FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN MAIN ENTRANCE TEMPORARILY CLOSED MARCH 24–25, ALTERNATE ACCESS AVAILABLE VIA TRAIL DRIVE
WHAT:
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden's (FWBG) main entrance on University Drive will be temporarily closed March 24–25 due to a special event. During this period, all guests will enter and exit through the Garden's Trail Drive gate, accessible from Montgomery Street. The Garden will remain open during normal operating hours.
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 24 – Wednesday, March 25
Hours of operation will not be affected:
Garden Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5 p.m.)
Butterflies in the Garden Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
WHERE:
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Alternate Entrance: Trail Drive Gate (accessible from Montgomery Street)
WHY:
University Drive will be closed in both directions between Lancaster Avenue and Rosedale Street. Traffic control will be managed by the City of Fort Worth, which will also deploy electronic reader boards to assist with traffic flow.
GUEST INFORMATION:
• All guests must enter and exit via the Trail Drive gate on March 24–25
• Directional signage will be placed along Trail Drive to guide guests
• Electronic reader boards will be deployed by the City of Fort Worth to assist with traffic management
• Guests are encouraged to allow additional travel time and follow posted signage
• The gate closure will not affect private rental events
Guests with questions may contact FWBG Admissions at admissions@fwbg.org
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's Children’s Gallery originally opened in 2009 and was designed with the Museum’s youngest guests (ages 0–8) and their caregivers in mind. Knowing that at this age children learn best through play, we aim to provide hands-on, enriching activities and learning opportunities.
This gallery has been cherished by multiple generations of children and is one of the most beloved spaces in the Museum. The new play space has been reimagined for today's young explorers and tomorrow's future leaders.
The revamped space boosts child-sized exhibits of long-time Fort Worth institutions and landmarks. The learning environments include a nod to TCU’s campus, a performance space meant to capture the spirit of Ridglea Theater, a homestead farmland where crops grow and are sold in the market, a transportation hub based on the Fort Worth Central Station, complete with a train schedule and a medical area that was developed with help from Cook Children’s Hospital.
This is where the future begins.
Henry McCarty’s Irish Pub Now Open on Crockett Street in Fort Worth, TX Lunch & dinner daily, weekend brunch, traditional Irish music, an outdoor patio, a late-night kitchen, and weekly specials
FORT WORTH, TX (January 21, 2026) — Henry McCarty’s Irish Pub is now open at 2869 Crockett St, Fort Worth, TX 76107. The pub officially opened on January 19, 2026, and operates seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner daily along with weekend brunch. The kitchen stays open late every night, and guests can enjoy traditional Irish music and live entertainment regularly throughout the week.
Located in the heart of Fort Worth’s West 7th District on Crockett Street, Henry McCarty’s Irish Pub blends authentic Irish hospitality with the lively energy of one of the city’s most popular social and entertainment neighborhoods. Designed as a welcoming gathering place for locals and visitors alike, the pub brings classic Irish pub culture to Fort Worth with warm service, elevated pub fare, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for everything from casual lunches to late-night gatherings.
The pub is named for Henry McCarty, also known as William H. Bonney and famously Billy the Kid. McCarty’s parents were born in Ireland before immigrating to New York, where his early life began before he later traveled south and west. His story remains a well-known part of American frontier history, and Texas folklore has long suggested he may have lived under another identity and spent his later years in nearby Hico, Texas. The pub celebrates both Irish heritage and Western storytelling—two traditions deeply woven into the history of the region.
☀️ Environment & Experience Henry McCarty’s Irish Pub offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere with classic Irish-inspired décor, warm lighting, and inviting spaces designed for gathering. The pub’s interior balances traditional pub character with the energetic spirit of the West 7th District, creating a comfortable setting for everyday meetups, celebrations, and nights out.
Spacious Sections & Private Room Available Spacious sections and separate rooms accommodate corporate events, celebrations, and group gatherings, offering a comfortable setting for meetings, parties, and special occasions. Contact us for personalized reservations.
Food and Drink Guests can enjoy Irish pub favorites including Howth Fish & Chips, Uncle Jack’s Shepherd’s Pie, Scotch eggs, bangers & mash, and an Irish Breakfast served all day. The menu also features pub pretzels, the Jameson Burger, a Corned Beef Reuben, and corned beef rolls. Irish and European beers are available on draft alongside an extensive whiskey selection.
Live Music & Entertainment Traditional Irish music and live entertainment are featured regularly, bringing authentic pub culture and lively atmosphere to the West 7th nightlife scene.
Weekend Brunch Brunch is served on weekends, offering guests a relaxed daytime experience with classic Irish fare, brunch favorites, and drinks in a lively pub setting.
Happy Hour – Weekdays 3 PM – 6 PM Guests can sip, snack, and unwind with food favorites and drink specials every weekday.
