We're closing in on another great spring weekend in North Texas. Don't get stuck trying to figure out what to do. KRLD's John Liddle has plenty of suggestions of things to do Around Town.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Theatre Coppell presents The Adventures of Tom Sawyer based on the book by Mark Twain and adapted for the stage by Robert Batson. Written in 1876, this book about a boy growing up along the Mississippi River, is one of Mark Twain’s best-loved and most quoted works. In this adaptation of a legendary tale, all of the major adventures of Tom and his friends are brought to the stage. The fun and adventure are non-stop in this unforgettable family favorite. Children can enjoy the adventure story, and adults can appreciate the satire.
Where: Coppell Arts Center, Coppell
When: April 21 - 23
Cost: $19 and up
Billy Bob’s: LUKAS NELSON & POTR WITH DRAYTON FARLEY (Thur) / TRACY BYRD (Fri) / AUSTIN ALLSUP (Sat)
Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Thursday at 9 p.m.; Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.
Cost: $18 - $65
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Broadway Our Way ’23
This Uptown Players audience favorite returns for another entertaining weekend of Broadway music with plenty of twists, laughs and surprises. The evening features many of your favorite actors from past Uptown Players seasons performing selections from Broadway shows, both past and present, all done with an Uptown Players twist! This year’s cast of 24 will sing and dance to 30 songs from recent Broadway hits to classic revivals including Anything Goes, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia, Chicago, Titanic, Hadestown and many more.
Where: Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas
When: Thursday, April 20 - Sunday, April 23
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://www.uptownplayers.org/show-details/broadway-our-way
Centennial Community Celebration from the Dallas Historical Society
The Dallas Historical Society hosts a fun-filled family day at Klyde Warren Park. This free event celebrates Dallas with live performances, exhibits and special guest appearances. You’ll see live performances by local cultural groups and artists, a specially curated exhibit from the DHS Collection, fun Dallas pop-ups and activities, games and giveaways, and awesome food trucks.
Where: Klyde Warren Park., Dallas
When: Sunday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.dallashistory.org/programs/special-events/
DMA: "Movement: The Legacy of Kineticism"
Exploring the power of kineticism in art and featuring 80 works drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection, Movement: The Legacy of Kineticism showcases the work of artists from three historical eras that utilize optical effects or mechanical or manipulable parts to engage the viewer physically or perceptually. Meanwhile, an interactive work that welcomes and draws you into the exhibition...Soares’s Vagalume…invites viewers to pull chains, turning lightbulbs on or off. The title of this work means Firefly.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas
When: Daily through July 16
Cost: Free
More info: https://movement.dma.org/movement/p/1
DSO: The Rite of Spring
“There is music wherever there is rhythm, as there is life wherever there beats a pulse,” wrote Stravinsky in one of his sketchbooks for The Rite of Spring. This quote sums up the program for this weekend. From the World Premiere by Katherine Balch, who captures the magic of everyday sounds to the dazzling orchestration and rhythmic creativity on display in Polovtsian Dances, to Stravinsky’s groundbreaking Rite of Spring, arguably one of the most influential pieces of music of the 20th century, rhythm, pulse, experimentation and excitement play a critical role in all three pieces.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas
When: April 20-22
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/the-rite-of-spring/
Dallas Art Fair
In the heart of the downtown arts district, the Dallas Art Fair offers collectors, arts professionals, and the public the opportunity to engage with a rich selection of modern and contemporary artworks presented by leading national and international galleries. Thoughtfully curated exhibitions and innovative programming encourage lively conversations and close looking in a robust and rapidly growing arts community.
Where: Fashion Industry Gallery, 1807 Ross Ave., Dallas
When: April 21st - April 23rd
Cost: $25 and up
More info: https://www.dallasartfair.com/
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
Immersive Disney Animation is an innovative celebration that takes you inside the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, from their very earliest, groundbreaking features to the beloved hit movies of today.
