It’s time to take part in the exciting Best Of 2026 initiative! This vibrant issue, featuring a magazine-style glossy cover filled with stunning photography and thought-provoking commentary, highlights the best that the Fort Worth area has to offer. Readers will have the opportunity to make their voices heard alongside our panel of critics, with the winners unveiled in a special edition on Wednesday, September 30.
The voting period is now open and will run until midnight on Sunday, September 13. Participants can cast their votes through an online-only, write-in ballot that will determine the Readers’ Choice winners across various categories, including Getting & Spending, People & Places, Arts & Culture, Good Grub, and On The Town. Before diving into the categories, here’s a quick overview of the voting guidelines:
All nominations must be local, excluding any national entities. To nominate someone, please include the name of their business or organization. A valid ballot requires votes in at least ten categories, along with the voter’s full name and email address. Each reader is allowed only one submission, and businesses cannot incentivize customers to vote or fill out ballots on behalf of others. Any ballots deemed fraudulent by Fort Worth Weekly will be disqualified, with a strict deadline for submissions set for midnight on September 13.
Getting & Spending Categories
The categories in this section include Antique & Vintage Finds, Barbershop, Beauty Service, Boutique, Car Wash, places to buy CBD or THC, cigars, coffee, comic books, customer service, day spas, farmers markets, gift shops, grocery stores, hair salons, jewelry stores, liquor stores, metaphysical shops, music stores, optical shops, pet services, record stores, smoke or vape shops, tattoo studios, thrift stores, wine shops, and a wildcard entry.
People & Places Categories
This section covers a range of nominees such as places to adopt pets, animal rescue groups, apartment communities, college and professional athletes, camps for kids, city council members, dentists, doctors, dog groomers, Facebook groups, hospitals, lawyers, local celebrities, meeting spots for locals, nurses, photographers, radio personalities, realtors, social influencers, tattoo artists, teachers, television personalities, veterinarians, workplaces, gyms, and wildcard entries.
Arts & Culture Categories
In the arts and culture realm, categories include art galleries, exhibits, artists, arts and crafts events, burlesque shows, concerts, culinary events, cultural events, dance troupes, day trips, dog parks, drag performers, entertainment spots, festivals, haunted attractions, children’s activities, movie venues, museum exhibits, music lessons, new murals, nonprofit organizations, parks, podcasts, theater productions, theater troupes, and wildcard options.
Good Grub Categories
Food enthusiasts can look forward to categories like bakeries, barbecue joints, breakfast and brunch spots, burgers, chefs, chicken-fried steak, Chinese cuisine, coffee shops, deli sandwiches, food trucks, fried chicken, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican, pizza, plant-based dishes, ramen, restaurants, new eateries, salsa, seafood, soul food, street tacos, sushi, tamales, Tex-Mex, Thai, Vietnamese, waitstaff, wings, and wildcard entries.
On-The-Town Categories
Categories for nightlife include bars, bartenders, beer selections, breweries, comedy venues, craft cocktails, dance spots, distilleries, dive bars, drag shows, happy hours, hotel bars, late-night food, LGBTQIA+ bars, margaritas, martinis, mixologists, patios, dog-friendly patios, restaurant bars, sports bars, wine spots, and wildcard entries.
If you believe there’s a category missing, utilize the Wildcard section in each category to suggest an additional option, nominate a local contender, and explain your choice.
Attention Business Owners: Promote Your Nomination
Business owners interested in rallying support can use the artwork provided in this article across their social media platforms. Encourage your followers to nominate you in your chosen categories at FWWeekly.com/Best-Of-2026-Ballot. Remember, voters need to participate in at least ten categories for their ballots to be valid. For assistance with crafting your promotional post, reach out via email at marketing@fwweekly.com. Here’s a sample post to inspire you:
“Best Bar? Joe’s Bar & Grill! To help us secure the Readers’ Choice award for Best Of 2026, nominate us in the On The Town section. Don’t forget to support your favorite local spots by voting in at least ten categories. Complete your ballot by September 13 at FWWeekly.com/Best-Of-2026-Ballot.”
In addition, a separate Music Awards Ballot will be released in December, culminating in a celebratory ceremony for the 2026 winners in March 2027. Stay tuned for further updates!
Feel free to use the provided image as your Facebook cover to rally support and encourage nominations from your fans, family, and friends.
