Things To Do Around DFW: July 15 - 18

Things To Do Around DFW: July 15 - 18
Things To Do Around DFW: July 15 - 18 Photo credit GettyImages

Summertime is fun-time! Check out our list of things to do this weekend around North Texas.

African American Museum, Dallas

A powerful exhibition called "Confederate Currency: The Color of Money" has opened at the African American Museum, Dallas. The exhibition is the work of artist John W. Jones, who started doing acrylic paintings of slave images depicted on Confederate Currencies about 20 years ago. Mr. Jones was working as a graphic artist at a blueprint company in Charleston, South Carolina when a customer asked him to enlarge a Confederate bank note. "When I did so, I noticed there were slaves on the note I was enlarging," says Jones. The finding intrigued him, and he started to research these notes and was inspired to produce acrylic paintings inspired by the pictures on the currencies. To date he's produced more than 300 works, which are on display in Dallas for the next few months.

Where: African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas

When: Fridays, Saturdays from Noon - 5 p.m. through July 24

Cost: Free

More info: https://aamdallas.org/

Billy Bob’s: Lady A in Concert

Country music supergroup Lady A is at Billy Bob’s for a two night run this weekend. Doors open at 6, the House band goes on at 8 and Jameson Rodgers at 9, before Lady A hits the stage for a 10 p.m. start.

Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth

When: Friday July 16, Saturday July 17

Cost: $40 - $175

More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events/lady-a

Billy Bob’s: Lone Star Murder Mystery Dinner and Show

Take a lighthearted trip back to the Wild West, where laughs fly like bullets and hilarity is the law of the land. The evening includes an award-winning comedy murder mystery and a chef-prepared deluxe gourmet buffet. Catch the show this weekend, or any Saturday through August 28.

Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth

When: Saturday July 17, 7 p.m.

Cost: $60

More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events/lone-star-murder-mystery-dinner-and-show

"Buddha, Shiva, Lotus, Dragon" at Kimbell Art Museum

This exhibition showcases the extraordinary range of bronzes, ceramics and metalwork that John D. Rockefeller III and his wife, Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller, thoughtfully assembled between the 1940s and the 1970s. Highlights including spectacular Chinese vases, dynamic Indian Chola bronzes and exquisite Southeast Asian sculptures, the exhibition reveals great achievements in Asian art spanning more than two millennia.

Where: Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ft Worth

When: Now through Sept 5

Cost: Free

More info: https://kimbellart.org/exhibition/buddha-shiva-lotus-dragon

CONCACAF Gold Cup

There are three matches in North Texas on Sunday. At Toyota Stadium, Martinique and Haiti play a match at 4, followed by Guatemala vs. Trinidad & Tobago at 9 p.m.

At the Cotton Bowl, it's Mexico vs. El Salvador at 9 p.m.

Where: Cotton Bowl in Dallas / Toyota Stadium in Frisco

When: Sunday, July 18

Cost: Varies

More info: https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/

Dallas Arboretum’s Summer of Sculpture: ZimSculpt

The Dallas Arboretum presents the return of the international blockbuster exhibit ZimSculpt, a world-renowned collection of hand-selected, modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures. ZimSculpt features the talent of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected, exquisite sculptures artfully displayed throughout the garden. These contemporary pieces, created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.

And remember, the arboretum’s Cool Thursday Concert Series is back every Thursday night during the warm weather months. Bands perform on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn overlooking White Rock Lake.

Where: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas

When: Daily through August 8

Cost: $12-$17

More info:  https://www.dallasarboretum.org/event/summer-of-sculpture-zimsculpt/

Dallas Museum of Art: Cubism in Color: The Still Lifes of Juan Gris

Co-organized by the Dallas Museum of Art and the Baltimore Museum of Art, this is the first U.S. exhibition in over 35 years dedicated to the Spanish artist Juan Gris. Cubism in Color: The Still Lifes of Juan Gris highlights the artist’s pioneering and revolutionary contributions to the Cubist movement by focusing on his fascination with subjects drawn from everyday life.

Where: 1717 N Harwood, Dallas

When: Daily through July 25

Cost: Free

More info: https://dma.org/art/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-five-works

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden invites visitors to check out "Sean Kenney's Nature Connects Made with Lego Bricks" through Aug. 1, 2021. This exhibit includes 15 builds, like a colorful hummingbird drinking from a trumpet vine blossom, a butterfly sitting on a blooming flower, a family of ducks, and more.

Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth

When: Daily through August 1

Cost: $6 - $12

More info: https://bit.ly/3vZco7u

Frisco Roughriders Baseball

Odds are you’ve been to a Frisco RoughRiders game before...but have you been in a while? They are back this year after the pandemic shut down 2020...and they're good! REALLY good! The RoughRiders are hosting Springfield the rest of the weekend. See some of the top prospects in the Rangers system IN PERSON. Thursday night is Thirsty Thursday, Friday it's Christmas in July, Saturday is Whataburger Food Bank Night, and Sunday is Bark in the Park.

