Preston Barta

Preston Barta has been a journalist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2010. He has contributed to several media outlets, including 92.1 KTFW, the North Texas Daily, Fresh Fiction, and the Denton Record-Chronicle. As a member of the Critics Choice Association and the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association, he is actively involved in media critique.

Visit My Author Page

We Have Spring Break at Home: How to Have Fun Right Here in North Texas

By Preston BartaMarch 12, 2026

Dive into affordable alternatives with museum exhibits, sweet treats and unforgettable food festivals for every kind of spring breaker.

Homegrown Artists Breathe Dallas Influence into Pixar’s New Film Hoppers

By Preston BartaMarch 5, 2026

Three Dallas-raised artists bring their local roots and unique creative journeys in North Texas to Pixar’s latest animated feature.

Dallas International Film Festival’s 20-Year Milestone is a Cinematic Love Letter to the City

By Preston BartaMarch 3, 2026

This spring, the Dallas International Film Festival celebrates 20 years of elevating cinematic art and building community in the heart of Dallas.

Review: Scream 7 Finds a Ghostface Without a Cutting Edge

By Preston BartaMarch 1, 2026

The latest terror delivers some clever nicks and has surprising Dallas ties but stumbles under controversy, boycotts and a costly rewrite.

Plano's Amber Glenn of Team United States performs in the Women Single Skating routine during a Figure Skating Exhibition Gala on day fifteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

North Texans Conquered the 2026 Winter Games

By Preston BartaFebruary 24, 2026

DFW stars shined at the Winter Games, bringing home an impressive medal haul — see Amber Glenn live in Allen this May at Stars on Ice.

Nikki Perez of Houston's Daze captivates the crowd with her powerful vocals and shoegaze sound.

Gazed and Confused Fest Readies for a Fuzzy, Ferocious Debut in Deep Ellum

By Preston BartaFebruary 22, 2026

A new festival is bringing a punch of emo, indie and metalcore under one roof for a new festival next month.

Texans Spent Nearly $250 Million on OnlyFans Last Year

By Preston BartaFebruary 19, 2026

And Dallas practically led the pack.

Is Anyone Else’s Seat Soaked? “Wuthering Heights” is a Ravishing, Romantic Fever Dream

By Preston BartaFebruary 18, 2026

The film is a triumph for the horny community, sure. But it’s also a gorgeous depiction of the age-old torture of yearning.

Love Stinks, Cats Don’t: Texas Rustlers Rescue Offers Purr-fect V-Day Revenge

By Preston BartaFebruary 13, 2026

Are you more lovelorn and scorned this Valentine’s Day? A North Texas cat rescue with plenty of litter boxes might help.

Denton’s Biggest Free Party Finds a New Groove for 2026

By Preston BartaFebruary 10, 2026

The long-standing Denton Arts & Jazz festival is marking its 35th year with a new location and dates.

Your Guide for a Cinematic Love Story with Valentine’s Day Screenings in North Texas

By Preston BartaFebruary 9, 2026

Heart-shaped pasta? Titanic-level snuggles under the stars? The dinner & a movie lovers are in for something sweet in DFW.

Emily Chan skates with Spencer Howe in the Pairs Short Program during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 2024.

North Texas Athletes Set To Shine at the 2026 Winter Olympics

By Preston BartaFebruary 5, 2026

From Dallas Stars players to rising local talents, these athletes are set to make an impact in Milan Cortina in February.

Excited for Charli XCX’s Film To Come to Dallas? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Preston BartaFebruary 4, 2026

Opening this weekend, The Moment offers a raw, chaotic glimpse into the highs and lows of pop stardom.

Reel Plans: Here’s What Dallas Movie Theaters Have in Store for This Year

By Preston BartaFebruary 4, 2026

From Texas Theatre’s expansion to Alamo’s Kaiju takeovers and Angelika’s classic revivals, Dallas cinemas are transforming the cinematic journey in 2026.

Melania Movie Spends Like a Blockbuster But Sells Like Leftovers in DFW

By Preston BartaFebruary 2, 2026

We had absolutely zero desire to see the film, so we didn’t. But we did look at ticket sales.

In the Land of Swagger and Spirit: Ric Roman Waugh’s Texas Roots Bleed Into Shelter

By Preston BartaJanuary 30, 2026

The once-Texas-based director brings authenticity and heart to Shelter, where Jason Statham delivers a surprising and emotional performance.

The Ultimate Guide to North Texas Family Fun in 2026

By Preston BartaJanuary 28, 2026

From Universal Kids Resort to World Cup fever at the Perot, discover the biggest family adventures hitting the Dallas area in 2026.

How To Live Like a Bridgerton in Dallas

By Preston BartaJanuary 28, 2026

From high tea to candlelit concerts, discover Regency-inspired delights in the area ahead of Bridgerton’s upcoming season premiere on Jan. 29.

Speaker on stage at the Denton Black Film Festival

You Need to Head North for the 2026 Denton Black Film Festival This Week

By Preston BartaJanuary 27, 2026

Your early look at one of the best festivals of the year, offering an immersion of creativity through film, music, spoken word and more from Black artists.

All That’s Left of You Filmmaker Cherien Dabis Confronts Palestine’s Unspoken History

By Preston BartaJanuary 23, 2026

Experience the quiet rebellion of humanity in a poignant exploration of generational trauma and resilience, now playing at the Angelika at Mockingbird Station.

Director Nola Goff on set for a commercial filming

How a North Texas Director Turns 30-Second Commercials Into Resonant Art

By Preston BartaJanuary 21, 2026

A true poet of prime time, Nolan Goff channels the spirit and scenery of North Texas into national commercials with stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar.