Things To Do Around DFW: Freedom Fest, Oak Cliff Film Festival and summer concerts

Events and activities for June 23-26
DFW Around Town - Things To Do This Weekend
DFW Around Town - Things To Do This Weekend Photo credit LuckyBusiness/GettyImages

No matter what you're in the mood for, you can find something great to do Around Town this week. KRLD's John Liddle gives us the breakdown.

Ballet Concerto - Summer Dance Concert

It’s Ballet Concerto’s 40th annual Summer Dance Concert. Three ballets are planned for each night’s performance. Spanish dance master Luis Montero returns to restage his Bolero, which received its world premiere with Ballet Concerto in 1990. Other works to be presented are the classic Les Sylphides with choreography by Michel Fokine and a new work with choreography by Ballet Concerto resident choreographer Elise Lavallee.
Where: The Shops at Clearfork, 5188 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth
When: June 23-26 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for lawn tickets - $50 and up for reserved seats

More info: https://www.balletconcerto.com/summer-concert

Banksyland

BANKSYLAND is an international touring exhibition that immerses audiences in the works of the world's most infamous and elusive artist: BANKSY. The first ever Dallas exhibit features more than 80 pieces and installations; including original and studio works, salvaged street artworks, and never-before-seen immersive installations in a secret Dallas Design District location (ticket holders will receive event location approximately 2 weeks before event opening). Experience the mystique and cultural impact of the most sought after artist of our time, live and in person.
Where: Dallas Arts District, 2200 Ross Ave., Dallas
When: Friday-Sun: 12-8PM (Special Hours Monday, July 4: 12-6PM)

Cost: $29 and up

More info: https://banksyland.com/event-item/dallas/

Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall

“Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” is a highly engaging exhibition that allows guests to experience the remarkable story of a true STEM pioneer. From childhood adventures in England to her revolutionary work in Tanzania, Dr. Goodall forged a path never traveled before, and her groundbreaking contributions from studying animals in the wild changed the science world forever. This incredible exhibit showcases her adventurous and awe-inspiring life through an immersive projection experience of Tanzania’s Gombe National Park, a hologram projection of Dr. Goodall narrating her impactful story, a replica of her research tent in Africa and so much more.
Where: Perot Museum, 2201 N. Field, Dallas
When: May 20 – September 5

Cost: $19 - $28

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

Billy Bob’s: BILLY CURRINGTON (Friday) / RAMÓN AYALA Y SU BRAVOS DEL NORTE (Saturday)

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

Cost: $25 - $80

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

Brian Wilson and Chicago

Catch a great throwback concert with Chicago and Brian Wilson with Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin.
Where: Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas
When: Friday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $35.50 and up

More info: https://concerts.livenation.com/event/0C005B7CDF652CD2

DSO: Toy Story – Live in Concert

The Dallas Symphony hosts Disney Concert’s newest live-to-picture concert event featuring the timeless classic film, Toy Story, accompanied by Randy Newman’s beloved score.
Bring your children and grandchildren to follow along as pull-string cowboy, Woody, and astronaut action figure, Buzz Lightyear, grow from enemies battling for the attention of their owner Andy to comrades who join forces.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas
When: June 24 at 7:30 p.m., June 25 at 7:30 p.m., June 26 at 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $29 and up

More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/toy-story-live-in-concert/

The Cowboys’ 50th Anniversary Weekend

"The Cowboys" 50th Anniversary Weekend Festival is going down in the Fort Worth Stockyards this weekend! The 3-day celebration will include outdoor film screenings of the classic John Wayne movie, with pre-show entertainment and food trucks on Friday and Saturday nights, meet and greet opportunities with members of the cast, and a live televised film panel with studio audience on Sunday night.
Where: John Wayne: An American Experience Museum, 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
When: Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 6 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m.

Cost: $10 and up

More info: https://www.johnwayne.com/experience

Dallas Arboretum: Summer at the Arboretum

Summer at the Arboretum returns and it is packed to the brim with music, food, art and family fun! You couldn’t get enough of our massive floral peacocks during Dallas Blooms, so they’ve extended the show through August 7. The garden also features more than 50,000 new plantings in June with 300 tropical elephant ears and 500 cannas creating their signature summer look. The Arboretum will feature local mural artists Alli Koch, MOM, Will Heron and Favio Moreno, as they paint custom garden-inspired murals on massive outdoor canvases. But that’s not all – each week features free live music, seasonal food demos and fun family activities including Bubble Picnics, special movie screenings and more.
Where: Dallas Arboretum, Dallas
When: June 1 - August 14

Cost: $10 - $16

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

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Concerts in the Garden

The FWSO Concerts in the Garden series cranks up with four straight nights of amazing music in the garden. Thursday’s band is Classical Mystery Tour (Beatles tribute), Friday it’s The Music of Pink Floyd - Performed by the FWSO and amplified with a full rock band. And on Saturday and Sunday catch “Star Wars and Beyond.”

Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth

When: Thursday June 23 - Sunday June 26

Cost: $25 and up

More info: https://fwsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/concerts-in-the-garden

Freedom Fest in Ennis

There are firework shows and then there are firework extravaganzas! Freedom Fest benefits Give a Kid a Chance with visitors asked to help Stuff the Bus by bringing school supplies for kids in elementary, middle and high school. Freedom Fest visitors will enjoy children’s activities including paddle boats, a rock climbing wall, slides and an obstacle course. There’s festival food and drinks, and “The Most Beautiful Fireworks Display in all of Texas, powered by Pyrotecnico.”  Le Freak, the “World’s Greatest Disco Band” will kick off their set at Veterans Memorial Park at 8 pm. Also Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy small-town Americana at its finest with a carnival midway, a colorful bike parade through picturesque downtown Ennis, and a patriotic festival filled with sights, sounds and flavors to celebrate America.

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 2301 Ennis Parkway, Ennis

When: Saturday, June 25 - 6 p.m. start

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.visitennis.org/ennisfreedomfest.htm

Immersive Frida Kahlo

Explore the world through the eyes of the legendary Frida Kahlo – a brilliant, uncompromising painter who created some of history’s most iconic artwork. As you stroll through the Lighthouse Immersive gallery, you will see the Mexico-born artist’s work come to life on a grand scale and discover the people, events, and obstacles that made her the extraordinary woman she was.  The mesmerizing, large-scale projections, accompanied by a ravishing musical score, will sweep you up as you encounter Frida as never before.

Where: Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St., Dallas

When: Daily through June 26 (no showings on Tuesdays or Wednesdays)

Cost: $29 and up

More info: https://www.immersive-frida.com/dallas/

Immersive Van Goh

The highly-anticipated Immersive Van Gogh experience is 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s oeuvre. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail, and color – truly illuminating the mind of the genius.

You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.

Where: Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St., Dallas

When: Daily through Sept 11 (no showings on Tuesdays or Wednesdays)

Cost: $39 and up

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

JooYoung Choi: Songs of Resilience from the Tapestry of Faith

Culminating a multi-year series celebrating Texas-based contemporary Asian women artists, the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas will present JooYoung Choi: Songs of Resilience from the Tapestry of Faith. The display features the works of the Houston-based multidisciplinary artist whose paintings, videos, sculptures, animations, music and installations merge the autobiographical with the fantastical.

Where: Crow Museum, 2010 Flora St., Dallas

When: February 12 - September 4 (Tuesdays-Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Cost: Free - suggested $12 donation

More info: https://crowcollection.org/

Kevin Fowler

Prophets and Outlaws will kick the night off, followed by the headliner, Kevin Fowler. His musical journey began playing in rock bands before finding his footing as a solo act in the early 2000s in his home state of Texas, where he burst onto the scene with the celebrated album Beer Bait and Ammo. He’s getting ready to release his latest effort, Barstool Stories, on August 23.
Keep the party going after the show with their Souled Out Saturday DJ Night in Tonic Bar & Lounge on the 2nd Floor.

Where: Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Avenue, Plano

When: Saturday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $21.50 and up

More info: https://www.legacyfoodhall.com/event/kevin-fowler-at-legacy-hall/?date=06/25-6:30pm

Klyde Warren Park: National Food Truck Day
Celebrate 10 years by lunching at one of the Park's famous food trucks, or enjoying beer, wine and dinner from La Parada. Mi Cocina is also ready to welcome you with some Sunset Enchiladas and a Mambo Taxi!

Where: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas

When: Saturday, June 25 from 11 AM - 7:30 PM

Cost: Free - but bring some $ for food trucks!