Where: Riders Field, 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco

When: Nightly July 15-18

Cost: Varies

More info: https://www.milb.com/frisco

George W. Bush Presidential Center: Out of Many, One

The George W. Bush Presidential Center has opened an exhibit called, "Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants." The exhibit includes 43 portraits painted by George W. Bush, statistics about immigration and policy recommendations. Out of Many, One includes paintings of celebrities like Dirk Nowitzki, Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright and lesser known immigrants who may know the former president personally. Included with the paintings are stories about how each person adjusted to life in America.

Where: 2943 SMU Blvd, Dallas

When: Now through January 3, 2022

Cost: $15 - $21 / Free for military (current) / $10 for retired military

More info: https://www.bushcenter.org/exhibits-and-events/exhibits/2021/out-of-many-one.html

If/Then She Can Exhibit at Northpark Centre

The exhibit, sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, stands outside Northpark Centre in the CenterPark Garden. It’s a monumental exhibit of the most women statues ever assembled in one location. This first-of-its-kind, life-sized statue exhibit of more than 120 Ambassadors hailing from more than 40 states is free to the public. All these women are in STEM careers. Visitors can scan a QR code to learn about each one of the unique contributors. The exhibit is sure to be inspirational to young women and men alike.

Where: CenterPark Garden, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas

When: Daily through October 24

Cost: Free

More info: https://ifthenexhibit.org/

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

It's an immersive 20,000-square-foot experience based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history. Visitors will walk through the world-famous “Jurassic World” gates, encounter life-sized dinosaurs, and explore richly themed environments. Guests will have an up close look at a Velociraptor, stand under a towering Brachiosaurus, and encounter the most fearsome of them all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Where: Grandscape, 5752 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony

When: June 18 - September 5

Cost: $29.50 for adults (16 years +) and $19.50 for youth (3- 15 years)

More info: https://jurassicworldexhibition.com/

Matilda: The Musical at The Firehouse Theatre

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination. This inspiring story reveals an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life, dares to take a stand, and changes her own destiny. With powerful music and electric dance numbers, this is a favorite for the whole family that continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Where: The Firehouse Theatre, 2535 Valley View Ln., Farmers Branch

When: Wednesdays - Sundays through August 8

Cost: $28 - $36

More info: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35214/production/1065487

NERF Challenge

Well, this is cool. It’s every NERF fan’s dream come to life. At Fair Park in Dallas, experience a wonderland of activities inspired by NERF. There’s 90,000 Square Feet of action-packed play, with thousands of Blasters, and MILLIONS of darts. Additionally, check out the football, baseball, basketball, and other sports games.

Where: Fair Park, 1121 1st Ave., Dallas

When: Thursdays - Sundays now through August 8

Cost: $29.50

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

Parade of Playhouses

This is an incredible opportunity to help abused and neglected children have a safe and permanent home through the work done by Dallas Casa. You can win one of 10 custom designed playhouses by purchasing raffle tickets for $5 each or 5 for $20. The playhouses are on display at NorthPark Center. Online ticket sales close at 3:00 p.m. on July 25.

Where: NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy., Dallas

When: Daily through July 25

Cost: Free, but can purchase raffle tickets

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

Pop! By Snowday at Galleria Dallas

Looking for that perfect photo op? Pop! Just opened at Galleria Dallas. There are unique photo opportunities for guests to have fun, strike a pose, and snap a picture - including 7 extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting. The retro-style themes will have you looking like you’ve gone back in time to capture stunning moments.

Where: Galleria Dallas

When: Daily through September 6

Cost: $22 to $32

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

Rainbow Vomit presents: Sanctuary

The immersive art exhibit, Rainbow Vomit, has reopened its doors for public and private tours on a newly imagined experience titled “Sanctuary.” This creative refuge will transport guests to a new realm of visual splendor and relaxation that combines many mediums of art into a fun and moving artistic experience. This gallery is great for all ages.

Where: Rainbow Vomit, 3609 Parry Ave, Dallas

When: Daily through December 19

Cost: $17 - $40

More info: https://rainbowvomit.com/

Rockin’ the River at Panther Island Pavilion

Saturdays in the summer just got hotter, with Rockin’ the River at Panther Island Pavilion. It’s a six week series of great music, plus river floating activities. Enjoy 30 bands over 6 weeks – top Texas Country acts and a little rock & soul. A fireworks show will end each night with a BANG.

Where: Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth

When: Saturdays through August 7 from 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. (fireworks at 9:25 p.m.)

Cost: Parking is $10 / Activities (like tubing) cost extra

More info: https://rockintheriverfw.com/

Summer Flashback Films: The Wizard of Oz

Celebrate Summer and go back in time at The Boardwalk to watch the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. The outdoor movie is free, and there are many dining options on site.

