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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Grab a Blanket, 7 North Texas Cities Just Made a List of America’s Coziest

By Preston BartaNovember 18, 2025

Turns out, North Texas knows its way around a latte and a good book. Houston, however, remains suspiciously more snug than Dallas.

The 5 North Texas Festivals We Miss the Most

By Preston BartaNovember 12, 2025

From rock legends to vegan corn dogs, these unforgettable festivals helped define Dallas-Fort Worth and left us longing for their return.

RoboCop Calls Dallas Out Over the Sorry State of City Hall

By Preston BartaNovember 11, 2025

Actor Peter Weller says Dallas should dig in its pockets to pay to repair the brutalist I.M. Pei icon.

From Dallas’ Clint Bentley, A Gorgeous American Epic Arrives in Train Dreams

By Preston BartaNovember 10, 2025

The Oscar-buzzing film from two North Texas visionaries is now showing in 35mm at the Texas Theatre before its Netflix debut on Nov. 21.

Midlake’s A Bridge to Far Is a Cosmic Walk Through Hope and Humility

By Preston BartaNovember 7, 2025

Eric Pulido takes us on a track-by-track journey through the Denton band’s new album of reflection and earthy storytelling.

Art Walk EAST Doubles Up for its Second Year of Showcasing Dallas Art, Music

By Preston BartaNovember 6, 2025

The vibrant heart of East Dallas beats louder this Saturday for a free, all-day celebration of local art, music and community.

Denton County Family Fights To Protect Wildlife From Tollway in North Texas Paradise

By Preston BartaNovember 5, 2025

Jeremy and Katelyn Sons say the proposed Outer Loop threatens a vanishing rural habitat.

A Luxe Glamping Adventure is Pitching Upscale Tents in North Texas

By Preston BartaNovember 5, 2025

A Fear Factor champion and Mrs. Texas International crown holder are turning family land into a luxury glampground, opening just an hour from Dallas.

Dallas’ own Chamber of Secrets has been opened in Pepper Square — dare to step inside this recreation?

Behind the Magic: A Critical Look at the New Harry Potter Exhibition in Dallas

By Preston BartaOctober 31, 2025

We stepped into the Wizarding World at Pepper Square’s Harry Potter: The Exhibition.

Denton’s 31 Days of Halloween Casts a Spell with These 9 Must-See Pop-Ups

By Preston BartaOctober 30, 2025

Denton, the official Halloween Capital of Texas, celebrates October with 300+ spooky events and endless eerie surprises.

5 Films with Deep Texas Roots You Need to See at the 2025 Lone Star Film Festival

By Preston BartaOctober 30, 2025

Running Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, the Fort Worth film festival highlights a mix of Texas-based dramas, documentaries and indie gems.

North Texas City Named The Safest Place in the US for Trick-or-Treating

By Preston BartaOctober 29, 2025

It’s probably not the one you’re expecting, either.

Taylor Sheridan is Leaving Paramount. Here’s What That Means for North Texas

By Preston BartaOctober 28, 2025

In a surprising move, the Yellowstone creator is moving on from the network he became nearly synonymous with.

New $10 Cowboy Documentary Captures Charley Crockett’s Texas Soul at Its Most Raw

By Preston BartaOctober 22, 2025

Ahead of the film’s Austin premiere, director Patrick Heaphy dives into the rising country singer’s Dallas roots and the iconic Longhorn Ballroom.

System of a Down, Deftones and More Headline Inaugural Sick New World Texas

By Preston BartaOctober 21, 2025

Wake up! The massive heavy metal event with Slayer and Evanescence is set to shake the Texas Motor Speedway on Oct. 24, 2026.

Dallas Native Cooper Raiff Unpacks His Poetic New Series <I>Hal & Harper</I>

Dallas Native Cooper Raiff Unpacks His Poetic New Series Hal & Harper

By Preston BartaOctober 15, 2025

Raiff’s heartfelt new series exploring family healing, and starring Mark Ruffalo, debuts on MUBI starting Oct. 19.

Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s Nightmare Still Echoes Beyond the Lone Star State in New Doc

By Preston BartaOctober 10, 2025

Celebrate the legacy of the best horror film ever made and its companion documentary, Chain Reactions, both haunting the Texas Theatre on Oct. 17 and 23.

Scarborough’s Hollow Reimagines Fall Fun to Replace Screams Halloween Theme Park

By Preston BartaOctober 9, 2025

From the death of an iconic haunted house experience in Waxahachie rises a new fall fantasy.

Kevin Martin’s Texas Heart Beats On as Candlebox Returns to Dallas

By Preston BartaOctober 7, 2025

From Texas roots to rock royalty, Kevin Martin of Candlebox plays at Community Beer Co. this month with a mission to give back.

6 Creative Gems to Discover at Denton Arts & Jazz Festival

By Preston BartaSeptember 30, 2025

From surreal canvases to blacklight woodwork, meet the artists bringing the Denton festival to life.

Bryan Bertino’s Vicious Springs From His Texas Roots

By Preston BartaSeptember 30, 2025

Horror filmmaker discusses his North Texas upbringing and latest psychological thriller, Vicious, at the world premiere in Austin.