Things To Do Around DFW: Parade of Playhouses, Meow Wolf, Polyphonic Spree and more

Polyphonic Spree
Polyphonic Spree Photo credit Rick Kern / Contributor Getty Images

The Summer is here! It may be a hot weekend in North Texas, but there are still plenty of fun things to do. John Liddle takes you around town.

Ace Frehley in Concert

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley in concert Saturday night at The Echo Lounge.

Where: The Echo Lounge & Music Hall, Dallas
When: Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $50 and up

More info: https://www.acefrehley.com/tour_dates/

Basically Beethoven Festival: "Prevailing Winds"

Fine Arts Chamber Players is hosting the 2023 Basically Beethoven Festival on Sunday afternoons in July. This Sunday’s theme is Prevailing Winds. Rising Stars at 2:30 playing Mozart's Kegelstatt Trio; Featured Performers at 3pm playing Eric Ewazen's Ballade, Pastorale, and Dance; Madeleine Dring's Trio for Flute, Oboe, and Piano.
Where: Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas
When: Sunday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.fineartschamberplayers.org/basically-beethoven-festival

Bastille Day 2023 - Dallas

The General Consulate of France and the FACC Texas are pleased to co-organize the National French Day celebration in Dallas. Immerse yourself in a fusion of sports and culture as they gear up for the Paris 2024 Olympics. After exercising, enjoy authentic French delicacies and sip on a glass of chill wine at "La buvette" at 11.00 am and be transported straight to France. Also, experience the uplifting power of national anthems (French and American), and relax in a musical atmosphere for the rest of the celebration.

Where: Dallas International School, 17811 Waterview Pkwy, Dallas

When: Saturday, July 15 from 9 a.m. - noon

Cost: $15

More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bastille-day-2023-dallas-tickets-648411956617

Billy Bob’s: RANDALL KING (Fri) /DAVID NAIL (Sat) 

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

Cost: $18 - $40

More info: https://billybobstexas.com/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 light bulbs 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

Dallas Arboretum: Summer at the Arboretum

Summer at the Arboretum features 65,000 new plantings in June with 300 tropical elephant ears and 500 cannas creating our signature summer look. All of this creates a compelling backdrop for the Great Contributors exhibit from artist Gary Lee Price, which continues through August 6.

Where: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas

When: Daily through August 6

Cost: $10 to $16

More info: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/summer-at-the-arboretum/

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/

An Evening with Mark Hayes

The Irving Chorale hosts an inspiring and fun concert. They’ll sing classic and new compositions with Mark Hayes, the world-renowned composer and pianist. Guest vocalists from Royal Lane Baptist Church will perform as well.

Where: Plymouth Park United Methodist, 1615 W Airport Fwy, Irving

When: Saturday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $15

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

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/

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/

Godspell at Artisan Center Theater

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

Where: Artisan Center Theater, 444 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst

When: Thursdays through Saturdays from July 6-August 12

Cost: $15 and up

More Info: https://artisanct.com/shows/godspell

His Story: The Musical

The musical His Story debuts at Grandscape on May 5. The show tells the story of Jesus Christ in a modern broadway-style show. His Story is playing at the Broadway Tent at Grandscape (5752 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony), a state-of-the-art 1300-seat theater tent featuring plush seating, 360 degree overhead projection mapping, and full A/C and heating.

Where: Grandscape Broadway Tent, The Colony

When: May 5 - September 10

Cost: $35 and up

More Info: https://hisstorythemusical.com/

IF/THEN

Elizabeth, a city planner, moves back to New York to restart her life in the city of infinite possibilities. When her carefully designed plans collide with the whims of fate, Elizabeth's life splits into two parallel paths. If/Then follows both stories simultaneously, as this modern woman faces the intersection of choice and chance. If/Then is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today and all of the possibilities of tomorrow.

Where: Greater Lewisville Community Theater, 160 W Main Street, Lewisville

When: July 14-July 16, July 21-23

Cost: $25-$30

Info: https://www.glct.org/copy-of-if-then

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

More info:

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/

"Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!" at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

It may be hot outside but step into the world of winter with a new exhibit, Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! The latest traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum examines the making of the animated classic and celebrates the anticipation, joy, and pitfalls of the holiday season.

Where: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth

When: Daily through August 20 (Closed on Mondays)

Cost: Included with admission to the museum; $12 - $16

More Info: https://www.fwmuseum.org/

Parade of Playhouses

The 28th annual Dallas CASA Parade of Playhouses, presenting imaginative children’s playhouses to help child victims of abuse or neglect will take place July 14-30 at NorthPark Center. For this annual fun-filled community event, generous architects, builders, organizations, corporations and individuals design, build and donate extraordinary children’s playhouses to raise funds so that Dallas CASA can provide more volunteer advocates to help children experience safe childhoods and grow into resourceful, healthy adults.

During the 17 –day event, raffle tickets for the opportunity to win a playhouse are sold and all proceeds from raffle ticket sales and sponsorships benefit the children served by Dallas CASA.

Where: NorthPark Center, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas

When: July 14-July 30

Cost: Free / Raffle tickets are $5

More Info: https://www.dallascasa.org/dallas-casa-events/parade-of-playhouses/

Polyphonic Spree - 23rd Birthday

The Polyphonic Spree will be celebrating its 23rd year in existence by releasing its latest album "Salvage Enterprise" summer 2023.  This performance at the Longhorn Ballroom will feature the live debut of new material.

Where: Longhorn Ballroom, 216 Corinth St, Dallas

When: Saturday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $24 and up

More Info: https://www.prekindle.com/event/91418-polyphonic-spree-dallas

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/

Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing/Two Gentlemen of Verona

The two classic shows play through mid July. The dates for Much Ado About Nothing are: June 7-10; June 18, 20, 24-25, 27; July 1-2, 4, 8-9, 11, & 15-16. Meanwhile, Two Gentlemen of Verona plays June 14-17, 21-23, 28-30; July 5-7 and 12-14.

Where: Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas

When: June 7 - July 16

Cost: $15 and up

More Info: https://www.shakespearedallas.org/

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/

The Underpants

Legendary comedian and writer Steve Martin pens this riotously funny farce. Newly married Louise is bored with her demanding and uptight bureaucrat husband. One day, at the royal parade, she jumps up on a bench to see the king go by, and oops—wardrobe malfunction!—her bloomers fall down around her ankles. Her husband is frantic that her faux pas will cost him his job and reputation. Suddenly, the room they’ve been trying to rent out has plenty of takers, and it just might have something to do with…THE UNDERPANTS. A riotously funny farce that’s wild, witty, and wonderfully absurd!

Where: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving

When: July 14-16, July 21-23, July 27-29

Cost: $20 and up

More Info: https://mainstageirving.com/the-underpants/

Young Frankenstein

This electrifying musical stage adaptation of Mel Brooks’ brilliantly funny film will leave you in stitches! Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous inventor Doctor Frankenstein, reluctantly inherits the family estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick named Igor and lab assistant Inga, Frederick finds himself following in the mad-scientist tradition of his ancestor, creating a monster for this century. When the monster escapes, hilarity abounds.

Where: Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St, Coppell

When: July 14-16, July 21-23, July 28-30

Cost: $19 and up

More Info: https://www.coppellartscenter.org/events/detail/theatre-coppell-young-frankenstein

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Rick Kern / Contributor Getty Images