Whether you're Texan, or Irish, or both...there are great festivals all across the area this weekend. KRLD's John Liddle takes us Around Town.
African American Pioneers in STEAM
The African American Pioneers in STEAM exhibition is on view at the African American Museum, Dallas now through March 17, 2023. The family-friendly exhibition features approximately 120 replicas and examples of items invented or improved by African Americans, from the three-light traffic light and the first automatic transmission to laser cataract surgery.
Designed to inspire and enlighten, the exhibition shines a light on African Americans – such as Lewis Latimer, Dr. Marion Croak, Dr. Charles Drew, Otis Boykin, Marie Van Brittan Brown and Frederick McKinley Jones – and their many contributions while illustrating the exciting science behind the engineering feats.
Where: 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas
When: Now through March 17
Cost: Free
More info: https://aamdallas.org/exhibits/
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Before she was hit-maker Carole King – she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful takes you back to where it all began – and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” ”One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Natural Woman,” this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember – and a story you’ll never forget.
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth
When: March 4-5; March 7-12
Cost: $49 and up
More info: https://casamanana.org/events/beautiful/
Billy Bob’s: TREATY OAK REVIVAL (Fri) / MIKE RYAN (Sat)
Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.
Cost: $18 - $35
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Craig Ferguson
Longtime host of the Late Late Show, Craig Ferguson, brings his standup act to Improv Addison this weekend.
Where: Improv Addison, 4980 Belt Line Rd #250, Dallas
When: March 3 - March 5
Cost: $30 and up
More info: https://improvtx.com/addison/comic/craig+ferguson/
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 lightbulbs 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
DSO: Mendelssohn’s “A Symphony Cantata”
Paul McCreesh joins the DSO to conduct a grand spiritual concert including vocal soloists, the Dallas Symphony Chorus and the Lay Family Organ. Also known as his Symphony No. 2, Mendelssohn described the work as a “symphonic cantata.” Bearing a superficial similarity to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, it begins with three instrumental movements although on a much smaller scale and closes with a cantata-like structure for chorus, solo voices and orchestra.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas
When: March 2 - 5
Cost: $19 and up
More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/mendelssohns-lobgesang/
Dallas Arboretum: Dallas Blooms
Dallas Blooms, the Southwest’s annual floral festival featuring the Great Contributors bronze sculpture collection is here. The collection includes new historical figures, including Ruby Bridges, Harriet Tubman, Mother Teresa, Amelia Earhart and Joan of Arc. The spring festival showcases an explosion of color from 100 varieties of spring bulbs, 500,000 spring-blooming blossoms, thousands of azaleas and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees.
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas
When: February 25 - April 16
Cost: $12 and up
More info: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/dallas-blooms/
Dallas Festival of Colors: Holi Mela
It’s a full day of fun featuring color throws, contests, dance offs, a “tug of love”, turban tying, sand art, henna, photobooths, facepainting and the Zen Den!
Where: Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Dr, Parker
When: March 4, 10 a.m.
Cost: $12 and up
More info: https://www.dallasfestivalofcolors.com/
Dragons and Mythical Beasts
Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new interactive show for all the family.
Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon…
From the creators of the West End smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, don’t miss this brand new spell-binding adventure, live on stage!
Where: Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St., Coppell
When: Saturday, March 4 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Cost: $32
More info: https://www.coppellartscenter.org/events/detail/dragons-and-mythical-beasts
FWSO: Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown
From 1961 to 1971, Motown Records had more than 100 hits in the top 10 hits. That kind of success didn't come by accident — founder Berry Gordy Jr. had a true knack for identifying soul artists with a mainstream pop appeal who would flip the music world on its head. Don't miss the FWSO's homage to this era of ear-grabbing hooks and meaningful melodies as the orchestra performs hits by Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and more.
Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth
When: March 3-5
Cost: $69 and up
FWSO - Family Series: Wild Symphony
#1 New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown made his picture book debut with Wild Symphony: a mindful, humorous, musical, and uniquely entertaining book – and he even wrote the music too! Travel through the trees and across the seas with Maestro Mouse and his musical friends! You’ll meet a big blue whale and speedy cheetahs, tiny beetles and graceful swans. Each has a special secret to share.
Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth
When: March 4 at 11 a.m.
Cost: $11 and up
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: World of Orchids
Experience the stunning and exquisite beauty of all shapes, sizes, and colors of thousands of orchids arranged in breathtaking displays coming for the first time to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s beautiful Rainforest Conservatory February 24 – April 9, 2023. Learn about their habitats and how to grow them in your own home.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth
When: Daily through April 9
Cost: $10 for exhibit only / $18 for combo garden admission and exhibit
More info: https://fwbg.org/events/world-of-orchids/
Fort Worth Music Festival & Conference
The Fort Worth Music Festival & Conference at the Stockyards will take place across multiple venues at the Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX, featuring panel discussions and keynote speakers with well-established and highly respected live music industry executives, networking opportunities, workshops, and live performances.
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth
When: March 1 - March 4
Cost: Varies
More info: https://www.fortworth.com/fwmf/
Gypsy
Regarded by many theatre professionals as the finest musical ever created, Gypsy is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success – while secretly yearning for her own. Set all across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents’ landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication.
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W Main St, Arlington
When: March 2-5
Cost: $35
More info: https://theatrearlington.org/production/gypsy-a-musical-fable/
"I'll Be Your Mirror: Art and the Digital Screen" - Modern Art Museum
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents the landmark I’ll Be Your Mirror: Art and the Digital Screen, a thematic group exhibition that examines the screen’s vast impact on art from 1969 to the present. This exhibition surveys more than sixty works by fifty artists over the past five decades. The artists included examine screen culture through a broad range of media such as paintings, sculpture, video games, digital art, augmented reality, and video.
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St, Fort Worth
When: February 12 - April 30
Cost: Free on Fridays / $10 - $16 other days
More info: https://www.themodern.org/exhibition/ill-be-your-mirror-art-and-digital-screen
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
Monster Jam
The most action-packed motorsports experience for families in the world today returns to Arlington for an adrenaline-charged event at AT&T Stadium on March 4. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Monster Jam features world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. And big ole trucks.
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
When: Saturday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 and up
More info: https://www.monsterjam.com/en-US/events/arlington-tx/mar-03-2023-mar-03-2023
Muse
On top of the global chart success of their ninth studio album Will Of The People, multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning rock band Muse comes to Dickies Arena on Friday. Evanescence and ONE OK ROCK are special guests for the Will of The People Tour!
Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth
When: Friday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $95 and up
More info: https://dickiesarena.com/event/2023-03-03-muse/
North American Cup and Parafencing National Championships
From March 3-6, more than 2,300 fencers from across the country — including 136 from North Texas — will unite inside the Fort Worth Convention Center for the largest March North American Cup in USA Fencing history.
Where: Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St, Fort Worth
When: March 3 - 6
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.usafencing.org/march2023nac
North Texas Irish Festival
This incredible festival celebrates all things Irish! Enjoy inspiring Celtic music, dance lessons and performances, storytellers, culinary demos and whiskey tastings. There’s a fun run on Saturday morning. And come out Friday night between 6p-7p and get in free!
Where: Fair Park, Dallas
When: March 3 from 6p-11p; March 4 from 10:30a-11:30p; March 5 from 11:30a-7p
Cost: Friday - $15; Saturday or Sunday - $25; 2-day ticket - $40; Weekend pass - $45
More info: https://www.ntif.org/
The Odd Couple
This Tony award-winning classic comedy centers around uptight, neat Felix Ungar and easygoing, disheveled Oscar Madison as new roommates. Two suddenly single pals — a sloppy sportswriter and a fastidious news writer — strain their friendship by turning roommates and unconsciously repeating the same mistakes they made in the marriages they just left. Neil Simon's classic 1965 comedy has at its heart, a story of individuals trying to connect through their differences and trying to make their way through difficult times. Loyalty and kindness overcome personality quirks and differences.