Where: The Boardwalk at Granite Park, 5880 TX-121, Plano

When: Friday, July 16 from 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

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

Sunday Funday in Fort Worth

This family-friendly laid back event is every Sunday this summer...with yoga, beer, concessions, food trucks, and floating the Trinity River. Tubes, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards are available to rent. Pedal Boats: $20/Hour, Tube rentals: $5 All Day, Locker rentals: $4 All Day.

Where: Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth

When: Every Sunday through September 5, starting at noon

Cost: Free

More info: https://sundayfundayfw.com/

Texas Haunters Convention

A convention for Halloween and cosplay enthusiasts with over 35,000 square feet of family-friendly vendors, events, demonstrations, entertainment, classes, and a costume ball.

Costumes are welcome on the sales floor and encouraged. July 17th and 18th at the Mesquite Convention Center. Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where: Mesquite Convention Center, 1700 Rodeo Dr., Mesquite

When: Friday (costume ball), Saturday & Sunday (convention from 10a-5p)

Cost: $6 to $20 per day. $90 for a full weekend VIP Pass.

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

The Stockyards Championship Rodeo

Grab your boots and Cowboy hat! This rodeo is back! The live and kicking rodeo is every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. (Friday...it’s “Free Kid Friday”...buy an adult ticket and get a kid’s ticket free!) It's in the Cowtown Coliseum. Rodeo organizers say you can feel safe as you watch the live rodeo action because they are enforcing social distancing and everyone has to wear a facial covering. Giddy up!

Where: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164

When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Cost: Adults: $27, Children: $15

More info: https://stockyardsrodeo.com/

Thursdays on Tap at Perot Museum

Looking for a fun date-night destination or a unique spot to connect with friends after work? Want to peruse the Perot Museum of Nature and Science sans kids? Do you like live music, breweries and curious-minded adults? Then don’t miss Thursdays on Tap happening weekly at the Perot Museum! From 6-9 p.m. each Thursday (rain or shine), the adults-only event gives grown-ups exclusive after-hours access to explore all five levels of the Museum including, for a limited time only, The Science of Guinness World Records® exhibition. Outside, ticket holders can enjoy local food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music and games.

Where: Perot Museum, 2201 N Field, Dallas

When: Thursday 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (Thursdays through Sept 30)

Cost: $13-$20 and up

More info: https://www.perotmuseum.org/

"Twelve Mighty Orphans – Behind the Scenes: Laura Wilson"

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the Fort Worth Film Commission presents, "Twelve Mighty Orphans – Behind the Scenes: Laura Wilson," featuring photography and

props from the new film, 12 Mighty Orphans. Photographer Laura Wilson is an honoree in the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Her son, Luke Wilson, stars as coach Rusty Russell in the movie.

Where: National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy St., Ft Worth

When: Daily through Aug 7

Cost: Free (with admission to museum)

More info: http://www.cowgirl.net/

Vitruvian Nights Live

Vitruvian Nights Live returns to the beautiful Amphitheater at Vitruvian Park on Thursday, July 15.  Live music, food trucks, and outdoor games continue every other Thursday from 7:00pm - 9:30pm through September 9. This week it’s The Spazmatics playing the event.

Where: Vitruvian Park, 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison

When: Thur, July 15 7:00 p.m. (Also July 29, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9)

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.udr.com/vitruvian-park/vitruvian-park-events/

WWE: Money in the Bank

Money in the Bank marks the return of WWE touring and LIVE audiences. You can see the event in-person at Dickies Arena. It’s also a pay-per-view event. Headlining the event are two “Money in the Bank ladder matches.” Both will feature eight wrestlers...the winner gets a briefcase with a contract guaranteeing them a shot at a title of their choosing. See stars like Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, Raw Women's Champion Rhea Ripley, Smackdown Women's Champion Bianca Belair, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, The New Day, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, and more.

Where: Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Ft Worth

When: Sunday, July 18, 7 p.m.

Cost: $29 - $500

More info: https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021

Whoazone at Grapevine

WhoaZone at Grapevine, located at Meadowmere Park, offers a full day of family fun. Featuring the action-packed floating ninja course and shaded seating rentals. It’s a full day of active entertainment that’s great for the whole family.

Where: Meadowmere Park, 3000 Meadowmere Ln., Grapevine

When: Daily through Labor Day / 12p - 6:30p Weekdays & 11a - 6:30p Weekends

Cost: $18 (for one hour) - $108 (for full-season)

More info: https://whoa.zone/grapevine/

Zip Line Day: Heard Natural Science Museum

It’s an exciting outdoor adventure at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary's Ropes Course! During the Zip Line Days, guests climb a 23-foot tree to the zip platform then proceed to a 487-foot zip line. Purchase one ticket for each time you would like to travel down the zip line. Pre-registration is required. Suitable for all outdoor enthusiasts over the age of 10.

Where: Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, McKinney

When: Sunday, July 18 starting at 9 a.m.

Cost: $12 a zip

More info: https://www.heardmuseum.org/ropescourse

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