Imagine stepping into the Casita with Mirabel from Encanto, being at Pride Rock as Rafiki presents Simba – surrounded by the animal kingdom as the sun rises. Imagine hopping on a train with Judy Hopps and going into Zootopia or taking a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and Jasmine, and so much more….
Now you can! Step into the art and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios and celebrate the music, artistry and animation from the creators of Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Big Hero 6 and many more.
Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace Dallas, 507 S Harwood St, Dallas
When: April 20 - September 4
Cost: $28 and up
More info: https://lighthouseimmersive.com/disney/dallas/
EarthxExpo
The Earth Day Expo is an environmental expo held annually in Dallas, Texas. It has grown to be one of the largest events of its kind, with an average of 177,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, 450 speakers, and 2,000 conferees. Although entry to the Earth Day Expo at Fair Park is free, guests should register to take advantage of an innovative experience planner. This tool lets attendees tailor their schedules and select from a range of events and experiences that align with their personal interests.
Where: Fair Park, Dallas
When: Friday, April 21 - Sunday, April 23
Cost: Free
More info: https://earthx.org/expo/
Emmylou Harris
There are two chances to catch the legendary Emmylou Harris in concert this weekend at Longhorn Ballroom.
Where: Longhorn Ballroom, 216 Corinth St, Dallas
When: April 22 and April 23
Cost: $75 and up
More info: https://www.longhornballroom.com/
EYEBORETUM
It’s an imaginative outdoor garden experience at Dallas’ eye-popping attraction, The Eye. The event is in celebration, and supports the Dallas Art Fair. Several surreal landscapes will be exciting for the whole family.
Where: The Joule, 1530 Main St, Dallas
When: Friday, April 21 - Sunday, April 23
Cost: $10
More info: https://theeyeballdallas.com/
FWBG: Japanese Spring Festival
The festival includes cultural demonstrations, performances, unique shopping opportunities, and traditional foods. On both days, two Taiko drumming groups perform in the Horseshoe Garden. Master Swordsman, G.K. Sugai will perform in the Shelter House daily. There will also be demonstrations from traditional dancers from the Fort Worth Japanese Society and karate experts. Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony demonstration will be hosted in Oak Hall during the Fall Japanese Festival (an additional fee applies). Enjoy displays of miniature worlds of bonsai trees from the Fort Worth Bonsai Society, and demonstrations in Origami, Calligraphy, and Japanese Games throughout the Japanese Garden.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
When: April 22-23
Cost: $12 for adults, $6 for kids (in advance)...$3 more if purchased day of event
More info: https://fwbg.org/japanesefestival/
FWBG: ZimSculpt
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is excited to announce its first-ever Zimbabwean sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt, which runs April through July 2023 throughout the Garden. ZimSculpt features more than 100 exquisite sculptures by several dozen contemporary Zimbabwean artists. Known as Shona sculpture, these contemporary pieces are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth
When: Daily through July 30
Cost: $6 for kids, $10 for seniors, $12 for adults
More info: https://fwbg.org/events/zimsculpt/
FWSO: A Night at the Ballet
In a unique artistic collaboration, the Texas Ballet Theater leaps onstage for a joint program with the FWSO of sultry favorites including Stravinsky's evocative Suite from The Firebird, Griffes' tantalizing Pleasure Dome of Kubla Kahn and more. Balancing out the program is Of Earth & Sky: Tales from the Motherland, a world premiere work by Alabama native Brian Raphael Nabors, a rising star in the world of composition whose music has already been performed by some of this country's greatest orchestras.
Where: Bass Hall, Fort Worth
When: April 21-23
Cost: $26 and up
For the Beauty of the Earth
Four TCC ensembles — Chamber Chorus, Coloratura, TerraVox, and Turtle Creek Dance Company — will present a program inspired by the beauty of our home planet and the challenges we face to protect it. Featuring music inspired by nature, the thematic program will honor the stunning natural wonders of the planet and our duty to be good stewards of our bounty.