Weekly Specials You Can’t Miss
BOGO Fish & Chips Mondays — Purchase two beverages and enjoy a second plate of fish & chips free.
Whiskey Wednesday — Half-price select whiskeys every Wednesday.
Outdoor Patio The pub’s outdoor patio is a relaxed, dog-friendly space with covered seating—perfect for casual gatherings. Open daily, it offers a welcoming street-level spot to enjoy food, drinks, and the outdoor vibe with your pup.
Convenience & Comfort Guests receive four hours of free validated parking in the Crockett Street lots beside the location.
Group Bookings & Private Events Available The pub welcomes group reservations and private events, making it a perfect destination for celebrations, corporate gatherings, and social events in the West 7th area.
“We’re excited to bring Irish hospitality back to Fort Worth and the West 7th area—great food, great drinks, and a pub atmosphere that’s welcoming seven days a week,” said Robin Vaughn, Vice President of Operations.
Henry McCarty’s Irish Pub is owned by Alan Kearney, born and bred in Ireland, who has operated pubs on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 30 years. Kearney is no stranger to the West 7th area—he previously owned and operated Trinity College Irish Pub and now returns to the neighborhood with a new pub that celebrates both Irish tradition and Fort Worth’s vibrant hospitality scene.
https://www.thehenrymccarty.com/
2869 Crockett Street
Suite 190
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 529-6005
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FORT WORTH, Texas (March 4, 2026) -The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is thrilled to announce spring dates for Blooms & Beats, a series of three enchanting evening events taking place this spring in the Horseshoe Garden. Guests are invited to unwind in one of Fort Worth's most beautiful outdoor settings while enjoying live music, local food trucks, yard games, and adult beverages.
EVENT DATES & PERFORMING ARTISTS
Friday, March 13, 2026 — Cut Throat Finches
Friday, April 10, 2026 — Squeezebox Bandits
Friday, May 8, 2026 — Tom Sless
All events run from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Horseshoe Garden.
FOOD, DRINKS & ACTIVITIES
Each evening features a cash bar with a selection of adult beverages, lawn games, and plenty of space to spread out — lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. For the March 13 event, guests can satisfy their appetites with offerings from two of Fort Worth's favorite food trucks: Gordo's Mexican Cocina and Monkeyshines Smashburgers. Food truck lineups for the April and May events will be announced on the FWBG website.
ADMISSION
General Public
Adults: $15 | Children (ages 6–15): $6 | Children (ages 0–5): FREE
FWBG Members
Adults: $10 | Children (ages 0–18): FREE
Tickets provide access to the Horseshoe Garden area for the duration of the event and do not include access to the full Botanic Garden. Food and beverages are not included in the ticket price. For tickets and more information, visit fwbg.org.
GUEST INFORMATION
No outside alcohol permitted.
Only certified service animals are allowed.
Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.
Bikes, scooters, balls, frisbees, and other outdoor play equipment are not permitted.
PARKING & LOCATION
Horseshoe Garden | Fort Worth Botanic Garden
West Entrance Parking Lot | 3408 West Freeway, Fort Worth, TX
ABOUT FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN
Nestled in Fort Worth's vibrant Cultural District, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden holds the distinction of being Texas's oldest public botanic garden, a 120-acre oasis just two miles west of downtown that invites guests to discover world-class botanical treasures spanning continents and cultures.
Explore 23 specialty gardens, managed natural areas, and collections greenhouses that weave together stories of distant lands and local heritage. The historic Rose Garden creates a tapestry of color and fragrance, while the tranquil Japanese Garden transports guests to a world of peaceful beauty. From intimate specialty collections to expansive natural landscapes, each distinct area offers its own botanical narrative.
Beyond its stunning displays, the Garden also serves as a hub for discovery and learning. Families and adults engage with nature through educational programs, while groundbreaking research unfolds through the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®). The BRIT Philecology Herbarium houses nearly 1.5 million plant specimens—ranking among the largest herbaria in the United States—while the BRIT Research Library's nearly 125,000 volumes represent a world-class repository of plant science knowledge. BRIT Press publishes scholarly books and the peer-reviewed journal JBRIT, contributing vital research to the global scientific community.
Whether you're seeking peaceful contemplation among exotic blooms, educational adventure with the family, or insight into cutting-edge botanical research, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers an extraordinary experience where natural beauty meets scientific discovery.
Fort Worth, TX – [February 10, 2026] – Spring is taking flight at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden! Butterflies in the Garden returns March 1-April 30, 2026, for a new season of natural beauty and wonder. Thanks to our friends at Central Market, we're transforming the Rainforest Conservatory into a living kaleidoscope where thousands of butterflies will be your guide through a tropical paradise.
