African American Museum Dallas - Mandela: The Official Exhibition
Mandela: The Official Exhibition is a major international exhibition produced in collaboration with Round Room Live the Royal House of Mandela and authenticated by the Mandela family. It traces Mandela’s remarkable life through four immersive gallery environments, filled with personal artifacts, multimedia installations, archival photographs, and interactive experiences.
When: Daily through November 1 (Open: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday)
Where: African American Museum Dallas, Fair Park, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas
Cost: Free
UTA Libraries celebrates the World Cup with “Atlas of Champions,” an exhibition exploring the countries competing in the tournament through historic maps, photographs and artifacts. The collection includes more than 60 maps spanning six centuries, along with items connected to the 1994 World Cup.
When: Tuesdays through Saturdays through September 26
Where: UT Arlington Central Library, sixth floor, Arlington
Cost: Free
Beach Boys Tribute: Endless Summer
Endless Summer recreates the layered harmonies and sun-soaked songs of the Beach Boys at Legacy Hall. The tribute concert covers favorites such as “California Girls,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Good Vibrations” and “Kokomo,” with the performance taking place outdoors in the Lexus Box Garden.
Where: Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano
When: Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.
Cost: $17 and up
Billy Bob's Concerts (Friday: Tyler Halverson / Saturday: Jo Dee Messina)
When: Friday at 10 p.m. / Saturday at 10 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth
Cost: $20 - $65
Singer-songwriter Chance Peña brings his increasingly popular mix of folk, indie rock and introspective pop to Dallas. Peña first gained national attention as a teenager on “The Voice” and has since built a large following through songs including “In My Room,” “The Mountain Is You” and “Sleep Deprivation.” Ronnie and the Redwoods opens the show.
Where: The Bomb Factory, 2713 Canton St., Dallas
When: Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $65.59 and up
The Hopeful Theatre Project presents the Broadway adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic fairy tale. The family production features familiar songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” along with an updated story that gives Ella and Prince Topher a larger role in improving their kingdom. Most ticket proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House charities in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Where: Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas
When: Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, August 1 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 at 3 p.m.
Cost: $20
Dallas Arboretum: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies
Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies turns the Dallas Arboretum into an open-air art exhibition from April 20 through September 30, featuring 28 large-scale installations and more than 100 works by the internationally recognized neo-expressionist artist. Known for his bold color, layered texture, and recurring images from the natural world, Slonem places monumental sculptures of rabbits, birds, and butterflies throughout the garden, with additional pieces displayed inside the Historic Camp House. The exhibition is included with regular garden admission or membership, and select evenings from May 1 through September 27 will also feature Twilight Nights, offering a different view of the artwork as the garden shifts into dusk.
When: April 20 – September 30
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas
Cost: Garden admission (around $26)
Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun
The Dallas Wings return to College Park Center for a Sunday evening matchup with the Connecticut Sun.
Where: College Park Center, 600 S. Center St., Arlington
When: Sunday, August 2 at 6 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $46 and up
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad gets a prehistoric makeover with Dinos on the Tracks. Families can meet friendly dinosaurs, hear stories at the Cotton Belt Depot and climb aboard a themed train ride, then explore the free “Be the Dinosaur” exhibit nearby.
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from June 3 - August 8 / departures at 10:40 a.m.
Where: Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Grapevine
Cost: $20–$22 per person; parking is free
Dinosaur Quest at Tower Gallery
Grapevine continues its dinosaur-themed summer with a new hands-on exhibit at Tower Gallery. Young visitors can work their way through a maze-style adventure while learning about paleontology and testing their skills as junior fossil hunters.
When: Saturday, June 13 - August 30; open Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Grapevine Tower Gallery
Cost: $3 per person; free for children under 2
Dogstar brings its alternative-rock sound to Irving with actor Keanu Reeves playing bass alongside guitarist and vocalist Bret Domrose and drummer Robert Mailhouse. The trio originally formed in the 1990s, reunited after a long hiatus and has returned to touring with a mix of newer material and songs from its earlier albums. The Backfires opens the show.
Where: The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving
When: Sunday, August 2 at 8 p.m.
Cost: $53 and up
This family-friendly musical explores the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the Llewelyn Davies family, whose imagination helped inspire Peter Pan. Based on the film of the same name, the production blends fantasy, friendship and the story of an author searching for his next great idea.
