Things To Do Around DFW: Princess Diana exhibit, Brick Fest Live & Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Photo credit GETTY IMAGES

It'll be a cold dry weekend with plenty of places to visit around North Texas, while we can! From theater, exhibits and festivals to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, there's plenty of fun to be had.

Arlington Museum of Art: Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition & Wicked Threads: The Artistry of Costume in Oz

Princess Diana was one of the most photographed people of her time. The Exhibition is a breathtaking visual experience that will bring guests closer to the princess than ever before, pairing vivid stories told by the Husseins with larger than life images and murals. Bespoke art installations from renowned multimedia artist, Pauline Loctin, have been developed exclusively for Accredited Access and are inspired by some of Diana’s most famous moments. This is a ticketed event ($19 to $42)
And following the release of the highly anticipated film, the Arlington Museum of Art will debut a collection of costumes from Wicked (2024) celebrating the artistry of the costume design and twenty-one years of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. Admission is Free.
Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: Diana: January 17 - April 6 / Wicked: January 17 - April 27

Cost: Free (for Wicked) / $19-$42 (for Diana)

More info: https://arlingtonmuseum.org/

Billy Bob’s: Tracy Byrd (Friday) / Corey Kent (Saturday)

Where: Billy Bob’s Fort Worth
When: Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.;

Cost: $20 - $40

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

Brick Fest Live

Brick Fest Live sparks creativity and play with interactive stations and attractions for the whole family. Guests can participate in brick challenges, explore collaborative builds, and marvel at master creations from around the globe. Highlights include a Guinness World Record Challenge to help build a massive floor mosaic, a Giant Brick Pit with over 200,000 colorful bricks, life-size models, derby races, a glow zone, and hands-on build zones. Attendees can also meet LEGO Masters from the popular TV show, making it a must-visit for brick enthusiasts of all ages.

Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas

When: January 18 from 9:00am - 5:00pm / January 19 from 10:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: $17-$35

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

Come From Away

Come From Away tells the inspiring true story of a small town in Newfoundland that opened its arms to 7,000 stranded passengers in the wake of 9/11. Through heartfelt music and storytelling, the musical captures the tension, trust, and bonds that formed as cultures collided and uneasiness turned into unity. What began as a moment of crisis became a celebration of humanity, gratitude, and enduring friendships that remind us of the strength in coming together.

Where: Winspear Opera House, Dallas

When: January 14-19

Cost: $40 and up

More info: https://dallas.broadway.com/shows/come-from-away-2/

Deathtrap

Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful writer of Broadway thrillers, finds himself facing a creative dry spell and financial strain while living in his cozy Connecticut home. His fortunes seem to take a turn when he receives a promising script from a student in his college seminar—one Sidney immediately recognizes as a potential Broadway hit. With his wife’s input, Sidney plans to propose a collaboration for shared credit. Or does he? Deathtrap is a masterful blend of gripping thriller and sharp comedy, packed with unexpected twists, clever deceit, and sudden shocks that keep audiences captivated until the final moment.

Where: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving

When: January 17-19 / January 24-26 / January 30 - February 1

Cost: $27 and up

More info: https://mainstageirving.com/deathtrap/

Dinosaurs Live!

Visitors can explore a half-mile nature trail featuring eleven life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. The exhibit also includes interesting facts about various dinosaurs, stationary baby dinosaurs for kids to play on, and photo ops with a Tyrannosaurus rex and Pachyrhinosaurus. An outdoor hadrosaur fossil dig will inspire budding paleontologists. The exhibit is included with general admission and free for Heard Museum members.

Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney

When: August 31 - February 19, 2025

Cost: $9-$12

More info

FWSO’sMichael Shih and DJ Cheek: Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante

Strauss’ tone poem Don Juan is a bold musical retelling of the story of a serial womanizer. After alternating fiery bravura passages with more romantic themes and solos, Juan’s music sighs in death at the hands of his lover’s father. Principal Guest Conductor Kevin John Edusei conducts this program, which also features FWSO Concertmaster Michael Shih and Principal Violist DJ Cheek in Mozart’s bright Sinfonia Concertante and Sibelius’ stirring fifth symphony, about which the composer wrote: “It was as if God the Father was throwing pieces of mosaic from the edge of heaven.”

Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth

When: Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19

Cost: $26 and up

More info

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, a tradition since 1896, offers 23 days of authentic Western experiences that showcase the best of Fort Worth. Highlights include the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament at Dickies Arena, the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and PBR's Last Cowboy Standing. Visitors can also enjoy livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly exhibits, live music, carnival rides, shopping, and great food, making it a true celebration of Western culture.

Where: Dickies Arena (and other sites), Fort Worth

When: Friday, January 17 -  February 8

Cost: Adults - $15 / Children Ages 6 to 16 - $8 / Children under 5 and under - free
Also - For $55, the 2025 Official Fort Worth Stock Show Souvenir Pin provides general admission access for all 23 days of the show

More info: https://www.fwssr.com/

Fort Worth Stock Show Parade

The Fort Worth Stock Show Parade will showcase over 2,000 horses, marching bands, floats, and visiting dignitaries. Spectators can choose reserved seating at Sundance Square or the Convention Center, with free seating available along sidewalks and other public areas. Face painters and balloon artists will also be stationed in Sundance Square Plaza.

Where: Downtown Fort Worth

When: Saturday, January 18 at 11 a.m.

Cost: Free (Grab a reserved seat for $25 at Sundance Square or $15 at the Convention Center)

Info: https://www.fwssr.com/p/plan-a-visit/all-western-parade

Jazz After Dark: Boney James

Detour, the latest release from chart-topping jazz/R&B saxophonist Boney James, marks his 18th studio album on Concord Records. This aptly titled project takes a subtle stylistic shift, building on the success of 2020’s Solid, which peaked in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, marking his highest-charting pop release to date.

Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie

When: Sunday, January 19 at 7 p.m.

Cost: $49 and up

More Info

KidFilm® Family Festival

The 41st Annual KidFilm® Family Festival features 12 programs of feature films, short films, and author appearances, highlighted by The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie—the first fully-animated feature in Looney Tunes history. Author Aaron Reynolds will appear for a screening of Creepy Carrots! and a reading of Creepy Crayon!, with free copies (while supplies last) and book signings for kids.

Where: Angelika Film Center, Dallas

When: January 18-19

Cost: Free - but tickets required

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

Lektrik: A Festival of Lights

Lektrik Dallas lights up Fair Park with over 100 dazzling sculptures crafted from steel and silk, creating a magical journey through rainforests, ancient civilizations, and fairy tales. Visitors of all ages can explore vibrant botanical scenes, cultural depictions of Mayan, Aztec, and Egyptian history, interactive photo ops, live performances, and delicious food. This awe-inspiring festival blends artistry, imagination, and culture for an unforgettable experience.

Where: Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas

When: January 15-19 / January 22-26 / January 29-February 2 / February 5-9 / February 12-16 / February 19-23 / February 26-March 2 / March 5-9 / March 12-16 / March 19 / March 20 / March 23 (Wed - Sun: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Cost: $22 and up

More Info: https://lektrik.com/dallas/

MLK Comedy Fest featuring Cedric the Entertainer

The MLK Comedy Fest features Cedric the Entertainer along with DC Young Fly, B. Simone, Finesse Mitchell, and more.

Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie

When: Saturday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $39 and up

More Info: https://texastrustcutheatre.com/events/detail/?event_id=729747

Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure, written between 1603 and 1604, is seen as one of Shakespeare's problem plays due to its shift in mood. Vienna is beset with brothels and loose morality, so it's up to the Duke to provide some divine intervention.

Where: Theatre Three, 2688 Laclede St, Dallas

When: January 16-19 / January 23-26

Cost: $20 and up

More info

Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue

The Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is making its world premiere in Plano this weekend. Designed as an immersive, real-world adventure, the experience allows fans to step into the Minecraft universe and participate in an interactive quest. Visitors will navigate through themed environments, solving puzzles and challenges as they try to rescue villagers from danger. This event marks the beginning of a global tour, with Dallas as its first stop, celebrating Minecraft's 15th anniversary. Fans of all ages can join the fun running through January 5.

Where: Parker Road Station, 2600 Archerwood St, Plano

When: October 18 - January 20

Cost: $32 and up

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

Rod Wave

Rod Wave has a new album out called Last Lap. He’ll be in Dallas for a great concert on Saturday night. Expect special guests like Moneybagg Yo, Toosii, Lil Poppa, Dess Dior, and Eelmatic.

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas

When: Saturday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $109 and up

More info: https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/events/detail/rod-wave-2

Shen Yun

Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away.

Where: Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas

When: January 24-26

Cost: $136 and up

More info: https://www.shenyun.com/dallas

Texas Rangers Awards Dinner

The Texas Rangers Awards Dinner will celebrate standout players from the 2024 season with an evening of special presentations, appearances, and dinner. Guests will hear remarks from award winners and special guests as the club honors its top players, as selected by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Honorees include Corey Seager as Rangers Player of the Year, Kirby Yates as Pitcher of the Year, and Wyatt Langford as Rookie of the Year. Travis Jankowski will receive the Harold McKinney Good Guy Award, while Josh Smith is recognized with the Richard Durrett Hardest Working Player Award.

Please note, autographs will not be available at this event, but beer and wine will be offered for purchase.

Where: Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, Arlington

When: Friday, January 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Cost: $150 and up

More info: https://www.mlb.com/rangers/community/foundation/events/awards-dinner

Texas Rangers Fan Fest

Spend the entire day celebrating your favorite team! Meet Rangers players and alumni for autographs, sit in on Q&A sessions with legends, browse the Baseball Card Show, dash around the bases, smash some home runs in the Wiffle ball derby, and so much more. You’ll find the Grand Slam Team Store fully stocked with official Texas Rangers gear, while open concessions keep you fueled for the fun. Best of all, parking is absolutely FREE!

Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington

When: Saturday, January 18 at 9:00 a.m.

Cost: $10 for kids 3-14 / $20 for adults.

More info: https://www.mlb.com/rangers/fans/fanfest

Tianyu Lights Festival

The Tianyu Lights Festival is an enchanting journey through the vibrant rainforest of Caballococha, Peru, as seen through the eyes of a curious 7-year-old boy. Walk through the whimsical wonderland to see Koda’s dreams through the luminous art installations. The experience features 19 immersive scenes brought to life with massive, intricately designed lantern sculptures made from metal, fabric, and LED lights. Try out delicious foods and beverages at the Food Court, enjoy live cultural music and dance performances throughout the journey, and complete your visit with a trip to the Marketplace, filled with unique, handcrafted treasures.

Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie

When: November  8 - January 19

Cost: $16-$35

More info: https://tianyuculture.us/dallas/

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Featured Image Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES