See our list of some great things to do 'Around Town' this weekend in North Texas.
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
On Friday, Billy Bob's hosts the ageless Bellamy Brothers. Then Miranda Lambert is back on Saturday and Sunday for two more shows.
Where: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
When: Friday 10 p.m., Saturday 10 p.m., Sunday, 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 - $200
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
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 headliner is Samantha Fish. The "world famous" Saturday Night Jam starts at 8 p.m. And Samantha Fish headlines the event, closing it out with a concert on Sunday at 4:50 p.m.
Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N Stemmons Freeway, Dallas
When: Friday - Sunday
Cost: General admission starts at $30
More info: https://www.guitarshow.com/
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 30, 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
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
Highland Village Art Festival
See displays from over 30 outstanding gallery quality artists, artist demonstrations, live music and entertainment, and interactive children's art activities. Musical performances will be held in the south courtyard next to Chico's. And it's all free!
Where: The Shops at Highland Village (FM 2499 and Justin Road)
When: Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.highlandvillage.org/786/Highland-Village-Art-Festival
Indycar Series at Texas Motor Speedway & Cowtown Pit Stop Challenge
Open wheel racing returns to No Limits, Texas for the doubleheader dual: the GENESYS 300 on Saturday and the XPEL 375 on Sunday. It's wheel-to-wheel racing at speeds over 200 mph featuring Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal, Josef Newgarden and more!
And in downtown Fort Worth on Friday at high noon, it's the Cowtown Pit Stop Challenge. The competition will be to see which of the pit crew members from Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing can get their race cars serviced, out of the pit box and first across the finish line. Only the fastest crew will get to raise the winner's trophy at the finish line and bask in the glory of being the best on the streets of Fort Worth in 2021.
Where: 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth
When: Saturday at 6 p.m., Sunday at 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $10 and up for kids, $25 and up for adults
More info: https://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/events/
Mavericks Games
The surging Dallas Mavericks host Washington on Saturday and Sacramento on Sunday. The Mavs are currently allowing limited attendance at the AAC.
Where: American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas
When: Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.
Cost: Varies
More info: https://www.mavs.com/tickets/
Roanoke Roundup
The Roanoke Roundup is a competitive annual steak cookoff held in Historic Downtown Roanoke. Chefs compete for big cash and bigger bragging rights. Proceeds to benefit Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas and Children's Speedway Charities-Texas. There are also three different rodeo events throughout the day, including bull riding on Saturday night. There's also entertainment throughout the day. And you can stop by one of the great downtown Roanoke restaurants.
Where: Downtown Roanoke (Oak Street)
When: Saturday, May 1 from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free / $5/ticket for rodeo
More info: https://roanoketexas.com/339/Roanoke-Roundup
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
It's the 40th Season of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. This weekend, May 1st and 2nd, it's the Live the Fantasy/Spring Celebration. Fantasy enthusiasts, Cosplay fans, and friends of the Fae – this weekend is just for you! Those in Fantasy Based costumes show off your best costumes and compete for the chance to win a great Scarborough prize pack! There's a Children's Fairy Initiation each day at Noon. Patrons can join in the fun with the Villagers of Scarborough as they celebrate "May Day" and the beginning of Spring by adorning themselves with beautiful flowers throughout the weekend!
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/
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/
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/
Vandergriff Art Festival
Arlington's premier art festival moves to Vandergriff Park in Arlington, April 30-May 2, 2021. What was started in 2012 as Art on the Greene Art Festival and quickly became Arlington's premier outdoor fine art festival is now Vandergriff Art Festival. Over the 8 years at Richard Greene Linear Park, Art On The Greene Art Festival was voted "BEST" Outdoor Festival in Arlington for the last 6 years. The weekend features incredible art and music. Musical guests include:
BAB CO. - A Tribute To Bad Company
LEGACY 4 - R&B/Motown
A TASTE OF HERB - A Tribute to Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
WINDY CITY - A Tribute to Chicago
ELVIS T BUSBOY & THE BLUES BUTCHERS
FOREVER MAC - A Celebration of Fleetwood Mac
TEXAS FLOOD - A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan
Where: Vandergriff Park, 2800 South Center Street, Arlington
When: Friday - Sunday
Cost: Free admission & Parking
More info: https://vandergriffartfestival.com/
¡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
