Things To Do Around DFW: Mayfest, International Guitar Festival, Cinco de Mayo celebrations and more

Cinco De Mayo
Photo credit SamanthaScharf/GettyImages

It's another busy Spring weekend with plenty of fun things to do Around Town in North Texas.

Billy Bob’s: MONTE MONTGOMERY (Thur) / CARSON JEFFREY (Fri) / LEE BRIDE (Sat)

Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Thursday at 9 p.m.; Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.

Cost: $18 - $76

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

Black Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum

This two-day celebration will showcase Black designers, artists, entertainers and businesses as they proudly display, engage and educate the community on the beauty and inspiration of Black culture. This event is included with general garden admission.

Where: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas

When: Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7

Cost: Free with Garden Admission

More info: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/black-heritage-celebration/

Cinco de Mayo and Viernesito at Four Corners Brewing Co

Four Corners will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, with over 20 vendors serving up delicious food, displaying unique art and offering a variety of handcrafted goods. Live music begins at 7 p.m., plus a wide selection of Four Corners’ beers will be available on tap. The brewery’s spacious outdoor patio provides the perfect setting for a fun and festive Cinco de Mayo celebration for friends and family to enjoy.

Where: Four Corners Brewing, 1311 S. Ervay St., Dallas

When: Friday, May 5 from 6 – 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://fcbrewing.com/

Cinco De Mayo Fest from Lakewood Brewing

Lakewood Brewing hosts their Cinco De Mayo Fest on Sunday with beer, bands, and eats. Bands include: The Hometown Boys, Conjunto Cats, Barefoot Nation, and Grupo Romero.

Where: Lakewood Brewing Company, 2302 Executive Dr, Garland

When: Sunday, May 7 from noon - 9 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://lakewoodbrewing.com/event/cinco-de-mayo-fest/

Cinco de Mayo Silent Disco Fiesta

This Cinco de Mayo Silent Disco Fiesta will have you dancing the night away to the best Latin music jams. The DJs will play a mix of the best Latin music, including reggaeton, salsa, Latin pop, bachata, merengue and more, so don’t forget to bring a dance partner or a group of friends to make the best out of this fiesta. Margaritas and cervezas will be available for purchase.

Where: Sammons Park, Historic District, 2403 Flora St, Dallas

When: Friday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $25

More info: https://www.attpac.org/on-sale/2023/silent-disco-cinco-de-mayo-fiesta/

Coronation Watching Party

Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with all your fellow monarchy-crazed friends at the British Emporium EARLY Saturday morning!

Where: British Emporium, 140 N Main St, Grapevine

When: Saturday, May 6 at 5:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.british-emporium.com/

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: Beethoven and Brahms

Fabio Luisi and the DSO bring out one of the first works in which Beethoven takes on the heroic ideal, shaking his fist at the world, with his Piano Concerto No. 3 performed by pianist Francecso Piemontesi. They journey from the youthful optimism of Brahms’s First Piano Concerto (performed earlier in the season) to his Fourth Symphony, filled with grandeur as he presents his final essay in symphonic form. Yet, like all great tragedies, the Fourth is cathartic which might explain the popularity of his dark, troubling last symphonic work. To open, DSO’s Composer-in-Residence Angélica Negrón offers the world premiere of her work for voice and orchestra, with Canadian Colombian singer, curator and interdisciplinary artist Lido Pimienta, describing the maternal spirit and the weight of caring for family and home.

Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas

When: May  4-7

Cost: $35 and up

More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/beethoven-and-brahms/

Dallas International Film Festival

Dallas and the world come together to celebrate the art of film and filmmakers. Since 2006, the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) has become the place for storytellers and audiences to connect and experience film as a community. The Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) returns to the Violet Crown Cinema in West Village, located at 3699 McKinney Avenue in the Uptown neighborhood of Dallas.

Where: Violet Crown Cinema, 3699 McKinney Avenue, Dallas

When: April 28 - May 5

Cost: $10 and up for screenings

More info: https://dallasfilm.org/diff

Dallas International Guitar Festival 

They will have picking and grinning...jammin’ and riffing...at the Dallas International Guitar Festival. Three days of product demos, concerts, and geeking out on all things guitar. Bring your guitars and gear to sell and trade.  There’s live music all day on indoor and outdoor stages. The headliners are Eric Johnson, Orianthi and Philip Sayce. The “world famous” Friday and Saturday Night Jams start at 8 p.m.

Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas

When: May 5-7

Cost: $30 and up (10 and under free)

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

Derby Day Wine & Whiskey Walk

Drink wine, shop, and fill the streets of Downtown McKinney with colorful derby hats and bowties at the 2023 Derby Day Wine & Whiskey Walk! Historic Downtown McKinney and Lone Star Wine Cellars are throwing this party. The Wine Only Walk: $30, The Wine & Whiskey Walk: $45, and VIP tickets are $55.

Where: Downtown McKinney

When: Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: $30 and up

More info

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/

Disney's High School Musical

The smash-hit movie musical comes to life on stage in Disney’s High School Musical! Join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they deal with issues of first love, friends and family all while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. Full of family fun and fabulous music, Disney’s High School Musical: One Act Version is perfect for the family. This show is suitable for all audiences.

Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, Fort Worth

When: May 6-7

Cost: $29 and up

More info: https://casamanana.org/events/high-school-musical/

Ducks Unlimited Expo

From biking, shooting, dog demonstrations, and exhibitors, there's something for all ages and skill levels at the Ducks Unlimited Expo! Test out the latest ATV/UTVs on a specially designed dirt track complete with mud pits, hills, ruts and logs. From novice to expert marksmen, attendees can shoot shotguns, rifles and handguns from some of the top manufacturers. Check out the action at the dog village and watch dog demonstrations, and hear from dog experts. Fishing: learn casting techniques for fly-fishing, spin and bait casting. There are seven duck calling contests with prizes for the top three finishers in each contest.

Where: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth

When: May 5-7

Cost: $10 - $25

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

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran comes to AT&T Stadium on Saturday, May 6th to kick off his 2023 + – = ÷ x Tour. The multi GRAMMY® Award-winning, global superstar will hit stadiums across the continent for the first time since his history-making “Divide Tour” in 2018, which officially became the most-attended and highest-grossing tour of all time by its completion. Sheeran will be accompanied by special guests Khalid and Dylan.

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington

When: Saturday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m.

Cost: Varies on the resale market

More info: https://attstadium.com/events/ed-sheeran-2023/

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/

FWSO: Elgar's Enigma Variations: Strauss, Saint-Säens, and Elgar

Music Director Laureate Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the FWSO in a memorable evening. In a brilliant bit of musical mischief, Edward Elgar said that the melody to "Enigma" fits perfectly with another melody, but more than 100 years later, the finest musical minds have yet to settle on a definitive answer to the riddle. Join us to experience Miguel’s returns to the podium to direct Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Strauss' rapturous Tod und Verklärung ("Death and Transfiguration"). Cellist Sterling Elliott, winner of the 2019 National Sphinx Competition, also makes his debut with the orchestra in Saint-Säens' fiery Cello Concerto No. 1.

Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth

When: May 5-7

Cost: $26 and up

More info:

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/

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:

May Madness - Collegiate Esports Commissioner's Cup

The all-inclusive collegiate esports celebration brings collegiate esports athletes from across the United States to battle in multiple game titles for the chance to be crowned winner of the Commissioners Cup.
Over three days, close to 400 of the nation’s best esports athletes will vie for this prestigious award in Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Where: Esports Stadium Arlington, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: May 6 - May 7

Cost: $8 and up

More info: https://collegiatesmg.com/cecc/

Mayfest

Mayfest has been going down for more than 50 years. 33 acres along the Trinity River in Trinity Park are transformed into Mayfest. The festival has a myriad of activities for the whole family in one of the best greenspaces in town. Live music, festival food, carnival rides, bounce houses, FREE children's activities, petting zoo, performing arts groups, paddle boats, rock-climbing, people-watching, art and gift market, student art contest, and so much more.
Where: Trinity Park, Fort Worth
When: May 4 - May 7

Cost: $7 - $12 (Admission is free on Thursday)

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

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Ballet North Texas

Drama and romance are palpable in this production of Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy. A Midsummer Night’s Dream lures the audience into a delightful dreamscape where a mischievous fairy’s spell turns happily ever after on its head. A night with supernatural effects, fairies, romantic misadventures, and fantasy characters, the story evolves in a mysterious and magical place. In a world of suspension, the production travels from reality to imagination with a unique sense of harmony.

Where: Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas

When: May 5 - 7

Cost: $25 and up

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

Paul Reiser

Paul Reiser's career has arguably never been hotter. Likely best known for creating and starring in the hit TV series, “Mad About You” (NBC) - available on Amazon Prime, his acting credits have exploded again over the past few years.

Paul was recently nominated for an Emmy for his work in Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method." He played Dr. Sam Owens in season 4 of the global phenomenon “Stranger Things” - which broke streaming viewing records. (Don't ask him if he's coming back for season 5, he doesn't know!)

Paul was also recently introduced as THE LEGEND in Amazon’s hit series, “The Boys.”

But Paul's roots are in stand-up comedy. And he's carved some time in his schedule to hit the road. Reiser plays at the Arlington Improv on May 5 and 6.

Where: Arlington Improv Comedy Club, 309 Curtis Mathes Way #147, Arlington

When: Friday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $30 and up

More Info: https://improvtx.com/arlington/comic/paul+reiser/

Plano AsiaFest

The 19th year of Plano AsiaFest will showcase the rich cultures of Asia. Numerous cultural demonstrations, performances, and vendors will provide a fun and engaging time for your entire family.

Where: Haggard Park, 901 E 15th St, Plano

When: Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

More Info: https://www.asianamericanheritage.org/asiafest.asp

Salt the Rim Fest

Taste and dance your way through Plano's third annual margarita tasting celebration on Saturday, May 6 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at McCall Plaza. The Fillmore Pub has created four different craft margarita recipes that will go head to head during the tasting competition. Come taste them all and cast your vote to help us determine this year's winner. This event is free and open to all who wish to attend without participating in the tasting. Enjoy live music and dance performances on the stage from Mariachi Fuzion (6 pm), Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico (7:30 pm) and Lara Latin (9 pm).

Where: McCall Plaza, 998 E 15th St, Plano

When: Saturdays, May 6 from 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Cost: Free admission; Margarita tasting is $35

More Info: https://www.plano.gov/1064/Salt-the-Rim

Scarborough Renaissance Festival

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a full day of interactive fun for everyone, 16th Century Style. Visitors will enjoy full combat armored jousting, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon, Knighting ceremonies, a 75+ member performing company, and 20+ stages of interactive and unique entertainment. They can discover exquisite one-of-a-kind treasures at the hundreds of Scarborough shoppes and be amazed by authentic artisan demonstrations. There are also Renaissance rides, games of skill, and so much more.
There’s a VIP Wine Tasting or Beer Tasting Packages for $144 as well.

Where: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie

When: Saturdays and Sundays through May 29 (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Cost: $14 for kids, $32 for adults (and up)

More Info: https://www.srfestival.com/

Spring Artist Open Studios at Art on Main

The Spring Artist Open Studios feature artist talks, community activities and music from DJ Miso.

Where: Art on Main, 4428 Main St Suite 200 Studio E, Dallas

When: Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, May 7 from noon - 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

More Info: https://artonmaindallas.com/

West Main Arts Festival

The 7th Annual West Main Arts Festival will create a 4 block street scene—featuring 70 art/vendor booths, 10 food trucks, 25 local bands, street performers, Pickleball court, and a kid's art creation station.

Where: Create Arlington, 306 W Main St, Arlington

When: Saturday, May 6 at Noon

Cost: Free

More Info: https://www.createarlington.com/west-main-arts-festival

Up, Up & Away! Festival of Flight

Celebrating all forms of flight, this festival will feature kite flying and demonstrations, music, birding demonstration, paper airplane making, food and fun. Bring the entire family to this all ages outdoor celebration! NO alcohol allowed. There will be several food trucks and vendors with non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.

Where: Prestwick Elementary, 3101 Stonefield, The Colony

When: Saturday, May 6 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

More Info: https://thecolonytx.gov/837/Up-Up-Away-Festival-of-Flight

West Side Story

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

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

When: May 4-6

Cost: $15 and up

More Info: https://www.artisanct.com/2023-shows/westsidestory

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Featured Image Photo Credit: SamanthaScharf/GettyImages