What can you expect? A conservatory full of showstoppers! The Blue Morpho (Morpho helenor peleides) might just be the most Instagram-worthy butterfly you'll ever see—its wings flash electric blue as it flies. Then there's the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas sp.), one of the largest moths in the world with a wingspan that can reach nearly a foot across! These gentle giants are absolutely stunning up close, but they're also masters of camouflage using wing patterns that mimic a snake's head to startle predators and slip away unharmed.
Behind all this butterfly magic is lepidopterist Dr. Lucy Milas and her team, who ensure every butterfly is healthy, happy, and ready for their close-up each day. Guests can enjoy two butterfly releases each day and meet spectacular species from around the world along with some of our own beloved Texas natives.
Create Your Own Butterfly Effect
Through Butterflies in the Garden, FWBG invites guests to become butterfly advocates right in their own backyards. One of the most impactful steps you can take: plant native plants. These local species provide the essential food and habitat that pollinators need to flourish. Every time a butterfly visits a flower, pollination happens—and that's vital. Approximately 80% of land plants depend on insects and animals to reproduce. Beyond pollination, insects sustain entire ecosystems, feeding countless birds, bats, and other wildlife. When we protect butterflies, we're safeguarding our food supply, economy, and the natural world itself. Ready to create your own butterfly effect? Discover how during your visit!
“Walking into the Rainforest Conservatory during Butterflies in the Garden feels like stepping into a living work of art. Central Market is excited to help bring that magic to Fort Worth once again,” says H-E-B / Central Market Managing Director of Public Affairs, Mabrie Jackson. “These butterflies aren’t just stunning to see, they’re essential to our environment, and this exhibit gives guests a chance to appreciate and learn about the role they play in our world.”
Plan Your Visit
Butterflies in the Garden is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available now at fwbg.org, and we recommend booking your timed-entry slot in advance—weekends and spring break fill up fast!
Save money by purchasing your tickets online in advance. Below are the discounted rates available exclusively through our website. Please note that tickets purchased onsite will be priced higher.
Adults (16-64): $12
Seniors (65+): $10
Children (6-15): $8
Little ones (2 and under): Free
Combo deal (Butterflies + Full Garden Access): $22 adults, $20 seniors, $12 children
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, looking for the perfect family outing, or just need a beautiful break from the everyday hustle and bustle, Butterflies in the Garden offers an unforgettable experience. Find all the details and more upcoming events at fwbg.org.
Registration is now open for the 41st Annual Cowtown Great American Cleanup, happening from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, March 28. Keep Fort Worth Beautiful invites residents to join in this citywide effort to pick up litter and care for our community.
The Cowtown Cleanup is for everyone! Individuals, families, neighbors, schools, churches and businesses are all welcome to participate. Get involved and make it meaningful — select any public area, like your neighborhoods and streets, parks and school campuses, or choose from preselected hub locations around the city.
Register early — the first 3,000 people to sign up will receive a free event T-shirt! All registered volunteers will also receive free litter cleanup supplies.
As part of the Cowtown Great American Cleanup, the City of Fort Worth is accepting scrap tires! From littered tires from the roadside or old tires from your home, you do not have to be a cleanup volunteer to dispose of old scrap tires. Stop litter in its tracks — bring us your scrap tires!
Scrap tire collection site: Fort Worth City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail. Back parking lot — use the Forest Park Boulevard entrance. 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 28
Responsibly dispose of unwanted tires while helping reduce illegal dumping, minimize landfill waste and prevent fire hazards. It’s free with no limits on tires.
After the morning cleanup, volunteers are invited to celebrate at Earth Party! As a thank-you for your efforts, participants will be treated to food, games, activities and the annual Trashion Fashion Show.
It’s a day full of fun packed with opportunities to connect with thousands of others who share a loving commitment to Fort Worth.
The Trashion Fashion Show contest is in full gear! Designers of all ages are invited to fashion creations made with at least 50% trash or recyclable materials. Submissions are due by Wednesday, March 25. View full contest details online.
Whether you are participating in the cleanup or dropping off old tires, the Cowtown Great American Cleanup is an easy way to be part of the litter solution. Don’t miss out and register today.
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Jordan Steffan has been named operations manager for the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC). Formerly director of sales at Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC), Steffan will continue her five-year leadership role in the City of Fort Worth’s Public Events Department (PED) by overseeing event coordinators and operations teams at the convention center.
“Jordan brings a deep understanding of client service, City procurement processes and venue best practices to our center as we embark on Phase 2 of our $701 million expansion and modernization,” said Cynthia Sanchez Serrano, deputy director of Public Events and general manager of the convention center.
In July 2025, Steffan earned a Certified Venue Professional (CVP) credential from the International Association of Venue Managers. The CVP recognizes expertise of middle- to senior-level managers of public assembly venues. Steffan also recently completed a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt project offered through the City. Her analysis improved the billing process at WRMC by decreasing the time to deliver final invoices to clients, thus reducing delays in receiving revenue.