Where: East Dallas Christian Church, 629 N Peak St, Dallas
When: Sunday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Pay what you can
More info: https://www.turtlecreekchorale.com/concerts
Fort Worth Art Fair
It’s a fresh celebration of local artists, built on shared experiences and meaningful curated moments, in the heart of Sundance Square. The 2nd annual Fort Worth Art Fair – a vibrant homage to Fort Worth’s rich artistic legacy and a celebration of all things local: the city’s art, music, cuisine, culture, and more.
Where: Sundance Square, Fort Worth
When: April 20-23 from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.fortworthartfair.com/
Hello Dolly!
Hello, Dolly! is a musical filled with charisma and with heart. Matchmaker Dolly Levi is a widow, a matchmaker, and also a professional meddler –but everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is to find someone for herself. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Hello Dolly! is boisterous and charming from start to finish.
Where: The Firehouse Theatre, 2535 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch
When: April 20-23
Cost: $28 and up
More info: https://thefirehousetheatre.com/
Into the Woods
Into The Woods follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. As their individual adventures begin to overlap and their wishes are granted, the characters learn that “no one is alone.”
Where: Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St, Dallas
When: April 19-23; April 26-30
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://dallastheatercenter.org/shows/into-the-woods/
Invited Celebrity Classic
The PGA TOUR Champions competition is a 54-hole standard event with traditional scoring rules. The celebrity tournament will use a 54-hole modified Stableford Scoring System, which allows celebrity players of all abilities to have fun and enjoy a great week. In a fun and entertaining twist, the celebrities will play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players throughout the week. Celebs that will play include: Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, Roger Clemens, Vince Carter, Mike Modano, Albert Pujols, Pudge Rodriguez and Demarcus Ware.
Where: Las Colinas Country Club, Irving
When: Friday, April 21 - Sunday, April 23
Cost: Free; passes to the clubhouse are $95 a day
More info: https://www.invitedcelebrityclassic.com/
"I'll Be Your Mirror: Art and the Digital Screen" - Modern Art Museum
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents the landmark I’ll Be Your Mirror: Art and the Digital Screen, a thematic group exhibition that examines the screen’s vast impact on art from 1969 to the present. This exhibition surveys more than sixty works by fifty artists over the past five decades. The artists included examine screen culture through a broad range of media such as paintings, sculpture, video games, digital art, augmented reality, and video.
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth
When: February 12 - April 30
Cost: Free on Fridays / $10 - $16 other days
More info: https://www.themodern.org/exhibition/ill-be-your-mirror-art-and-digital-screen
Jazz Wine Trains
For an unforgettable experience, grab a friend or a date for jazz, wine, and a trip back in time on Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s 2023 Jazz Wine Train. Ride the rails on 1920s coaches, while listening to live, onboard jazz entertainment, sipping fine, Grapevine wine and enjoying local savory bites and desserts.
Where: Historic Cotton Belt Depot: 705 S. Main St.
When: Friday, April 21; April 28
Cost: $65
More info: https://www.gvrr.com/event/jazz-wine-train/37752/
Main Street Fest - Grand Prairie
Head to downtown Grand Prairie for three days of live music and family fun at Main Street Fest, near City Hall. One of the DFW area's most popular spring festivals, Main Street Fest features concerts and live entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, a KIDZONE and much more! Admission is FREE, parking is free, and good times are guaranteed. The headline concerts are: Monica Saldivar (Friday at 10 pm); Klymaxx (Saturday at 10 pm); and Jack Ingram (Sunday at 6:30 pm).
Where: 200 W Main St, Grand Prairie
When: Friday, April 21 - Sunday, April 23
Cost: Free
More info: https://mainstreetfest.com/
Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival
The 36th edition of the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival is this weekend. Downtown comes alive with incredible Art, fantastic Music and delicious Food! The festival features new entertainment venues and over 200 juried artists from the local, regional and national areas.
