Welcome to the 31st annual Best Of issue from Fort Worth Weekly, a vibrant celebration of the finest offerings in the Great 817. This issue showcases the city’s most delightful, bold, unique, and enjoyable experiences, all illustrated by the talented Ryan Burger.
Positivity is key. Despite the challenges we face, there’s an abundance of good in our community. For over three decades, our coverage of Fort Worth has consistently revealed remarkable facets of this city and its surroundings. This year is no exception.
About the Issue
We have carefully collected and counted thousands of your votes, combining them with our own selections to curate the Readers’ Choices alongside our critic’s picks. Editing this special edition is always rewarding, as it allows me to learn from our dedicated writers and critics about experiences they cherish but may not have shared previously.
For instance, did you know that Jesús Family Restaurant on the Near Southside serves an incredible chicken-fried steak alongside delightful Mex-Mex dishes? Or that Rico Copeland (@RicoTV_817) provides insightful coverage of Fort Worth’s gang culture? And let’s not forget the high-energy Saturday night dance parties at The Down ’n Out Bar on Rosedale. These gems continue to surprise even the most informed locals.
This Best Of issue aims to be a resource you’ll refer to throughout the year.
As Anthony Mariani, our editor, aptly states, “If we have nothing to fight for, then we won’t fight.”
About the Cover
The cover pays homage to the beloved television series Ted Lasso, which originated as a promotional campaign by NBC Sports. Launched during the pandemic, it provided a much-needed dose of optimism, evolving into a heartfelt series on Apple TV. Now in its fourth season, the show continues to inspire hope and resilience, much like the spirit of Fort Worth.
This year, the World Cup stood out as a major event in Tarrant County. After witnessing Ted Lasso (played by Jason Sudeikis) invite Justin Bieber to join him during the inaugural halftime show, we felt inspired to bring our own twist to the narrative, celebrating the positivity embodied by the show.
On our cover, we feature a cast that includes Fort Worth comedian Ian Mac as Ted, Ivy Aranaught from Higher Purpose Emporium as Keeley, photographer Ontario Mireles representing Roy, weekly contributor and musician Kena Sosa as Rebecca, visual artist and bassist Jack “Jackdaw” Russell as Coach Beard, and the Fort Worth Vaqueros appearing as themselves. A heartfelt thank you to Mireles for capturing these moments and to Art Director Ryan Burger for the stunning final design.
For Ted Lasso enthusiasts, there’s an exciting opportunity to win a copy of the poster art featured here. To enter, email Marketing@FWWeekly.com with the subject BELIEVE, echoing a memorable moment from the show. Participants will be added to our newsletter for updates on future contests and happenings in the Great 817. The lucky winner will be announced in the first week of October.
Now, About Those Winners
Explore the links below to discover the winners in various categories:
About the Music Awards
Local musicians will have their moment in the spotlight during November and December. Fort Worth boasts an impressive array of musical talent, warranting a dedicated awards season separate from the Best Of edition.
The Nomination Phase will take place throughout November, allowing our loyal readers to nominate their favorite local bands and musicians using a write-in ballot format similar to the Best Of ballot, which includes a Wildcard category for any overlooked choices.
In December, the Voting Phase will commence, where readers will select their favorites from the top nominations, alongside additional picks from our dedicated music writers. Each person is allowed only one ballot during both phases.
We look forward to hosting a celebratory awards event in the first quarter of 2027, where we will honor the 2026 winners and pay tribute to those we have lost, while also welcoming new inductees into our Hall of Fame.
Musicians can expect free promotional graphics for the #PromoteTheVote campaign in late October. For any inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to Jennifer@FWWeekly.com.