Where: Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit Road, Suite 2405, Richardson
When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., July 17-August 2
Cost: $37 adults; $20 for ages 8-18
Canton’s enormous outdoor marketplace returns with hundreds of acres of antiques, furniture, clothing, collectibles, home décor, crafts, food and unusual finds. Despite its name, the market is held during the weekend preceding the first Monday of each month. Visitors should be prepared for summer heat and plenty of walking across the sprawling grounds.
Where: First Monday Trade Days, 800 First Monday Lane, Canton
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 30-August 2, from sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free; parking is $10
Forrest Frank: The Jesus Generation Tour
Christian pop artist Forrest Frank headlines a large Saturday night concert at Globe Life Field. The Texas native first gained attention as part of the duo Surfaces before building a successful solo career with songs such as “Good Day,” “Your Way’s Better” and “No Longer Bound.” Tori Kelly, Cory Asbury and The Figs are also scheduled to perform.
Where: Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington
When: Saturday, August 1 at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $110 and up
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden opens Sean Kenney’s Nature POP!, featuring more than 40 bright, oversized nature-inspired sculptures made with LEGO bricks.
When: Opens Friday, May 22; continues daily through Sept. 7
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Cost: Included with garden admission; admission is $12 adults, $6 children, and free for children under 2.
Frisco RoughRiders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks
The RoughRiders finish their six-game series against the Corpus Christi Hooks with four weekend games. Friday is Star Wars Night with themed jerseys and fireworks. Shrek and Fiona visit Saturday, while Sunday includes Rodeo Night and another fireworks show. Thursday also features drink specials and discounted access to the ballpark’s Lazy River.
Where: Riders Field, 7300 RoughRiders Trail, Frisco
When: Thursday-Saturday, July 30-August 1 at 7:05 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 at 6:05 p.m.
Cost: $15 and up
Regional Mexican group Fuerza Regida brings its blend of corridos, hip-hop influences and contemporary música mexicana to Globe Life Field. The California-based group has become one of the genre’s most commercially successful acts through songs including “TQM,” “Harley Quinn,” “Bebe Dame” and “Me Jalo.”
Where: Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington
When: Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $86 and up
Gaylord Texan All-American SummerFest
Gaylord Texan launches a summer-long celebration with resort activities inspired by America’s 250th birthday. Guests can find live entertainment, pool parties, scavenger hunts, light shows, silent discos, dive-in movies and other seasonal experiences across the Grapevine resort.
When: Seasonal programming continues through Sept. 7
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine
Cost: Prices vary by activity and resort package. Some experiences are reserved for overnight guests
Inspired by the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial, Inherit the Wind follows a teacher prosecuted for introducing Darwin’s theory of evolution in his classroom. The resulting courtroom battle becomes a broader examination of education, faith, intellectual freedom and the right to challenge established ideas.
Where: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving
When: Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 at 2:30 p.m.; continues through August 8
Cost: $26.50-$33.50
International Tattoo Collectors Expo
More than 350 tattoo artists gather in Arlington for three days of appointments, live tattooing and competitions. Artists representing a wide range of styles will work from more than 100 booths, giving visitors a chance to study portfolios, arrange new pieces and watch professionals compete for awards throughout the weekend.
Where: Esports Stadium Arlington, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: Friday, July 31 from 2-11 p.m.; Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: $20 for a single-day pass; $50 for a weekend pass
Television personality and self-described psychic medium Matt Fraser brings his live audience-reading tour to the Majestic Theatre. The adults-only program combines storytelling, humor and Fraser’s attempts to deliver messages to selected audience members.
Where: Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Dallas
When: Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $54 and up
NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular
The National Cutting Horse Association’s Summer Cutting Spectacular enters its closing weekend at Will Rogers Memorial Center. The final days include amateur championship rounds, the Youth World Finals and the Special Operations Cutting Challenge. Cutting competitions test a horse and rider’s ability to separate one cow from a herd and prevent it from returning.
Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 30-August 2; competition begins at 8 a.m. daily
Cost: Free; parking fee required
Nasher Sculpture Center: Roy Lichtenstein: Drawing in Process
Take a closer look at one of pop art's biggest names through an exhibition that explores Roy Lichtenstein's creative process. Sketches, studies and finished works reveal how the iconic artist transformed simple ideas into bold, instantly recognizable pieces.
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas
When: Daily through October 24
Cost: $18 adults; seniors $15; students $10; free for members and children 12 & under
Noah Kahan brings the folk-pop songs that made “Stick Season” a multiplatinum success to Globe Life Field. The singer-songwriter’s catalog also includes “Dial Drunk,” “Northern Attitude,” “All My Love” and “You’re Gonna Go Far.” Standard tickets are sold out, but seats remain available through verified resale marketplaces.
Where: Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington
When: Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $311 and up
Plano’s unusual new museum explores the legends, alleged evidence and reported sightings behind creatures such as Bigfoot, Mothman and mysterious swamp beasts. The indoor exhibition features full-size recreations, immersive environments and displays inspired by North American folklore.
When: Thursdays - Sundays through August 30
Where: North American Cryptid Museum at Dark Hour, 701 Taylor Drive, Plano
Cost: Tickets range from $16 to $46.95
The Oak Cliff Film Festival celebrates its 15th year with four days of independent features, shorts, restored movies, filmmaker discussions and special events across several neighborhood venues. Highlights include the opening-night film “The Sun Never Sets,” a live-scored screening of the silent animated film “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” and “Pulp Fiction” with co-writer Roger Avary appearing in person.
Where: Texas Theatre and other venues throughout Oak Cliff, Dallas
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 30-August 2; screening times vary
Cost: Short-film programs are $8; feature-length programs are $15. Member tickets are $5-$12
Peppa Pig Theme Park has its summer celebration with interactive activities, character experiences and splash-pad fun for younger children. The seasonal programming is included with regular park admission and adds extra reasons for families to make a day of the North Richland Hills attraction.
When: Daily through August 16 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Where: Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth, North Richland Hills
Cost: Admission starts around $26 in advance; children under 2 are free
Phenomenomaly at Meow Wolf Grapevine
Meow Wolf’s immersive summer performance series returns inside The Real Unreal. As visitors explore the attraction, they can encounter interactive theater, music, comedy and large-scale visual moments connected to the fictional migration of the cosmic “flickerwerms.”
When: Daily from June 5 through August 9
Where: Meow Wolf Grapevine at Grapevine Mills
Cost: Included with Meow Wolf admission; tickets start around $41 for adults and $21 for children. Children under 4 are free.
Indian dancer, choreographer, actor and filmmaker Prabhu Deva brings a stage production built around his energetic performance style to Grand Prairie. Often associated with some of Indian cinema’s most recognizable dance sequences, Deva has worked across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films during a career spanning more than three decades.
Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie
When: Saturday, August 1 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $84 and up
Casa Mañana students perform a youth adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning musical. Set in New York City’s East Village, “Rent” follows young artists navigating friendship, love, ambition, poverty and the HIV/AIDS crisis. The score includes “Seasons of Love,” “Take Me or Leave Me” and “La Vie Bohème.”
Where: Casa Mañana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
When: Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 1 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $25-$55
Reputation: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Reputation performs songs from across Taylor Swift’s career during an outdoor concert at TUPPS Brewery. The tribute show covers material from Swift’s country beginnings through albums such as “1989,” “Reputation,” “Folklore” and “Midnights.” The all-ages evening also includes a post-show party inside the brewery’s Grain Room.
Where: TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St., McKinney
When: Saturday, August 1 from 8-10 p.m.; gates open at 7 p.m.
Cost: $10-$40
Rockwall’s Concert by the Lake series continues July 30 with the David Whiteman Band.
When: Thursday, July 30, 7–9 p.m.
Where: The Harbor, Rockwall
Cost: Free
Rockwall San Jacinto Music Series
Downtown Rockwall’s San Jacinto Music Series continues July 31 and August 1 with Night Town on Friday and Johnny Cooper on Saturday.
When: Friday–Saturday, July 31-August 1, 7–9:30 p.m.
Where: San Jacinto Plaza, Rockwall
Cost: Free
The Drunk Shakespeare Society puts an unpredictable spin on Shakespeare’s tragic romance. One member of the five-actor cast takes five shots before the performance begins, leaving the ensemble to navigate the classic story through improvisation, audience interaction and plenty of unexpected detours. The show is for guests 21 and older.
