See some of the great things to do around North Texas this weekend.
African American Museum, Dallas
A powerful exhibition called "Confederate Currency: The Color of Money" has opened at the African American Museum, Dallas. The exhibition is the work of artist John W. Jones, who started doing acrylic paintings of slave images depicted on Confederate Currencies about 20 years ago. Mr. Jones was working as a graphic artist at a blueprint company in Charleston, South Carolina when a customer asked him to enlarge a Confederate bank note. "When I did so, I noticed there were slaves on the note I was enlarging," says Jones. The finding intrigued him, and he started to research these notes and was inspired to produce acrylic paintings inspired by the pictures on the currencies. To date he's produced more than 300 works, which are on display in Dallas for the next few months.
Where: African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas
When: Fridays, Saturdays from Noon - 5 p.m. through July 24
Cost: Free
More info: https://aamdallas.org/
ART214
This month, five cultural centers of the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC), Bath House Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center, Moody Performance Hall, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, and South Dallas Cultural Center, present the 2021 ART214 Juried Exhibition, a multi-venue visual arts project that showcases the works of artists who live in Dallas and the greater North Texas region. The 2021 ART214 exhibitions can also be viewed online. ART214 is part of Dallas Arts Month, a city-wide celebration of Dallas arts that was first launched by Mayor Mike Rawlings in 2013.
Where: Various art houses in Dallas
When: Now through May 8
Cost: Free
More info: https://art214.dallasculture.org/
Billy Bob's Concerts - 40th Anniversary Celebration
No denying, this is big! The great Miranda Lambert, native of the east Texas town of Lindale, is at Billy Bob's this weekend...all weekend. Her three shows are all technically sold out - but you can find seats on the secondary market. In fact, these shows were so popular that they've added two more for next weekend.
Where: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
When: Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday 10 p.m., Saturday 10 p.m.
Cost: Sold Out (But look for tickets on Stubhub, etc)
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Downtown Grapevine Cruise Night Car Show
Weather permitting, they meet every Friday night in Downtown Grapevine. This event, hosted by Gateway Classic Cars of Dallas, features the coolest classic and fun cars.
Where: 530 Main Street, Grapevine
When: Friday, April 23, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/808782279605730
"For a Dreamer of Houses" at Dallas Museum of Art
"For a Dreamer of Houses'' brings together more than 50 works from the DMA's collection that range from immersive installations to intimate photographs, all related to the idea of home. The exhibition's sections correspond to five chapters in philosopher Gaston Bachelard's influential 1958 book "The Poetics of Space." Major recent acquisitions - including works by Alex Da Corte, Olivia Erlanger, EJ Hill, Francisco Moreno, Pipilotti Rist, and Do Ho Suh - are highlighted in each section. Because of COVID precautions, you must have a timed free ticket. There is a small extra charge for the collection.
Where: 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas
When: Now through July 4, 2021
Cost: Free General Admission, Tickets to the installation are $9
More info: https://dma.org/
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and Fort Worth Botanic Garden invite visitors to see their newest exhibit "Topiaries in the Garden," running through June 30, 2021. Featuring 12 plant-based animal shapes, such as elephants, giraffes, and butterflies, the displays are sure to stimulate a sense of wonderment and fascination.
Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth
When: Daily through June 30
Cost: $6 - $12
More info: https://bit.ly/3vZco7u
Fort Worth Margarita and Taco Festival
Now, this sounds fun. Sample some of the Best Margaritas in Fort Worth! Purchase a ticket, you'll receive 5 tickets to sample margaritas, tacos, elote and other favorites. Also experience a Live DJ and music, street tacos, frozen drinks, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors and a trip giveaway to Mexico!
Where: The Yard W7th, 3017 Morton St., Fort Worth
When: Saturday, April 24 from Noon - 8 p.m.
Cost: $20 - $45 (VIP)...or $20 (non-sampling admission)
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fort-worth-taco-margarita-festival-tickets-122932411151
George W. Bush Presidential Center: Out of Many, One
The George W. Bush Presidential Center has opened an exhibit called, "Out of Many, One: Portraits of America's Immigrants." The exhibit includes 43 portraits painted by George W. Bush, statistics about immigration and policy recommendations. Out of Many, One includes paintings of celebrities like Dirk Nowitzki, Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright and lesser known immigrants who may know the former president personally. Included with the paintings are stories about how each person adjusted to life in America.
Where: 2943 SMU Blvd, Dallas
When: Now through January 3, 2022
Cost: $15 - $21 / Free for military (current) / $10 for retired military
More info: https://www.bushcenter.org/exhibits-and-events/exhibits/2021/out-of-many-one.html
Mavericks Games
The Dallas Mavericks host the LA Lakers for two key games this weekend. The Mavs are currently allowing limited attendance at the AAC.
Where: American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas
When: Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Varies
More info: https://www.mavs.com/tickets/
Pate Swap Meet
The Pate Swap meet is the "largest transportation swap meet in the Southwest" and second-largest in the U.S. You'll be able to buy and sell transportation-related items like parts, accessories, automobilia, street rods, antique and collector cars, along with many hard-to-find vintage items.
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle
When: Thursday-Saturday
Cost: Free to attend, Parking is $5
More info: https://pateswapmeet.com/
Wheels for Wellness Spring Car Show
All proceeds benefit Prostate Cancer Research and they will be offering free PSA blood screenings for Prostate Cancer between 10AM-2PM. Early detection is key so bring out that classic and get screened! Entry fee is $25 at the gate. There will be top 20 awards.
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle
When: Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $25 to enter
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1607831186069853/
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
It's the 40th Season of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. This weekend, April 24th & 25th, it's all about the beer for Scarborough Renaissance Festival's Royal Ale Festival weekend. All new for 2021 is the Royal Ale Tasting Tour! Visitors can taste their way around Scarborough and experience an exciting collection of craft beers along the way at select Scarborough pubs and taverns. Tickets for the Royal Ale Tasting Tour are $10 each (in addition to Festival admission) and are date specific. They can be purchased in advance or at the Royal Ale Tasting Tour tent at the Festival. Participants must be 21 or older to participate.
Visitors to Scarborough Renaissance Festival are also invited to participate in the Stein Holding competition each day at 2:00 pm for their chance to win one of the highly coveted collectable Scarborough Renaissance Festival steins. Contestants can register and get all the details on the competition at the Front Gate.
Where: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie
When: Saturdays and Sundays through May 31...10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $30 adults / $14 kids (5-12)...prices higher at the gate
More info: https://www.srfestival.com/
Southlake United Color Run
Southlake Foundation is hosting a "FUN COLOR WALK/RUN" on Saturday April 24th 2021, at Bicentennial Park with a theme "UNITED WE RUN". Run, jog (or even leisurely walk!) with your family and friends, and get showered with vibrant colors. After completing the Fun Color Walk/Run the celebration continues with food trucks, music and a group color throw! This is a free event for community members to cheer the participants and to enjoy food, music and color throw.
Where: Bicentennial Park, 450 W Southlake Blvd, Southlake
When: Saturday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $10
More info: https://www.raceplace.com/events/96405/southlake-united-color-run
The Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Grab your boots and Cowboy hat! This rodeo is back! The live and kicking rodeo is every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. (Friday...it's "Free Kid Friday"...buy an adult ticket and get a kid's ticket free!) It's in the Cowtown Coliseum. Rodeo organizers say you can feel safe as you watch the live rodeo action because they are enforcing social distancing and everyone has to wear a facial covering. Giddy up!
Where: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $27, Children: $15
More info: https://stockyardsrodeo.com/
Texas Ballet Theater's The Poetry of Expression: Part II (Bloom & Horizon)
Texas Ballet Theater will present new works created specifically for a digital format in this all-digital mixed repertoire production. Tickets are $30 per household and give you unlimited access to both titles, from April 15-30. These ballets are choreographed by Company Dancers Jiyan Dai and Andre Silva. Both Bloom and Horizon were filmed in beautiful landmarks around Fort Worth, like the Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Japanese Garden, Trinity Park and the Sammons Center for the Arts.
Where: Virtual
When: Daily through April 30
Cost: $30 / household
More info: https://texasballettheater.org/perfomance/2021-mixed-rep-2/
Texas Junior Anglers/Arbor Day Celebration
Enjoy a great day of FREE fishing for the family at a freshly stocked pond in the Colleyville Nature Center. Prizes will be awarded for catches for children 16-and under. Poles and bait will be available, if needed. No pre-registration is required.
Free trees and t-shirts for Arbor Day, while supplies last.
Where: Colleyville Nature Center, Mill Wood Drive, Colleyville
When: Saturday, 9 a.m. - Noon
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.colleyville.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4868/20
Thursdays on Tap at Perot Museum
Looking for a fun date-night destination or a unique spot to connect with friends after work? Want to peruse the Perot Museum of Nature and Science sans kids? Do you like live music, breweries and curious-minded adults? Then don't miss Thursdays on Tap happening weekly at the Perot Museum! From 6-9 p.m. each Thursday (rain or shine), the adults-only event gives grown-ups exclusive after-hours access to explore all five levels of the Museum including, for a limited time only, The Science of Guinness World Records® exhibition. Outside, ticket holders can enjoy local food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music and games.
Where: Perot Museum, 2201 N Field, Dallas
When: Thursdays 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: $13-$20 and up
More info: https://www.perotmuseum.org/
¡Viva La Fiesta! at Six Flags
Six flags is kicking off a new celebration, highlighting the vibrant Latin culture through food, live music, dance and other experiences, ¡Viva la Fiesta! runs weekends and select Fridays through May 16. The park also announced the re-opening of the guest-favorite Casa Magnetica, a walk-through "crooked house" attraction, which first opened in 1962, the park's second season. At Casa Magnetica, gravity has no meaning as guests walk through each room filled with optical illusions. Carne Asada Fries, Ceviche con Camaron, and Churro-style Funnel Cake are just some of the limited-time food offerings that will be available to guests during ¡Viva la Fiesta! The sounds of Latin culture can be heard throughout the park, as live musical and dance performances will don four outdoor stages. The vibrant dresses and patterned suits of Folklorico dancers will mesmerize guests as they twirl and stamp to traditional Mexican beats. Latin pop, reggaeton and mariachis are just some of the musical performances that can be enjoyed at the park.
Where: Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 Road to Six Flags St, Arlington
When: Weekends and select Fridays through May 16
Cost: $29.99
More info: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas
