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 Concerts - Travis Tritt, Joe Nichols, and Barry Switzer?
Travis Tritt is in town on Friday night and Joe Nichols hits the stage on Saturday night.
And on Sunday, it’s an evening with Barry Switzer and friends, benefiting “Sooners Helping Sooners.” In addition to Coach Switzer, you hear from former Sooner players Billy Sims, Joe Washington, Tony Casillas, Keith Jackson, Bob Warmack and Bud Herbert.
Where: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
When: Friday 10 p.m., Saturday 10 p.m.; Sunday at 5 p.m.
Cost: $18 - $65
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Circus Arts with Circo Metropolis at Klyde Warren Park
Join the performers from Circo Metropolis to try your hand at circus skills including juggling, balancing, comedy and aerial silks. After the morning workshop, enjoy a performance on stage by the Circo Metropolis cast.
Where: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas
When: Saturday, June 5 - Workshop from 10a-Noon; Show 1 at 1pm; Show 2 at 3pm
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.klydewarrenpark.org/things-to-do/events/2021/circus-arts-with-circo-metropolis.html
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: “Frida Kahlo: Five Works”
The Dallas Museum of Art presents "Frida Kahlo: Five Works," giving visitors the rare opportunity to see five exquisite works by the acclaimed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Since her death in 1954, Kahlo’s deeply emotional and vibrant paintings have garnered ever-increasing attention, transforming the celebrated artist into a global cultural phenomenon.
Where: 1717 N Harwood, Dallas
When: Daily through June 20
Cost: Free
More info: https://dma.org/art/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-five-works
Dallas Opera - The Heart of the Song
"Corazon de Cancion" (or The Heart of the Song) is a spectacular celebration of songs from Mexico and Latin America. Three of the world’s most famous tenors, all-Mexican born, get together for spirited repartee and sensational singing of beloved songs from Mexico and Latin America. Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime concert featuring Javier Camerena, Rolando Villazon and David Lomeli.
Where: Virtual
When: Now through June 30
Cost: $11.99 to rent
More info: https://dallasopera.org/
Dallas Pride Weekend
The celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is an outdoor, in-person event this year. Dallas Pride 2021 is two nights of "Fabulous" variety shows. It’s sure to be a party on Friday night with entertainment from Uptown Players, Jada Pinkett Fox, IDT Band, Raquel Blake, The Roommates, Daphne Rio, Bleach, and other artists. On Saturday, the lineup features The Cast of the Rose Room; The Fly Queens; Sisters-in-Action; Sister Helen Holy; The FlannelTones, an ensemble of the Turtle Creek Chorale; Anton Shaw; Niecee X; Kameron Ross; and others. The events are hosted by Marsha Dimes. There’s no parade or festival this year - but they are planning to bring them back in 2022.
Where: Coliseum at Fair Park, 1121 1st Ave., Dallas
When: Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm
Cost: $15 - $65
More info: https://dallaspride.org/
“For a Dreamer of Houses” at Dallas Museum of Art
"For a Dreamer of Houses'' brings together more than 50 works from the DMA's collection that range from immersive installations to intimate photographs, all related to the idea of home. The exhibition's sections correspond to five chapters in philosopher Gaston Bachelard's influential 1958 book "The Poetics of Space." Major recent acquisitions - including works by Alex Da Corte, Olivia Erlanger, EJ Hill, Francisco Moreno, Pipilotti Rist, and Do Ho Suh - are highlighted in each section. Because of COVID precautions, you must have a timed free ticket. There is a small extra charge for the collection.
Where: 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas
When: Now through July 4, 2021
Cost: Free General Admission, Tickets to the installation are $9
More info: https://dma.org/
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and Fort Worth Botanic Garden invite visitors to see their newest exhibit “Topiaries in the Garden,” running through June 30, 2021. Featuring 12 plant-based animal shapes, such as elephants, giraffes, and butterflies, the displays are sure to stimulate a sense of wonderment and fascination.
Also at the Garden, you can 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 June 30
Cost: $6 - $12
More info: https://bit.ly/3vZco7u
Frisco Fair 2021
Now that Texas has safely opened up, the Frisco Fair is coming back with a bang! From May 20 — June 6, 2021, fans of the Texas State Fair can come to Frisco for carnival rides, midway games, live music, arts and crafts, a cocktail tent, and of course…FAIR FOOD! The Frisco Fair is doubling the number of rides this year. There will be over 40 carnival rides, including a giant Ferris Wheel and a roller coaster!
