You can get out and enjoy the beautiful Spring weekend in North Texas and there will be plenty of things to do around town!
Addison After Dark: Fiesta Noche
Grab your amigos for a night of música, dancing and fun at the new, expanded Addison After Dark fiesta. Celebrate the Queen of Tejano’s birthday with a Selena tribute band and other live Latin music. Visit the mercado for some shopping, enjoy Latin American-inspired actividades, and grab some comida from the food trucks.
Where: Addison Circle Park, Addison
When: April 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://addisonafterdark.com/fiesta-noche/
AIDA
Aida is an opera set in ancient Egypt, composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It tells the story of a love triangle between the Ethiopian princess Aida, the Egyptian military commander Radamès, and the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris. Amidst political tensions and personal conflicts, Aida and Radamès struggle to navigate their feelings while being torn between loyalty to their countries and their love for each other. This production from the Fort Worth Opera features the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU, 2900 W. Lowden St., Fort Worth
When: Friday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $22 and up
More info: https://www.fwopera.org/aida
Big Texas Beer Fest
The Big Texas Beer Fest is Dallas’ original beer festival. The 2023 event is the 11th annual. BTBF will be featuring 100+ breweries and 500+ beers, ciders, hard seltzers, hard kombuchas, meads, and more. They say: “Some bands will be playing, there's going to be a ton of beer, don't drink and drive, food trucks will be out in force, there’s a vintage arcade, courtesy of Free Play Arcade, and cool, fun local vendors.
Where: Fair Park, Automobile Building, Dallas
When: Saturday, April 15 from 1:30 p.m. -
Cost: $45…or $80 for VIP
More info: https://www.bigtexasbeerfest.com/
Billy Bob’s: RANDY HOUSER (Fri) / DRAKE MILLIGAN (Sat)
Where: Billy Bob’s, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.
Cost: $20 - $45
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Changing Perspectives Block Party: A Cultural Festival
It’s Dallas Arts Month. And the Changing Perspectives Block Party is a great family-friendly event to get up-close-and-personal with great art. Watch Close-Act Theatre’s Birdmen come to life; they are large dinosaur-like performers that extend 23 feet high and 19 feet long with a wingspan of 13 feet.
Where: Sammons Park, 2403 Flora St, Dallas
When: Friday, April 14 from 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.dallasartsdistrict.org/community/dallas-arts-district-block-party/
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: Decades: Back to the ’80s
Back to the 80’s is a power-packed concert of the decade’s #1 hit songs, including The Power of Love, Time After Time, Material Girl, Another One Bites The Dust, Footloose, Addicted to Love and many others. Featuring the music of such 80’s iconic stars as Madonna, Debbie Gibson, Huey Lewis & The News, Phil Collins, Queen, Joe Cocker, and others, Back to the 80’s contains all new arrangements by GRAMMY® Award-winner Jeff Tyzik and features three dynamic soloists who will bring the decade alive.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas
When: April 14-16
Cost: $42 and up
More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/decades-back-to-the-80s/
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 the Arts
The Dallas Festival of the Arts is a two-day fine art outdoor festival, featuring more than 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork, glass artists, jewelers, and more! The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, festival foods, a children’s area, and more.
Where: Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple Ave, Dallas
When: Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16
Cost: Free
More info: http://dallasfestivalofthearts.net/
Driving Miss Daisy
The classic play Driving Miss Daisy is playing at Richardson Theatre Center.
Where: Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W Arapaho Rd # 113, Richardson
When: April 13-16
Cost: $18 and up
More info: https://www.facebook.com/RichardsonTheatreCenter/
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club.
This weekend, the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival features arts & crafts vendors, tasty food and kids activities on the streets of Downtown Ennis. Additionally, visitors can buy tickets for the Wine Wander, where you sip, shop, and take in the festival. The $30 ticket gets you a souvenir wine glass, event bag, map of the downtown festival, and the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines in Texas.
Where: Downtown Ennis, TX
When: April 14-16
Cost: $5
More info: https://www.bluebonnettrail.org/
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/
Festival of Joy
Experience India's vast and ancient spiritual heritage at the third annual Festival of Joy in Klyde Warren Park. Enjoy a recreation of the Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival parade, as well as non stop classical music and dance performances. Traditional eats, cultural exhibits, games, and activities for the entire family will be available throughout the day. Remember to get a henna tattoo, join in the yoga or meditation or enjoy the free vegetarian feast provided by Kalachandji’s!
