Amphibian Stage

120 S. Main St., Fort Worth, 817-923-3012, amphibianstage.com Stand-Up Comic Residency: Mo Welch + Alana Johnston The ’Phibs launch their new season with three nights of comedy. What better way to shake off the winter blues than laughing out loud at the talent of a pair of nationally recognized funny ladies. Welch, known for her 10-part animated TBS series Blair, as well as comics she publishes in The New Yorker, joins sketch performer and “Self Esteem Party” podcast host Johnston to stir art, music and comedy into some “fun nonsense.” Jan. 13-15

The Pleasure Trials A different take on funny arrives with The Pleasure Trials from two Texans: playwright Sarah Saltwick and director Kara-Lynn Vaeni. The nuanced play about a pair of women conducting clinical trials on a female libido drug was workshopped by the playwright before a live audience at Amphibian in 2016 and now returns, fully polished and hilarious, for its world premiere. Feb. 11-27

Circle Theatre

230 W. 4th St., Fort Worth, 817-877-3040, circletheatre.com Denise Lee’s Pressure Makes Diamonds Noted cabaret singer Denise Lee and her band — in collaboration with director Monique Midgette — perform everything from gospel to contemporary hits to shine light on the similarities between what makes a quality gemstone and how life crafts beautiful humans. Jan. 13-29

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

This “legendary” event is back Jan. 14-Feb. 5 with a full lineup of livestock shows, rodeos, concerts and, of course, the auction finale. While rodeo events such as the “Best of the West” Ranch Rodeo and Bulls’ Night Out are perennial sellouts, there are many events that are free and fun to watch. Things kick off early, starting Jan. 10, with the Chisholm Challenge Horse Show, where physically and mentally challenged equestrians from local therapeutic programs get to show off their equestrian skills and win prizes. Held in the John Justin Arena, the event typically draws a small audience, but that doesn’t deter the participants. You’ll be inspired, too. We also make it a point to attend the Sheep Dog Trials on Feb. 5, the final day. It’s an 8 a.m. start but worth getting up early to see these amazing working dogs do their thing. And while the All Western Parade (Jan. 15) always draws a crowd, the Budweiser Clydesdales are back this year and will be among the many beautiful horses clip-clopping their way through downtown Fort Worth. They also are scheduled to appear on select rodeo dates at Dickies Arena. And you can visit them daily in the Burnett Building. The Mustang Magic clinics and performances showcase this special breed of horse; events start Jan. 21. There are numerous special events, too, such as fiddle showdowns, Sip & Shop wine tastings, and much more. Wander through the barns and check out the livestock — everything from horses to rabbits. Schedule and tickets fwssr.com

Magnolia at the Modern

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., 817-738-9215, themodern.org/films The Tragedy of Macbeth We think January might be the best movie-watching month of the year. Dreary winter days are made for settling in for a little cinema, and Magnolia at the Modern has an interesting lineup, including the much-talked about film written and directed by Joel Coen, his first project sans brother Ethan. A Christmas release, the film is based on the Shakespeare classic and stars Denzel Washington in the title role, with Frances McDormand as his ambitious wife. Reviews have been glowing for the actors, Coen’s treatment of the stage classic, the black-and-white cinematography, and the stripped-down sets. Jan. 7, 8, 9

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-738-1933, cartermuseum.org Second Thursdays at the Carter: Culture & Creation Los Angeleno Sandy Rodriguez created an intriguing collection during 2020 when the world at times seemed upside-down. Rodriguez, isolated in Joshua Tree National Park, couldn’t escape entirely the gloom and doom of the times. Her works on paper include landscape and botanical studies, maps, protest scenes and more. She even made inks and watercolors from local plants and minerals. During this special evening event, check out her work, enjoy cocktails and listen to music that inspired the artist. Curator Maggie Adler discusses the social justice aspect of Rodriguez’s work, and an expert from the Botanical Research Institute of Texas talks about desert plants and what they can teach us. 5-8 p.m. Jan. 13 Last Call The Scott and Stuart Gentling retrospective Imagined Realism closes Jan. 9 at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art; Turner’s Modern World wraps up its run Feb. 6 at the Kimbell Art Museum.