Visit DFW Events Blog: January 23–26, 2026

Late January is packed with culture, festivals, and big-ticket events across Dallas–Fort Worth, from film and cheer competitions to concerts and museum exhibits. Use this guide to spotlight what’s happening around the Metroplex from Friday through Monday.

Denton Black Film Festival

The Denton Black Film Festival runs January 22–26 at multiple venues around downtown Denton, featuring film screenings, music, comedy, spoken word, and visual arts. It is a strong pick if you want to highlight a cultural experience with a mix of independent films and live events all in a walkable, college-town setting.​

SO:phonieastique at the Meyerson Symphony Center

At the Meyerson in Dallas, the Dallas Symphony hosts SO: phonieastique from January 23–26, a program built around a major symphonic work and guest artists. It is ideal for positioning a classic Arts District night: dinner nearby, a stop at Klyde Warren Park, then a full concert in one of the country’s most acclaimed halls.

NCA High School Nationals – Cheer & Dance (Fort Worth)

Fort Worth welcomes NCA High School Nationals January 23–24, bringing top cheer and dance teams from around the country to compete. The event adds energy to downtown and the surrounding area, with spectators filling nearby restaurants, hotels, and entertainment spots across the weekend.

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo – Ongoing

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo continues through early February, with nightly rodeo performances, livestock shows, midway rides, live music, and shopping. For this weekend, you can frame it as “classic Cowtown”: rodeo session at Dickies Arena followed by music or dinner in the Stockyards or downtown.

Theater, Comedy, and Concerts in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s weekend planner highlights theater like The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition at Casa Mañana, classical concerts with the Fort Worth Symphony, rock and country shows at venues like Tulips and Billy Bob’s Texas, plus comedy sets at Hyena’s and Improv Arlington. These options give you easy “pick your lane” suggestions: family musical, date-night concert, or comedy club evening.

Dallas January Experiences & Nightlife

Dallas January roundups continue to feature Stars and Mavericks games at American Airlines Center, JFK and city tours, AT&T Stadium experiences, bookshop and arts events, and a full slate of concerts and comedy across venues. For this weekend, you can suggest a flexible plan: daytime tour or museum, then a show, game, or neighborhood bar/comedy night in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, or Uptown.

Source Links

• Best Things to Do in Dallas This January 2026 – Visit Dallas blog: https://www.visitdallas.com/blog/what-to-do-in-january-in-dallas/​

• Reddit “Things to Do Jan 20–26” (multi-day events including Denton Black Film Festival, SO:phonieastique, NCA Nationals and more): https://www.reddit.com/r/Dallas/comments/1i5i9wp/things_to_do_jan_2026/​

• Events in Dallas in January 2026 – MyGuide Dallas: https://www.myguidedallas.com/events/january-2026​

• Dallas theater and touring shows in January 2026: https://www.dallas-theater.com/dates/2026/01​

• Dallas-wide January events overview: https://dallas-tx.events/january/​

• Fort Worth weekend planner Jan 22–25, 2026 – top 10 events: https://fortworth.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/weekend-events-1-22-26/​

• Visit Fort Worth events calendar (Stock Show, concerts, and more): https://www.fortworth.com/events/​

• Fort Worth events January 2026 – concerts, shows, sports: https://fortworth.events/january/​

• NCA High School Nationals info: https://www.varsity.com/nca/school/competitions/high-school-nationals/​

• What’s Up Fort Worth January 2026 calendar: https://whatsupfortworth.com/events/month/?shortcode=a0b8c470​