Where: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
When: Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://festivalofjoydallas.com/
Fort Worth Tattoo Arts Festival
A must for any tattoo enthusiast, the Fort Worth Tattoo Arts Festival features the chance to get a tattoo on site. There are also tattoo contests, celebrity tattoo artist appearances, and entertainment over the three day show.
Where: Fort Worth Convention Center
When: Friday, April 14-Sunday, April 16
Cost: $25 and up
More info: https://villainarts.com/tattoo-conventions-villain-arts/fort-worth-tattoo-arts-festival/
Friday on the Green
Near Southside brings family-friendly concerts to Magnolia Green Park on the following dates: April 14, May 12, June 9, September 8 and October 13. These free concerts attract thousands of neighborhood families and visitors. The event features great live music, tasty food and drinks from Near Southside eateries, and the fun and relaxed atmosphere of a big neighborhood picnic.
Where: Magnolia Green Park, 1100 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth
When: Friday, April 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.nearsouthsidefw.org/friday-on-the-green.html
FuelFest
FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with live musical performances, racing, and art giving fans the music festival and car show experience all at once!
FuelFest is committed to upholding Paul Walker’s life and legacy by contributing a portion of the proceeds from every show to Reach Out WorldWide.
FuelFest includes:
Car Showcase which features over 600 top modified, exotic, performance built, and rare cars from all over the world.
A massive live-action drift course on the infield road course at Texas Motor Speedway
Live performances, plus, interactive sponsor exhibits, art displays, craft food, drinks and more.
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, April 15 from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $45
More info: https://fuelfest.com/dallas/
Hello Dolly!
Hello, Dolly! is a musical filled with charisma and with heart. Matchmaker Dolly Levi is a widow, a matchmaker, and also a professional meddler –but everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is to find someone for herself. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Hello Dolly! is boisterous and charming from start to finish.
Where: The Firehouse Theatre, 2535 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch
When: April 13-16; April 20-23
Cost: $28 and up
More info: https://thefirehousetheatre.com/
Into the Woods
Into The Woods follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. As their individual adventures begin to overlap and their wishes are granted, the characters learn that “no one is alone.”
Where: Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St, Dallas
When: April 11-16; April 19-23; April 26-30
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://dallastheatercenter.org/shows/into-the-woods/
"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
Jazz Wine Trains
For an unforgettable experience, grab a friend or a date for jazz, wine, and a trip back in time on Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s 2023 Jazz Wine Train. Ride the rails on 1920s coaches, while listening to live, onboard jazz entertainment, sipping fine, Grapevine wine and enjoying local savory bites and desserts.
Where: Historic Cotton Belt Depot: 705 S. Main St.
When: Friday, April 14; April 21; April 28
Cost: $65
More info: https://www.gvrr.com/event/jazz-wine-train/37752/
Lewis Black: Off The Rails
One of America's biggest comedic names is on his way to Bass Hall in Fort Worth. Lewis Black - the King of Rant - plays on Saturday night.
Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $45 and up
More info: https://www.lewisblack.com/
Lyle Lovett
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. These performances over three nights will feature his Acoustic Band.
Where: Majestic Theater, 1925 Elm St, Dallas
When: April 13-15
Cost: $50 and up
More info: https://www.lylelovett.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
McKinney Arts in Bloom
Over 125 juried artists plus the Local Artist Village are set up on the tree-lined streets surrounding the McKinney Performing Arts Center in Historic Downtown McKinney. During the event, the streets of downtown come alive with fascinating sights and sounds as fine artists, performance artists, musicians, Texas wineries, and food vendors take part in the three-day celebration. There’s also a hands-on interactive area for children, the Kids Creation Station, where young Picasso’s can learn about art processes and create their own masterpieces.
Where: Downtown McKinney
When: April 14-16; Friday, 5 - 10 p.m. • Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/687/Arts-in-Bloom
Monty Python’s Spamalot
Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful showgirls? The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, and was followed by two successful West End runs. The outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”
Where: Courtyard Theater, 1509 H Ave, Plano
When: April 14-16
Cost: $32 and up
More info: https://www.rcttheatre.com/shows.html
Music in the Park from Shakespeare Dallas
Across three evenings, guests will enjoy music under the stars and more on the Amphitheater lawn. On Friday night, it’s Cosmic Cowboy Country Review. Enjoy Maya Piata on April 15, and Salvage Enterprise Listening Experience with Tim DeLaughter of The Polyphonic Spree on April 16.
