Things To Do Around DFW: National Dog Day, 50 Cent, North Texas Fair & Rodeo and more

Fair
Photo credit Clayton Piatt/GettyImages

We've got a great list of things to do around North Texas this weekend.

50 Cent

Launching into the spotlight with his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" in 2003, 50 Cent's raw storytelling and infectious beats reshaped hip-hop. Beyond music, he ventured into film, fashion, and business, earning acclaim for TV production and acting. His unwavering determination and street-to-star narrative make him a cultural symbol of achievement and ambition.
Where: Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas
When: Friday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $40 and up

More info: https://www.50cent.com/

Astrid Merriman Cabaret & Cabernet Fête (presented by the Sammons Center)

The Merriman Series of Sammons Cabaret is a New York-style cabaret performance series launched in the Spring of 2012 featuring top local vocal performers. The series showcases local artists in an intimate, elegant setting where the artist is the focal point. It is an intensely personal evening of song and stories, where the audience participates in a direct, emotional conversation with the artist.

Sammons Cabaret features top local vocalists performing music from the Great American Songbook, Broadway show tunes, torch songs, and other standards. The Cabaret & Cabernet Fête is an evening of fine music by one dozen top local singers and a wine tasting.

Where: Sammons Center for the Arts, Dallas

When: Friday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $65 and up

More info: https://sammonsartcenter.org/concerts/cabaret/

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Selling 4 million tickets worldwide, The Australian Pink Floyd Show has been performed in over 35 countries worldwide, played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by Rick Wright. TAPFS is the leading and biggest show of its kind in the world.

Where: Winspear Opera House, Dallas
When: Saturday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $35 and up

More info: https://www.attpac.org/on-sale/2023/the-australian-pink-floyd-show/

Avenue Q

A puppet-filled comedy follows a group of twenty-somethings seeking their purpose in big-city life.

The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it’s clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Avenue Q contains adult content, language, situations and humor.

Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W Main St, Arlington
When: August 25-27; August 31-Sept 3; Sept 7-10

Cost: $30 and up

More info: https://theatrearlington.org/production/avenue-q/

Billy Bob’s: GRANGER SMITH FT. EARL DIBBLES JR. FAREWELL TOUR (Fri & Sat)

Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.

Cost: $20-$45

More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events

Cinderella

Lyric Stage opens its 30th Season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version)! The 2013 adaptation that had a successful run on Broadway FINALLY receives the Lyric Stage treatment as it reaches the Majestic stage.

Cinderella is one of the last remaining R & H titles that Lyric has yet to produce! Rodgers and Hammerstein’s enchanting adaptation of the timeless fairytale brings new spirit to the story of a young woman forced into servitude who dreams of – and achieves – a better life. Cinderella features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”

Where: Majestic Theater, Dallas

When: August 24-27

Cost: $45 and up

More info: https://www.ticketdfw.com/whats-on/2023/r-and-hs-cinderella/

The Color Purple

THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues,THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Where: W. E. Scott Theatre at Arts Fort Worth, 1300 Gendy St, Fort Worth

When: August 17-20

Cost: $35 and up

More info: https://www.jubileetheatre.org/show/the-color-purple-at-the-scott-theater/

Dallas Symphony Wine & Food Festival

Sip, savor and sample wines from around the world, champagnes, craft brews, locally distilled spirits and signature bites from renowned chefs and top-rated restaurants. With three unique events that celebrate Dallas’s amazing culinary scene, there’s something for everyone within the magnificent Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. On Friday night, it’s the SUMMER WINE DOWN DINNER, on Saturday enjoy the SYMPHONY OF FLAVORS GRAND TASTING, and on Sunday partake in BUBBLES & BRUNCH BITES.

Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas

When: August 25-27

Cost: $50 and up

More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/dso-wine-food-festival/

The Drowsy Chaperone

The Drowsy Chaperone, a madcap, screwball musical within a comedy, a lovable send up to the Jazz Age musical. A multiple Tony Award winner, The Drowsy Chaperone pays tribute to the Jazz-Age shows of the 1920s and their power to transport us into a dazzling fantasy and to lift our spirits.

Where: Repertory Company Theatre Inc, 770 N Coit Rd, Richardson

When: August 25-27

Cost: $18 and up

More info: https://www.rcttheatre.com/

FLORIGAMIINTHEGARDEN

Enjoy a new outdoor sculpture exhibition by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box. The show presents a fresh look at paper folding in the 21st Century with large-scale origami-inspired metal sculptures. Emerging butterflies, big birds, grazing deer, and blooming flowers all celebrate the process of plant pollination. The colorful, whimsical, and kinetic sculptures were created in collaboration with modern masters of paper folding: Robert J. Lang, Michael G. LaFosse and Beth Johnson. Their intricate folds have been transformed into monumental metal sculptures by Kevin Box and his studio team to inspire, educate and entertain audiences in the outdoor setting of public gardens.

Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth

When: August 19 - February 14

Cost: $6 - $12

More info: https://fwbg.org/events/florigami/

FWSO: Stars of the Symphony

Stars of the Symphony is an evening celebrating the enormous talent of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians collaborating together in virtuosic roles. In this performance, members of the orchestra take the spotlight, from clarinetist Stas Chernyshev and bassoonist Josh Elmore in Strauss’ Duett-Concertino and percussionist Nick Sakakeeny in Toshio Mashima’s Marimba Concerto to Shields-Collins “Buddy” Bray with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth

When: Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $55 and up

More Info: https://fwsymphony.org/23-24-season/specials/stars-of-the-symphony

Get Up and Go Kayaking in Grapevine

There's a new way to beat the heat in North Texas...and you can do it in clear kayaks.
You can take a guided eco-tour on Grapevine Lake during the day - or enjoy a sunset kayak glow tour with LED lights. Get Up and Go Kayaking tours start at $55.

Where: Grapevine Lake

When: Daily

Cost: $55 and up

More Info: https://getupandgokayaking.com/locations/grapevine/

Holistic Festival of Life

At the Holistic Festival of Life, attendees can rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits through yoga, meditation, seminars, and networking with wellness experts. The annual event showcases diverse themes, featuring a marketplace with wellness products, organic food, therapies, jewelry, retreats, and more. The festival highlights sustainable businesses, gemstones, ayurveda, acupuncture, holistic practices, family resources, counseling, skincare, reiki, astrology, tarot, yoga, and massage therapy.

Where: Oak Point Recreation Center, 6000 Jupiter Rd, Plano

When: August 26-27

Cost: $5 and up

More Info: https://www.holisticfestivaloflife.com/

Hugapalooza!

Hugapalooza! is a free, kid-centered sing-along concert put on by KidLinks as a way to say thank you to the community. KidLinks' generous supporters make their mission of linking kids to healing, hope, and happiness through music and media come to life. This year, they are adding on a Special Needs Resource Fair for families to learn more about the many offerings in DFW. This event is recommended for children ages 2-10. The event will be full of music and activities for kids meant to help you feel better, help you feel special, help you feel happy, but most importantly, help you feel like you are getting a big wonderful HUG!

Where: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas

When: Saturday, August 26 at 9:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

More Info: https://www.kidlinks.org/events/hugapalooza

Kidz Bop Never Stop 

Kidz Bop Never Stop Live Tour features four new Kidz Boppers…and a whole lot of their takes on current Top 40 hits.

Where: Toyota Music Factory, Irving

When: Saturday, August 26 at 6:00 p.m.

Cost: $25 and up

More Info: https://www.thepaviliontmf.com/event/kidz-bop-2023/

Little Women the Musical

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Baer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America.

Where: The Core Theatre, 518 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson

When: August 25-27, September 1-3

Cost: $15-$25

More Info: https://thecoretheatre.org/little-women-the-musical

Mama's Daughters

The gospel stage play, Mama’s Daughters is a fast-paced, riveting story of mothers, daughters and secrets that celebrates the intricate bonds and enduring love shared within a family.

Dallasite and HBO Max award-winning producer Dr. Cheryl P Williamson is executive producing the show.

Where: Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 650 S Griffin St, Dallas

When: Saturday, August 26 at 7 p.m.

Cost: $45 and up

More Info: https://www.tbaal.org/

Meow Wolf: The Real Unreal

Is it real? Is it a dream? Is it Meow Wolf’s fourth permanent exhibition? Yes. Get to know the unknown in this brand new, mind-bending, interactive art experience located at Grapevine Mills. Explore the transformative power of creative energy at Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal. When an ordinary family encounters the extraordinary, an inspiring tale of chosen family, community, and the power of imagination unfolds within a mesmerizing, interactive artscape. Featuring a massive collaboration between Texas and Santa Fe based artists, Meow Wolf Grapevine expands into a new era of art and storytelling.

Where: Meow Wolf Grapevine, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy Suite 253, Grapevine

When: July 14-December 31

Cost: $40 and up

More Info: https://meowwolf.com/

National Dog Day at Klyde Warren Park

Celebrate your best friend on National Dog Day by spending it in My Best Friend's Park.
Get a free Pup Cone from Andy's Treat Truck. Enjoy Gonzo Pet Portraits: 9 AM - 12 PM

Where: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas

When: Saturday, August 26 at 8:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

More Info: https://klydewarrenpark.org/things-to-do/events/2023/national-dog-day.html

The Nazarene – The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The most important story of mankind, told through interactive visual installations.

The state-of-the-art technology with breathtaking 3D set designs, lighting and panoramic sound will immerse you in the magnitude of the word of God, bringing to life scenes from the New Testament. You can look over the shoulder of Jesus, stand in the place of the apostles and walk the path of faith side by side with the Savior.

Where: LOOK Dine-in Cinemas Dallas

When: August 25-October 15

Cost: $34.50

More Info: https://thenazarenexp.com/

A Night of Smooth Jazz and R&B

Brace yourself for an unforgettable night as the one and only Natural Change Band takes the stage in DeSoto!

Where: DeSoto Corner Theater, 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto

When: Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 and up

More Info

North Texas Fair & Rodeo

The NTFR closes down its nine day run in Denton this weekend. When you head to this fair, it’s a full evening of fun. Gate admission includes the fair, rodeo events, livestock shows and concerts! Mainstage headliners for the weekend are Gary Allan on Thursday, Reckless Kelly on Friday and Tracy Lawrence on Saturday.

Where: 2217 N. Carroll, Denton

When: August 18-26

Cost: $25-$30

More Info: https://ntfair.com/

One Year in Egypt

Step into the grand unveiling of "One Year In Egypt," chronicling the odyssey of Camika Spencer, a writer from Oak Cliff. Embark with her on an audacious expedition as she steps onto foreign soil, not as a tourist, but as a middle school ESL maestro in Al Giza, Egypt.

Prepare for a theatrical experience that traverses the spectrum of emotions. "One Year In Egypt" is an unfiltered tapestry woven with humor, heartstring tugs, and insights. Spencer guides us through her metamorphosis, unraveling her preconceived notions and exposing the myths surrounding her idealized vision of Africa, a land she had romantically envisioned as a "woke" voyager, despite never setting foot there—a reckoning of consciousness like no other.

Where: Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S Tyler St, Dallas

When: August 25-27

Cost: $30

More Info: https://bishopartstheatre.org/event/one-year-in-egypt/

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo

Rising to fame in the late 1970s, Pat Benatar earned widespread recognition with hits like "Heartbreaker" and "Love Is a Battlefield." Benatar's dynamic presence and impactful music solidified her as a rock icon, leaving an enduring mark on the music industry. She comes to Grand Prairie to perform with her husband, Neil Giraldo.

Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie

When: Saturday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $39 and up

More Info: https://texastrustcutheatre.com/events/detail/?event_id=481552

Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake

The Phil Wickham & Brandon Lake Summer Worship Nights Tour comes to Fort Worth.

Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth

When: Sunday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 and up

More Info: https://dickiesarena.com/event/2023-08-27-phil-wickhambrandon-lake/

Please Don’t Destroy Live

Please Don’t Destroy is made up of Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy. They are currently writing and making videos for Saturday Night Live – favorites include “Three Sad Virgins” featuring Taylor Swift and Pete Davidson, “Good Variant,” “Hard Seltzer”, “The Stakeout”, “Hangxiety” and more.

Where: The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas

When: Sunday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $35 and up

More Info: https://www.pleasedontdestroy.com/

Prismatic

Explore a never-before-imagined universe of color at Prismatic. Leave your expectations at the door and see the world through a completely new lens at the hit new pop-up. Immerse yourself in rooms decorated with one single color and theme, designed and built entirely by local high school students.

Where: SPARK! 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #004, Dallas

When: Fridays, Saturdays 4:00-8:00 PM and Sundays 1:00-6:00 PM through August 27

Cost: $15 and up

More Info: https://sparkdallas.org/prismatic/

Rounding Third

Rounding Third is a funny yet thought-provoking look at Little League baseball. Two mismatched fathers/coaches – one a seasoned veteran and the other a rookie newcomer – comically struggle on philosophies of the game, parenthood and the true meaning of success. Their clash of styles and wills drives this funny and touching play through the bumpy terrain of fatherhood and baseball. As they struggle with the junior version of the national pastime, the men's markedly different personal circumstances and philosophies force them to journey onto life's playing field – where knowing how to succeed is all that matters.

Where: Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St, Coppell

When: August 25-27

Cost: $19 and up

More Info: https://www.coppellartscenter.org/events/detail/theatre-coppell-rounding-third

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection

The Arlington Museum of Art presents an exclusive exhibition of 12-time Grammy award-winner Taylor Swift which explores the evolution of her artistic expression. Curated by the Arlington Museum of Art from Swift’s own private collection, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Collection, presented by HELP Center, is an exploration of Swift as an evolving, boundary-pushing artist. The exhibition will feature original costumes, photographs, videos, and more representing several of her creative periods, or “eras.”

Highlights of the exhibition are eight costumes worn by Swift from her record-breaking albums Midnights, folklore, Red (Taylor’s Version) and Fearless (Taylor’s Version).

Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 201 West Main Street, Arlington

When: June 3 - September 24

Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $15 for youth, $5 for kids

More Info: https://arlingtonmuseum.org/

Tigers Be Still

Sherry Wickman is a recent college grad with a master’s degree in art therapy whose job-search hasn’t quite gone as planned. Unemployed and overwhelmed, she retreats to her childhood bed and remains there…until an unexpected employment opportunity gives her a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Now, if only her mother would come downstairs, her sister would stop watching Top Gun from the couch, her first patient would do even one assignment, her new boss would leave his rifle at home, and someone would catch the actual tiger that escaped from the local zoo, everything would be just perfect! A quirky, endearing comedy about hope and human connection!

Where: MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, 222 E Irving Blvd, Irving

When: August 24-26

Cost: $20 and up

More Info: https://mainstageirving.com/tigers-be-still/

Trade Days at Southfork Ranch

Trade Days at Southfork Ranch gives you the chance to shop from local vendors selling jewelry, furniture, candles, food, and so much more.

Where: Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Dr, Parker

When: Aug 25-27 (Also Sept 22-24, Oct 27-29, Nov 24-26)

Cost: FREE; Parking is FREE on Friday, $5 on Saturday and Sunday

More Info: https://southforkranch.com/trade-days/

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Clayton Piatt/GettyImages