More info: https://klydewarrenpark.org/things-to-do/events/2022/national-food-truck-day.html

“Liberty & Laughter: The Lighter Side of the White House”
The George W. Bush Presidential Center's special exhibit glimpses behind-the-scenes into the lighter side of life in the White House. Entertaining first family anecdotes, interactive multimedia, and amusing artifacts unveil presidential pranks, inside jokes, and more. Revealing how humor has evolved from our Founding Fathers to the present day makes one thing readily apparent – laughter remains vital to a thriving democracy.

Where: George W. Bush Presidential Center, 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas

When: Through December 31

Cost: $26

More info: https://www.bushcenter.org/exhibits-and-events/exhibits/2020/liberty-and-laughter.html

Live at the Levitt: Tommy DeCarlo

The Levitt presents a ticketed mega-classic rock show (a fundraiser for the Levitt's free music series) headlined by Tommy DeCarlo (the lead singer of Boston) with special guest Rudy Cardenas, an "American Idol" star noted for his covers of the Journey catalog. Opening is LanceBattalion, a group of teenage retro rockers based in Mansfield.

Where: Levitt Pavilion, 100 W Abram St, Arlington

When: Saturday, June 25

Cost: $38 and up

More info: https://levittpavilionarlington.org/

Market Street Allen USA Celebration

Those who make it out to Celebration Park will find food trucks, live musical performances on the Main Stage and a spectacular Fireworks Finale. Entertainment includes: The Spazmatics, Military Salute by The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, National Anthem performed by Gabi Mantecon, Dallas Sidekicks Dancer, and a Musical performance by Professor D.

Where: Celebration Park, 701 Angel Pkwy., Allen

When: Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.allenspecialevents.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=90

Mary Poppins

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

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

When: June 24 - July 30 (no shows on Wednesdays)

Cost: $15 and up

More info: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36016/production/1074270

Meet the Breeds from the American Kennel Club

It’s a dog lover's dream. Come meet and play with dozens of dog breeds, when AKC Meet the Breeds arrives in Dallas this weekend. Future paw parents will get a unique chance to discover each breed’s needs and distinct personality traits, while learning about responsible pet ownership.

Ticket holders will see dog demonstrations that showcase the best canines in the sport and the jobs that dogs were bred and trained to perform. They can also participate in interactive activities, such as testing their own agility skills and participating in games and photo opportunities.

Demonstrations include: Agility, Obedience, Disc Dog, Rally and Scent Work

Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas

When: June 25 - 26, 10AM - 4PM

Cost: General Admission Adult: $30; Child: $20 / VIP Adult: $99; Child: $60

More info: www.akc.org/meetthebreed

Oak Cliff Film Festival

The annual Oak Cliff Film Festival is the main program of the Oak Cliff Film Festival Society.  This year’s fest has more than 50 films. Some of the highlights include: Butterfly in the Sky, a documentary about LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow; Jenny Slate's Marcel the Shell with Shoes On; I Love My Dad starring Patton Oswalt; and more. Tickets for most individual screenings are available $12.00 each online in advance or at the door for each venue during festival operating hours. There are some events that may vary in price.

Where: Bishop Arts Theatre Center / The Kessler / Oak Cliff Cultural Center / Turner House / Texas Theatre

When: June 22-26

Cost: $12 / screening; passes available for $225

More info: https://ocff2022.eventive.org/welcome

OKLAHOMA!

Over 75 years after Rodgers & Hammerstein reinvented the American musical, this is OKLAHOMA! as you’ve never seen or heard it before – reimagined for the 21st century.

Stripped down to reveal the darker psychological truths at its core, Daniel Fish’s production tells a story of a community circling its wagons against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Upending the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this OKLAHOMA! allows the classic musical – and our country – to be seen in a whole new light. (12+ recommended)

Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth

When: June 21 - 26

Cost: $55 and up

More info: https://www.basshall.com/tickets--events/2021-2022-pafw-season/21-22-broadway-at-the-bass/oklahoma

Pictures on the Plaza: Sandlot

Enjoy movies under the stars during this extraordinary movie watching experience. In addition to all your Harvest Hall favorites, movie-style snacks such as popcorn, candy and sodas will be available for purchase. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the movie will start at sunset--around 8:45 p.m. The movie is free, and guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets!