Shanda Cartwright, national sales manager at FWCC since 2022, will step into an interim role at WRMC as director of sales and marketing.
Cartwright, who recently completed the City’s eight-month Lead the Experience program, will become a member of the PED executive team and supervise sales managers, event coordinators and an office assistant at the WRMC Welcome Center for a variety of clients, including major equestrian shows, sporting competitions, music and comedy performances, consumer trade shows and social events.
“Shanda has led several sales and events teams during her 23 years in the hospitality industry,” said Sanchez Serrano. “She will bring a steady hand to the WRMC team and our clients during this transition as we mark the 90th anniversary of an iconic Fort Worth venue.”
The City of Fort Worth has polished a set of proposed zoning amendments designed to prevent clusters of certain businesses, including liquor stores, retail smoke shops and credit-access businesses, from concentrating in the same areas. The goal is to ultimately encourage balanced development and support neighborhood vitality.
After additional feedback and research, the Development Services Department is no longer recommending a change to pawn shop spacing rules. Texas state law already restricts new pawn shop licenses within two miles of an existing location, which is stricter than the City’s earlier proposal in 2025.
The Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Jan. 13. City Council is scheduled to consider the amendments on Jan. 27.
This Thing is Legendary! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere – since 1896.
Don’t miss your chance to experience Texas tradition with elite rodeo competition, family-friendly entertainment, shopping, food and more. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo returns Jan. 16-Feb. 7, and tickets are on sale now.
Find all the rip-roarin’ details.
Casa Mañana, the Jiffy Pop-looking silver dome anchoring the eastern edge of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, is actually the second live theater venue on that corner.
At the well-traveled intersection of University Drive and Lancaster Avenue, today’s Casa Mañana was built on the site of a theater that held outdoor productions starting in 1936.
After Dallas was selected to be the site of the official Texas Centennial Celebration in 1936, newspaper publisher and Cowtown promoter Amon G. Carter began making plans for a celebration in Fort Worth that would rival the event to the east. At the center of the celebration was to be a large outdoor amphitheater and restaurant called Casa Mañana, “The House of Tomorrow.”
The Texas Frontier Centennial, Fort Worth’s special observance of the Texas Centennial, portrayed the culture and atmosphere of the Old West. Carter and other downtown bigwigs paid showman Billy Rose of New York City $1,000 a day to stage the entertainment.
The spectacle covered 162 acres and cost $5 million. The most publicized part of the celebration was Casa Mañana, in which seats and tables to accommodate 3,500 spectators faced a revolving stage on which Rose presented his musical revue. So popular was the celebration that it was presented again in 1937.
The original Casa Mañana outdoor theater was eventually dismantled.
Casa Mañana magic lives on
In the fall of 1957, Fort Worth Opera Association President James H. Snowden Jr. and manager Melvin O. Dacus approached the City of Fort Worth to build a theater complex focused on Broadway musicals. With a budget of $500,000, the City Council approved the project on Jan. 14, 1958.
Construction began on March 13. A record-breaking 114 days later, Casa Mañana Theatre was completed as a fully enclosed, air-conditioned, aluminum-domed theater.
A black-tie opening on July 5, 1958, entertained audiences with a production of “Can-Can” and introduced them to the 1,805-seat house and theater-in-the-round. With no backstage area, the actors and stagehands used the surrounding concourse and aisles to move set pieces, props and other materials on and off stage. With the back row only 36 feet from the stage, audiences fell in love with the unique and intimate setting of Casa Mañana Theatre.
The building, designed by A. George King, features a geodesic dome designed by aluminum industrialist Henry Kaiser and Richard Buckminster Fuller. It was the second building built in the U.S. with a Kaiser dome.
Broadway classics, kid-friendly shows and homegrown stars
Besides offering a full repertoire of renowned Broadway shows, Casa is also home to the Children’s Theatre, which caters to kids and families. Upcoming productions include “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The SpongeBob Musical.”
Casa Mañana is also a pro-grade training ground for young aspiring thespians. Not only do the classes provide an authentic theater/stage experience, but some students also get to hone their acting chops with roles in the venue’s performances.
One notable alumnus is legendary actress Betty Buckley, who grew up in Fort Worth and attended Arlington Heights High School. She later studied acting more formally at TCU before launching her professional career. Buckley’s most famous project is widely considered to be her role as Grizabella in the original 1982 Broadway production of “Cats,” for which she won the Tony Award for best featured actress in a musical.
Setting the stage for tomorrow
The theater-in-the-round setup was changed in 2003 with a major renovation project to become a more traditional theater setting. The renovation provided a modified thrust stage, a new lobby and new restroom facilities.
Today, Casa Mañana continues to house live, professional theater for the enrichment and education of a diverse Fort Worth.
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