Where: Deep Ellum Art Co., 3200 Commerce St., Dallas
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 30-August 2, with additional Wednesday-Sunday performances through September 20; showtimes vary
Cost: $34 and up
The Perot Museum explores the science, technology and culture behind the world’s most popular sport through a 10,000-square-foot interactive exhibition. Visitors can enter through a stadium-style tunnel, test their skills through hands-on challenges and examine how engineering, physics, equipment design and data influence the modern game.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas
When: Daily through January 4, 2027
Cost: $39 total for adults and $27 total for children ages 2-12, including museum admission and the exhibition ticket
Experience a true Texas tradition as cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding and more inside historic Cowtown Coliseum. The rodeo has been entertaining visitors in the Fort Worth Stockyards for generations and remains one of the area's signature weekend attractions.
When: Thursday, July 30 - Sunday, August 2
Where: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
Cost: $35 and up
Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience
Strangelove recreates the music, visual style and stage presence of Depeche Mode at the House of Blues. The tribute band’s set typically draws from several eras of the British group’s catalog, including songs such as “Enjoy the Silence,” “Personal Jesus,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “People Are People” and “Never Let Me Down Again.”
Where: House of Blues Dallas, 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas
When: Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.
Cost: $28
The Fray and Dashboard Confessional
Two of the biggest names in 2000s alternative rock share the stage in Irving. The Fray is known for “How to Save a Life,” “Over My Head” and “You Found Me,” while Dashboard Confessional brings songs including “Vindicated,” “Hands Down” and “Stolen.” Indie-rock band Colony House opens the concert.
Where: The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving
When: Saturday, August 1 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Resale tickets are $47.60 and up
Junior Players presents Shakespeare’s comedy about mistaken identities, misplaced affection and one especially complicated love triangle. After surviving a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a young man and enters the service of Duke Orsino, setting off a chain of romantic confusion. The production features young North Texas performers working alongside professional theater artists.
Where: Theatre Three, 2688 Laclede St., Dallas
When: Thursday-Saturday, July 30-August 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
The Walt Disney Studios and World War II Exhibition
The Walt Disney Studios and World War II explores how the famous animation studio shifted into wartime service after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, film clips, and historical materials showing how Disney artists created training films, public information shorts, and military insignia while also producing artwork used in wartime campaigns at home. It also highlights the role Walt Disney and his staff played in supporting the Allied effort, using familiar characters and animation to inform the public, boost troop morale, and promote initiatives like rationing, recycling, and war bond drives.
When: March 13 - September 10
Where: Dallas Holocaust and Human Right Museum, Dallas
Cost: $12 and up (free for students)
USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics
The country’s largest age-group water polo tournament brings young athletes and club teams from across the nation to Dallas. Session III includes boys’ and girls’ competition in the 14-and-under, 16-and-under and 18-and-under divisions, along with mixed 10-and-under and 12-and-under games. A single ticket provides access to participating tournament venues for the selected day.
Where: SMU and other Dallas-area aquatic facilities
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 30-August 2; games continue throughout each day
Cost: $19.55 for a one-day pass; $64.06 for a four-day tournament pass
North Texas’ newest theme park is now open. Designed specifically for families with younger children, the Frisco resort includes seven lands featuring Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, Trolls, Jurassic World, Puss in Boots and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
When: Open daily
Where: Universal Kids Resort, Frisco
Cost: One day admission - $54.99 and up / Two day - $73.99 and up
The Dallas Farmers Market celebrates Texas watermelon season with more than 20 varieties grown around the state. The free weekend includes watermelon tastings, produce sold directly by farmers, children’s activities, live entertainment, carving demonstrations and a watermelon-eating contest. Saturday also features mini tractor rides and an expanded artisan market.
Where: Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood St., Dallas
When: Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, August 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
WhoaZone at Grapevine offers a floating obstacle-course water park on Lake Grapevine, with climbing, sliding, jumping and splashing for active families. Meadowmere Park also has beach and lake access, so non-participants can still come along and enjoy the park.
When: Daily through September 7 / Mon - Fri: 12pm - 7pm / Sat & Sun: 11am - 7pm
Where: Meadowmere Park, Grapevine
Cost: $23 and up; Meadowmere Park entry is $10 per car, with higher holiday rates.
