, a Lockheed Martin flight simulator and music from Adrian Garza.

Various dishes will be provided by 11 of Fort Worth’s best restaurants and specialty drinks will be prepared by Blackland Distillery, with beer from Real Ale Brewing Company and coffee from Craftwork Coffee Co. The dress code is dressy casual, lab coat optional.

Tickets available at fwmsh.com.

Fort Worth Zoo at the Trailhead

November 22

Location: The Trailhead at Clearfork

Enjoy the great outdoors with the Fort Worth Zoo in this special day. Bring the kids to enjoy some at The Trailhead with a scavenger hunt, Wild Wonders live animal show and meet and greet. These events are entertaining yet educational and promise fun for the whole family.

The scavenger hunt will begin at 9:30 am and the live animal show starts at 10:30 am. All of the events are free and open to all ages, but pre-school to younger elementary age children will probably enjoy it most. No need for reservations, tickets, or sign – ups.

Panther Island Ice

November 22

Location: Coyote Drive-In

Come enjoy Fort Worth’s take on a winter wonderland at Panther Island Ice from November 22 through January 20. Open seven days a week, including holidays, this outdoor skating rink brings real ice under a large pavilion. You can take a break from skating to enjoy covered seating, gas heathers, a playground for kids and a full menu of food, plus beer and wine.

Skate rental is available and included in the pricing. Go to pantherislandice.com for more information.

Sundance Square Tree Lighting

November 23

Location: Sundance Square

Come kickstart your Holiday season with the annual Sundance Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The 55 to 60 foot tall tree is a blue spruce, sourced from Michigan that makes the journey to Sundance Square earlier in the month. The following week, the tree is decorated with more than 6,000 LED lights and ornaments.

The tree lighting begins at 6 pm and Kids Who Care, a nonprofit international theatre company will perform.

George Strait

November 23

Location: Dickies Arena

The “King of Country” added a second date to his Fort Worth stop after his November 22nd concert sold out in 30 minutes. Though tickets cost a pretty penny, what better way to pay homage to cowboy culture, than to see George Strait live in Cowtown? His performance will begin at 8 pm and Asleep at the Wheel will open the concert.

Visit dickiesarena.com for more information on tickets.

2019 GM Financial Parade of Lights

November 24

Location: Downtown Fort Worth

The day after the annual tree lighting in Sundance Square, the 37th annual Parade of Lights takes place. The 2019  Parade of Lights is themed “The Sounds of the Season” and will feature music before, during and after the parade, with more than 100 beautiful illuminated floats.

Beginning at Weatherford and Houston streets, the parade will travel all over downtown Fort Worth. For more detailed information on the parade route and other details, visit fortworthparadeoflights.org.

2019 CRC Thanksgiving Run

November 28

Location: Panther Island Pavilion

Start your Thanksgiving Day by burning some calories. The whole family is welcome at the  CRC Thanksgiving Run beginning at Panther Island Pavilion. No need to be a seasoned runner. There is room for all skill levels with multiple races and distances.

You can participate in the half-marathon, a one mile fun run/walk, 10K run or a 5K run/walk. Packet pickup begins at 6 am. Every registered participant will receive a 2019 CRC Thanksgiving Run shirt and there will be bounce houses for kids and refreshments for the whole family. Go to active.com for more information and registration.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra — Home for the Holidays

November 29

Location: Bass Hall

Maestro Miguel Harth-Bedoya leads the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in all of the Holiday favorites. Home for the Holidays has three consecutive shows total, beginning on November 29.

Audiences are encouraged to sing along to the classics and start some holiday traditions with your loved ones. It is rumored that Santa Claus and snow flurries make a surprise appearance. To purchase tickets, visit access.fwsymphony.org.