Where: Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station, 815 S. Main St., Grapevine

When: Saturday, June 18 at 8:45 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/427063832597051

Psychedelic Robot

Psychedelic Robot is an immersive 360º visual storytelling experience with interactive exhibits, augmented reality, narrative audio, and art & design by world-class artists. There are standard and VIP options for admission. It’s narrated by “TNX,” a thousand-year-old dragon who returns to Earth to tell the story of the Psychedelic Robot’s origins and his journey to become a mythical superhero

Where: The Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano

When: Thursdays - Sundays through August 28

Cost: $22.60 - kids / $32.30 - adult / $37.10 - VIP

More info: https://psychedelicrobot.com/

Shakespeare Dallas: A Midsummer Night's Dream

One of the Bard's most popular plays! A story of order and disorder, reality and appearance, and love and marriage. 2022 marks 50 years of Shakespeare Dallas producing quality, affordable theatre to North Texas audiences.

Where: 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas

When:  June 26 & 28 (Plus July 2-3, 5, 9-10, 12, 16-17, 19, 23)

Cost: $15 - $20 / $5 parking

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

Shakespeare Dallas: The Tempest

Prospero, a magician, creates a vast magical storm, wrecking the ship of his enemies and leaving them to wash up on shore. When they wake they find themselves lost on a fantastical island where nothing is as it seems.

Where: 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas

When:  June 22-25 / June 30-July 1 / July 6-8 / July 13-15 / July 20-22

Cost: $15 - $20 / $5 parking

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

Shaking the Shadow at Amon Carter American Museum of Art

Over the course of the summer, Texas–based artist Justin Ginsberg will create a glass sculptural work inspired in part by the Sargent, Whistler, and Venetian Glass exhibition. Ginsberg will work with a glass kiln set up on the Museum’s lawn each weekend, pulling glass threads measuring up to 30 feet in length. At the end of each glassmaking session, Ginsberg will install the threads he has created in the Carter’s Main Gallery, resulting in a large-scale glass “waterfall” sculpture. The public will be able to watch Ginsberg at work during his weekend sessions as well as witness the multi-month realization of his site-specific installation.

Where: Amon Carter American Museum of Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ft Worth

When: June 11–September 25 (closed Mondays)

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.cartermuseum.org/exhibitions/justin-ginsberg-shaking-shadow

Spirit Lodge: Mississippian Art from Spiro

Organized by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in close consultation with the Caddo Nation and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, this exhibition of nearly 200 ancient and contemporary works explores Mississippian ceremonial centers, the discovery of the Spiro site, cultural continuity, and the active power of Mississippian art.

Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas

When: March 13 - August 7

Cost: Free

More info: https://dma.org/art/exhibitions/spirit-lodge-mississippian-art-spiro

Stars & Guitars in Colleyville

Colleyville’s annual patriotic celebration is back on Friday, June 24 at City Park to provide a FREE concert and fireworks show for all. American country music star Joe Nichols will be the featured artist.
Where: Colleyville City Park, 5205 Bransford Rd., Colleyville

When: Friday, June 24 at 5:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.colleyville.com/residents/special-events/stars-and-guitars

Women’s National Football Conference: IX Cup

Championship weekend will be highlighted by the 3rd annual IX CUP championship game. The hometown favorite Texas Elite Spartans play the Utah Falconz.
The 3rd annual WNFC All-Pro game, powered by Adidas, will highlight 150 of the top women's football players in the world.
There’s also a FREE Fan Fest on Saturday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Sports Academy at The Star.
Where: Ford Center at the Star in Frisco

When: Sunday, June 26

Cost: $35

More info: https://www.wnfcfootball.com/ix-cup-2

Women Painting Women

Women Painting Women is a thematic exhibition featuring 46 female artists who choose women as subject matter in their works. This presentation includes approximately 50 evocative portraits that span the late 1960s to the present. All place women—their bodies, gestures, and individuality—at the forefront.
Four themes trend in the works included in Women Painting Women: The Body, Nature Personified, Color as Portrait, and Selfhood. Through these themes, the artists conceive new ways to activate and elaborate on the portrayal of women. Replete with complexities, realness, abjection, beauty, complications, everydayness, and joy, the portraits in this exhibition make way for female artists to share the stage with their male counterparts in defining the image of woman and how it has evolved.
Where: The Modern, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth

When: May 15, 2022 - September 25, 2022

Cost: $10 - $16 (but free on Fridays!)

More info: https://www.themodern.org/exhibition/women-painting-women

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