Where: Downtown Fort Worth, 600 W 6th St, Fort Worth
When: April 20 - April 23
Cost: Free
More info: https://mainstreetartsfest.org/
Making A Scene - Music Exhibit in Denton
Take a musical journey through Denton’s legendary music scene in the new exhibit, Making a Scene, at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum. On view through August 26, 2023, this exhibit features photographs, posters, and other items representing beloved artists, venues, and festivals over the decades that have played a vital role in putting Denton on the map, because when you think of Denton, you think music!
Where: Denton County Courthouse-on-the Square Museum, 110 West Hickory Street, Denton
When: 10-4 Monday-Friday and 11-3 Saturdays through August 26, 2023
Cost: Free
Music City Hit-Makers in Concert
The Most Famous People You Never Heard Of!
Music City Hit-Makers are the Nashville songwriters behind the stars that have written hit upon hit for the likes of Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Tim McGraw and many, many more! You will hear stories behind some of the biggest Nashville hits performed by the songwriters themselves backed by the sublime sound of symphonic strings, piano and upright bass! It's truly a one-of-a-kind acoustic music experience!
Where: Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St, Coppell
When: April 21 and April 22
Cost: $45
More Info: https://www.coppellartscenter.org/events/detail/music-city-hit-makers
Orígenes/Origins (World Premiere)
Orígenes/Origins tells the story of a teenager sent by her family to live with her father in the United States. To survive her journey, she is compelled to create a new identity in a new country while remembering her origins. Featuring masks, movement and original music, Orígenes/Origins, is performed mostly in Spanish with English supertitles.
Where: Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St, Dallas
When: April 20-23; April 27-30
Cost: $10 - $25
More Info: https://caramiatheatre.org/play/origenes-origins/
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a full day of interactive fun for everyone, 16th Century Style. Visitors will enjoy full combat armored jousting, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon, Knighting ceremonies, a 75+ member performing company, and 20+ stages of interactive and unique entertainment. They can discover exquisite one-of-a-kind treasures at the hundreds of Scarborough shoppes and be amazed by authentic artisan demonstrations. There are also Renaissance rides, games of skill, and so much more.
There’s a VIP Wine Tasting or Beer Tasting Packages for $144 as well.
Where: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie
When: Saturdays and Sundays through May 29 (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: $14 for kids, $32 for adults (and up)
More Info: https://www.srfestival.com/
The Secret Garden the Musical
The enchanting literary classic is reimagined in brilliant musical style. A compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal, The Secret Garden won three Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards when it premiered.
Where: Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N Coit Rd, Richardson
When: April 21-23 and April 28-30
Cost: $18 and up
More Info: https://www.rcttheatre.com/
'til Midnight at the Nasher
'til Midnight at the Nasher presents live outdoor concerts, film screenings, and opportunities to experience art on view. Music this week includes: Honey Made - 6:30 p.m., David Morgan - 7:30 p.m., Revelers Hall Band - 8:30 p.m. Then at 9:30 p.m. they’ll show the film Vivo (2001).
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas
When: April 21 from 6:30 - Midnight
Cost: Free
Tootsie
This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.
Where: Winspear Opera House, Dallas
When: April 18-30
Cost: $40 and up
More Info: https://broadwaydallas.org/shows/tootsie/
Venardos Circus
Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the show is a living example of the power of dreams, reinventing the American Circus tradition for a new generation, and bringing joy to people everywhere.
Where: The Riverwalk, 4040 River Walk Dr, Flower Mound
When: April 12-23
Cost: $17 and up
More Info: https://venardoscircus.com/
West Side Story
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Where: Artisan Center Theater, 444 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst
When: April 20-22, 27-29; May 4-6
Cost: $15 and up
More Info: https://www.artisanct.com/2023-shows/westsidestory