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.

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popcorn buckets filled with movie popcorn

Where to Get Delicious Discounts at the Movies for National Popcorn Day

By Preston BartaJanuary 16, 2026

Good movies are even better with $5 popcorn. Here’s how to get the most out of the theater this long weekend.

Beat the Winter Blues With a Splashy Escape to a New Resort in Oklahoma

By Preston BartaJanuary 15, 2026

Trade the winter heatwave for a quick road trip to Oklahoma City, where indoor lagoons and lazy rivers await.

Big D at 185: Celebrating the Milestones That Built Dallas

By Preston BartaJanuary 14, 2026

From 185 years of Dallas grit to the shimmering legacy of Fountain Place, discover the milestones shaping our city’s past, present and future in 2026.

The Art of Renewal: North Texas Creatives Reflect on New Beginnings

By Preston BartaJanuary 13, 2026

Four local artists of various mediums explore transformation by finding inspiration in the blank canvas of a new year.

The Denim Diplomat: How One DFW Visionary is Weaving the Future of Western Wear

By Preston BartaJanuary 9, 2026

From Arlington’s design studios to farm and ranch stores across Texas, Gina Chancelor has redefined Western style.

How to Stick To Your Resolution and Go Green in 2026

By Preston BartaJanuary 5, 2026

Your practical guide to making small, sustainable swaps, from local refilleries and plant shops to getting your steps in on Dallas’ best trails.

Denton Bookstore Patchouli Joe’s Is Closing

By Preston BartaJanuary 2, 2026

The cherished family bookstore will take its final bow this March.

The 10 Movies We’re Most Excited for in 2026

By Preston BartaDecember 31, 2025

From big, stylistic swings to an A24 original led by a Dallas director, 2026’s film lineup has us ready to yell “action” on the new year.

Disc Deals in DFW: Where to Sell Your Old DVDs to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

By Preston BartaDecember 19, 2025

We hit the road with the same four films to see which local shop pays top dollar for your cinema collection — field reporting, if you will.

The 10 Best Films of 2025

By Preston BartaDecember 17, 2025

From Texan triumphs to global masterpieces, these films defined 2025 with unforgettable stories, bold visions and cinematic magic.

From Synth-Pop Frontman to Dallas’ Event Maestro: The Unlikely Ballad of Richard McClure

By Preston BartaDecember 16, 2025

From cracking jokes in topless bars and sharing stages with big names, the Dallas events specialist has crafted an incredible journey of reinvention.

First Look: Punch Line Opens in Irving with Comedy Total Knockout

By Preston BartaDecember 12, 2025

Our first look at North Texas’ new boxing-themed comedy club, opening later this month with a four-show run by Dave Chappelle.

2 North Texas Talents Star in Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Country Albums of 2025

By Preston BartaDecember 12, 2025

What better way to end a year that saw each artist release an awesome record and tour the world?

Deep in the Hart of Texas: Is 2026 the Year Ethan Hawke Cheats Oscar Death?

By Preston BartaDecember 12, 2025

Texas talent shines this awards season as the stars of Blue Moon explore artistic immortality, sparked by a question we asked at a press conference.

First Look: Netflix House Dallas Brings Streaming Dreams (and Nightmares) to Life

By Preston BartaDecember 10, 2025

Netflix House Dallas blends the city’s rich culture, local talent and iconic streaming stories into an immersive entertainment experience like no other in the city.

Portugal. The Man’s Alaskan Soul Finds a Second Home in Texas

By Preston BartaDecember 10, 2025

Ahead of a stop at The Bomb Factory on Thursday, frontman John Gourley talks the new album, Alaskan roots and why Texas gets “a little loose.”

Watch: Jonas Brothers Take ‘Hometown Tour’ Literally By Bringing Out Ashlee Simpson

By Preston BartaDecember 5, 2025

S.O.S.: The millennial nostalgia lingering from Dickies Arena last night is infectious.

McKinney Square’s Secret Stash: 8 Hidden Gems for the Coolest Holiday Gifts

By Preston BartaDecember 5, 2025

A rundown of McKinney Square’s coolest shopping spots, where vintage charm, quirky finds and a hidden speakeasy make holiday shopping so much easier.