Where: Samuel-Grand Amphitheater, Dallas
When: April 14-16
Cost: $25
More info: https://www.shakespearedallas.org/events/music-in-the-park
Noises Off
Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play.
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W Main St, Arlington
When: April 13-16
Cost: $28 and up
More info: https://theatrearlington.org/production/noises-off/
Orígenes/Origins (World Premiere)
Orígenes/Origins tells the story of a teenager sent by her family to live with her father in the United States. To survive her journey, she is compelled to create a new identity in a new country while remembering her origins. Featuring masks, movement and original music, Orígenes/Origins, is performed mostly in Spanish with English supertitles.
Where: Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St, Dallas
When: April 14-16; April 20-23; April 27-30
Cost: $10 - $25
More Info: https://caramiatheatre.org/play/origenes-origins/
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/
Spamilton: An American Parody
“Smart, silly, and convulsively funny.” – The New York Times. “The next best thing to seeing Hamilton!” – Barbara Hoffman, New York Post. SPAMILTON! A brilliant musical parody that tells the fictitious story of a very famous writer/director/star trying to save Broadway from mediocrity and oblivion. Along the way, this sharp and lovable genius not only takes aim at Broadway’s current mega-hit, but manages to make hysterical minced meat out of many classic and new Broadway shows. From the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway, Gerard Alessandrini, your night is guaranteed to be filled with fun and mayhem, no matter your age! This show is appropriate for most audiences.
Where: Casa Mañana, Fort Worth
When: April 11-14
Cost: $65
More Info: https://casamanana.org/events/spamilton/
Strut Your Mutt: The Race to End Animal Cruelty
Strut your stuff with your furry best friend at Strut Your Mutt, The Race to End Animal Cruelty, benefiting the SPCA. Strutters can participate in the 3K fun run/walk or the 5K timed run as an individual or part of a team. Plus, enjoy family-friendly food, drink and entertainment. The Bow Wow Bazaar will include vendor booths, activities for pets and kids, demonstrations and more.
Where: Fair Park
When: Saturday, April 15 at 8:00 a.m.
Cost: $40
More Info: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/67576/strut-your-mutt-dallas
Trade Days at Southfork Ranch
Trade Days at Southfork Ranch happen on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding every Third Monday of the month. Shop from local vendors selling jewelry, furniture, candles, food, and so much more.
Where: Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Dr, Parker
When: April 14 - 16
Cost: FREE; Parking is FREE on Friday, $5 on Saturday and Sunday
More Info: https://southforkranch.com/trade-days/
Venardos Circus
Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the show is a living example of the power of dreams, reinventing the American Circus tradition for a new generation, and bringing joy to people everywhere.
Where: The Riverwalk, 4040 River Walk Dr, Flower Mound
When: April 12-23
Cost: $17 and up
More Info: https://venardoscircus.com/
Victory Over Violence Walk/Run
Victory Over Violence is an all-ages annual fundraising event benefiting many of The Women’s Center’s anti-violence initiatives, consisting of a 5K walk/run and 1K fun run. These services give survivors the tools to heal from the devastating effects of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and other violent crimes, as well as empower the community by providing education centered around these issues.
Where: Trinity Park Duck Pond, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, April 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 and up
More Info: https://www.vovfw.org/
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: April 13-15, 20-22, 27-29; May 4-6
Cost: $15 and up
More Info: https://www.artisanct.com/2023-shows/westsidestory
Women’s National Collegiate Gymnastics Championship
The 2023 championship marks the sixth year this event will call Fort Worth home. Over 30,000 spectators are expected to attend the two-day event.
The women’s gymnastics championships consists of eight teams, as well as four all-around
competitors and 16 event specialists who were not members of a qualifying team. The top two
teams from each of the four regionals have advanced to the national championships. In addition,
the top all-around competitor and the top finisher on each event from each regional have also
advanced to the national championships.
Teams competing for the 2023 women’s gymnastics championships are Denver, Florida, LSU, Cal, Kentucky, Oklahoma, UCLA and Utah
Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth
When: April 13 and April 15
Cost: Varies (most performances sold out)
More Info: http://www.dickiesarena.com/events/