Where: Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St, Coppell
When: March 4-6
Cost: $19-$22
More info: https://www.coppellartscenter.org/events/detail/theatre-coppell-the-odd-couple
On Your Feet!
ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Now their story is an all-new exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike, with the Chicago Tribune declaring “IT’S A HIT!” and The New York Times cheering, “The very air in the room seems to vibrate in this undeniably crowd-pleasing musical!” ON YOUR FEET! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark.” Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish!
Where: Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St., Dallas
When: March 2-4
Cost: $99 and up
More info: https://www.attpac.org/on-sale/2023/on-your-feet-the-musical/
Perot Museum of Nature and Science - "The Science Behind Pixar"
Be inspired to infinity…and beyond! Explore the artistry, science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters with This interactive exhibition showcases the STEM concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar’s award-winning films to the big screen.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
When: Daily through September 4, 2023
Cost: $15 - youth / $25 - adults
More info: https://www.perotmuseum.org/exhibits/the-science-behind-pixar/
The Play That Goes Wrong
Welcome to the opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to fiasco. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), the whole evening is a disastrous smash. Chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania, this classic murder mystery is sure to bring down the house!
Where: Stage West Theatre, 821 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth
When: March 1-5
Cost: $40
More info: https://stagewest.org/
Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience
Playing to sold out houses all over the world, the Olivier Award nominated Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books into seventy hilarious minutes. Even if you don’t know the difference between a horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. Created by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, Potted Potter is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).
Where: Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St, Dallas
When: March 3-5
Cost: $45 - $75
More info: https://www.attpac.org/on-sale/2023/potted-potter
Side by Side by Sondheim
The late Stephen Sondheim was the leading musical theatre composer of the last 50 years. In this award-winning revue of his early work, some of the most unforgettable songs from the master are presented in one magical evening. The production features music from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Where: Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco
When: March 3-5
Cost: Varies
More info: https://www.theatrefrisco.com/shows
Stolen Shakespeare Festival: A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Winter's Tale
Catch the Stolen Shakespeare Festival 2023 featuring A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Winter's Tale.
In Midsummer Night’s Dream: two pairs of star-crossed lovers, a troop of inept amateur actors, a feuding pair of supernatural sprites and a love potion gone awry all come together in an enchanted moonlit forest. The result is an unequalled mixture of entertainment and enchantment.
In The Winter’s Tale: “There is a disease that can twist men’s hearts and make them mad, and the name of that disease is jealousy." So begins one of William Shakespeare’s last plays—a fascinating and unique combination of intensity and whimsy. When King Leontes unfairly accuses his wife of infidelity, he sets off a terrible chain of events. But this is not one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. It’s a romance, and one with a healthy dose of fancy and surprise. A story of redemption and the strength of friendship and true love, The Winter’s Tale is perhaps Shakespeare’s most endearing story.
Where: Arts Fort Worth, 1300 Gendy St, Fort Worth
When (The Winter’s Tale): March 3, 4
When (MND): March 4-5
Cost: $15 and up
More Info: http://stolenshakespeareguild.org/
TEXFest
Bring your boots and your buckles for a Texas-sized good time in Carrollton! This event offers a beer garden with local craft beer vendors, live Texas music, a mouthwatering food village, and photo ops with a live longhorn.
Where: Downtown Carrollton
When: Saturday, March 4 from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.cityofcarrollton.com/texfest
UniverSoul Circus
UniverSoul Circus offers a show-stopping cultural celebration of global acts, urban music, dance and laughter, all infused with Soul's spirit, style and swagger. The critically acclaimed show features jaw-dropping stunts, acrobats, aerodynamic aerialists, fire breathers, stilt dancers and the ultimate pageantry.
UniverSoul is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music that spans genres including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel.
Where: Southwest Center Mall, 3662 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas
When: March 2-5; March 9-12; March 16-19
Cost: $24 and up
More info: https://www.universoulcircus.com/
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