Where: 9215 John W. Elliott, Frisco5
When: Now through June 6
Cost: Free admission, pay to eat/play/ride (rides start at $4)
More info: https://www.friscofair.com/
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
GoTexan Food, Wine & Art Festival
Spend the day supporting Texas Agriculture at the 2021 GoTexan Wine, Food and Art Festival at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, Texas. Enjoy tastings from over 20 Texas Wineries representing the Cross Timbers Wine Trail with a selection of over 200 different wines. Sip a glass of wine while you stroll among talented artists and other local Texas vendors. Try a craft beer from a local brewery and excite your taste buds with food from popular Texas food trucks, while listening to live music from local talent.
Where: Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth
When: Saturday, June 5 from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: $40 - $50
More info: https://crosstimberswinetrail.com/products/gotexan-wine-food-art-festival
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/
Old 97’s in Concert
Rhett Miller and the Old 97's are one of the most prolific local bands there is, with 19 albums in their career. They'll be joined by The 40 Acre Mule and Joshua Ray Walker for this special show.
Where: Grandscape, 5752 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony
When: Thursday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 - $85
More info: https://dallas.culturemap.com/eventdetail/old-97s-concert-grandscape-2021/
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/
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/
Symphony in the City - DSO
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing the joy of music to the entire community, to truly make the DSO everyone’s orchestra. For more than 25 years, the DSO has presented Symphony in the Parks throughout Dallas. These free outdoor performances are free and open to the public. On Thursday, June 3, you can catch the DSO at Kidd Springs Park in Oak Cliff.
Where: Kidd Springs Park, 711 W. Canty St., Dallas
When: Thursday, June 3, 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/community-education/in-the-community/symphony-in-the-city/
Taste Addison
Taste Addison is a chance for the great restaurants of Addison to show off their best dishes - and for you to taste them! You can get a full meal, or more of a bite-sized portion if you’d rather sample several of the eateries. There’s music too! A ton of it. The headliners are Flo Rida on Friday and Third Eye Blind on Saturday. Plus there are a bunch of tribute bands and local performers playing Friday and Saturday.
Where: Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Dr., Addison
When: Friday 6pm-Midnight and Saturday 2pm-Midnight
Cost: Free-$15
More info: https://tasteaddisontexas.com/
The Music Man
All aboard the Wells Fargo Wagon with Theatre Three’s touring production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man! Directed by Joel Ferrell and Music Directed by Vonda K. Bowling, this innovative boutique production on the classic musical. The show features a 10-person cast. It will be performed under the stars in three outdoor venues over the next month. It opens this weekend in Coppell.
Where: Coppell Senior Center, 345 W Bethel Rd., Coppell
When: June 3-6 and June 9-13, all performances at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 for a “socially distanced square” that seats 2
More info: https://www.musicmandfw.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: Thursdays 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: $13-$20 and up
More info: https://www.perotmuseum.org/
Turtle Creek Chorale
The legendary Turtle Creek Chorale will make its return to in-person performances with two mini concerts at Galleria Dallas on June 5. The performances accompany STRONGER, an exhibit from the chorale that details its mission - to entertain, educate, unite and inspire - and its 41-year history. The exhibit will be at Galleria Dallas from June 4-30 across from Apple. The performances take place June 5 at 11 a.m. and noon on Level I across from Tiffany
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas
When: Saturday June 5 at 11 a.m. and noon
Cost: Free
More info: https://turtlecreekchorale.com/
US Gymnastics Championships
Fort Worth hosts the 2021 USA Gymnastics US Championships. This event will feature world class Olympic athletes such as Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez and others as they compete just ahead of the Olympic Trials. The men compete on Thursday and Saturday, while the women compete on Friday and Sunday.
Where: Thursday - Sunday
When: Daily through Labor Day / 12p - 6:30p Weekdays & 11a - 6:30p Weekends
Cost: $27 - $150
More info: https://www.fortworth.com/usa-gymnastics/
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/
Zest Fest: The Spiciest Food Show on Earth
The boldest and bravest of foodies will flock to the Irving Convention Center this weekend to satisfy their cravings for all things flavorful, spicy, hot and extreme at ZestFest. At the festival, visitors can meet spicy food purveyors from all over the country, sample the latest and greatest in “zesty” salsas, spice mixes and rubs, barbecue sauces and more, and vote for their favorites. In addition, they can watch fiery food demos on the Celebrity Chef Stage or enter the Wingstop Atomic Wing Eating Contest or the Puckerbutt Pepper Company Jalapeno Eating Contest.
Where: Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd, Irving
When: Friday from 1p-6p, Saturday from 10a-6p, Sunday from 10a-5p
Cost: $14 - $53
More info: https://zestfest.net/