The weekend is finally here again, which means there are plenty of fun things to do around North Texas. KRLD's John Liddle has the rundown.
The 1619 Project: One-Act Festival
In late August 1619, a ship arrived in the British colony of Virginia with a cargo of twenty to thirty enslaved people from Africa. Their arrival led to the barbaric and unprecedented system of American chattel slavery that would last for the next 250 years. This is sometimes referred to as the country's original sin, but it is more than that: It is the source of so much that still defines the United States.
This one-act festival features 9 commissions by local and national playwrights that weave together stories that explore the legacy of slavery in present-day America.
Where: Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S Tyler St, Dallas
When: February 17-19, February 24-26
Cost: $18 and up
More info: https://bishopartstheatre.org/
2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films
For the 18th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents the Oscar Nominated Short Films, a perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world. This is your annual chance to predict the winners—and have the edge in your Oscar pool! Don't miss this year's selection of shorts. The Academy Awards® take place Sunday, March 12.
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth
When: February 17-19
Cost: $7-10
More info: https://www.themodern.org/film/2023-oscar-nominated-short-films
ASC Heart & Sole 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
Benefitting Nexus Recovery Center, the Thirteenth Annual ASC Heart & Sole 5K and fun run is going down Saturday morning. Nexus' mission is to serve as a community of hope and sobriety for all women and their families who strive to live healthy, resilient lives. Kids, dogs, runners, walkers, and families all welcome! Stick around for breakfast, live music, and family-friendly activities after the race! Enjoy the kids area with a bounce house, face painters, and a balloon artist.
Where: Winfrey Point, 950 E Lawther Dr, Dallas
When: February 18 at 7:30 a.m.
Cost: $40
More info: https://heartandsole5k.com/
Aida at Lyric Stage
Lyric Stage celebrates Black History Month with Elton John and Tim Rice's Tony Award-Winning AIDA. Based on the Verdi opera of the same name, this epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal, chronicles the story of an enslaved Nubian princess, Aida, who finds her heart entangled with Radames, an Egyptian soldier who is betrothed to the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility that she faces as the leader of her people, but her and Radames' love for one another become a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.
Where: Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Dallas
When: February 15 - 19
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://www.lyricstage.org/aida
Alice in Wonderland from the Avant Chamber Ballet
Katie Puder's Alice in Wonderland first burst onto the stage in 2013 in an explosion of color, stage magic and inventive choreography. Mikayla Dobson's commissioned score combines a quirky fantasy world with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Costumes by Ann Boyce, student cast from Dallas Conservatory, and design by Zero Productions create a magical world for all ages.
Where: Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St., Dallas
When: February 17 at 7:30 p.m.; February 18 at 2:30 p.m and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $31.50 and up
More info: https://www.avantchamberballet.org/performances
Billy Bob's: CLAY WALKER (Fri) / MICHAEL SALGADO WITH JAY PEREZ & J.R. GOMEZ Y LOS CONJUNTO BANDITS (Sat)
Where: Billy Bob's, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.
Cost: $20 - $65
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Black Cowboys: An American Story at African American Museum Dallas
With more than 50 artifacts, photographs, documents and films, the exhibition explores the lives and work of the numerous Black men, women and children – enslaved and free – who labored on the ranches of Texas and participated in cattle drives before the Civil War through the turn of the 20th century.
By revealing stories that have largely been untold, "Black Cowboys" offers insight into the legendary cowboy, a clearer picture of the Black West, and a more diverse portrait of the American West.
Where: 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas
When: January 21 - April 15
Cost: Free
More info: https://aamdallas.org/exhibits/
CHARLOTTE'S WEB at Casa Mañana
Join Charlotte and your favorite pig Wilbur as they explore life in the barnyard. Charlotte, who proves to be "a true friend and a good writer," is determined to save Wilbur. She begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig." It's the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte. This show is suitable for all audiences. The play is about 1.5 hours long including an intermission.
Where: Casa Mañana, Fort Worth
When: February 18-19
Cost: $29 and up
More Info: https://casamanana.org/events/charlottes-web/
College Baseball Showdown at Globe Life Field
The 2023 college baseball season is once again kicking off at Globe Life Field with six teams from two conferences, SEC & Big 12, slated to play in the College Baseball Showdown. Texas, TCU, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Vanderbilt and Arkansas are participating. In addition to the games, there's a chance to be a part of the Fan Zone for an extra charge.
Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington
When: February 17-19
Cost: $28 and up.
More info: https://globelifefield.com/event/college-baseball-showdown-presented-by-higginbotham-20230219/
Colter Wall at The Factory in Deep Ellum
Between seasons on the ranch, Colter Wall plays songs of the authentic West and traditional country music. From the prairies of southern Saskatchewan, his songs have been heard in movies and hit television shows such as Yellowstone, Bad Sisters, and Peripheral. "Cypress Hills and the Big Country" is his latest single.
Where: The Factory in Deep Ellum, 2713 Canton St, Dallas
When: Friday, February 17 at 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://www.thefactoryindeepellum.com/events
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: A John Williams Celebration
The DSO pays loving tribute to the legendary John Williams with selections from his iconic catalog including Schindler's List, Harry Potter, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars, Jaws, Born on the Fourth of July, and more.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas
When: February 17 - 19
Cost: $48 and up
More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/a-john-williams-celebration/
Dallas Opera: Das Rheingold
A cursed ring grants its owner supreme power—and their doom! The vengeful Alberich—a power-hungry dwarf—steals the magic Rhine gold to forge an all-powerful ring. Wotan, king of the gods, entraps Alberich and relinquishes the gold ring to the giants as payment for building Valhalla. The cursed ring quickly claims its first victim.
Wagner's tale of power, greed, giants, and gods is an epic myth with music to match. Don't miss this ultimate fantasy—the inspiration for Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Where: Winspear Opera House, Dallas
When: February 15, 18
Cost: $19 and up
More Info: https://dallasopera.org/performance/das-rheingold/
Dinosaurs Live
Visitors to Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney will be able to let their imagination run wild as they travel back in time along a half-mile nature trail with eleven life-size animatronic dinosaurs. During the 17th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit, these animatronic dinosaurs will move and roar, providing an experience sure to captivate visitors. This exhibit will also offer interesting facts about both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs.
Children and the young at heart will also have the opportunity to play on stationary baby dinosaurs, a photo-op Tyrannosaurus rex and a photo op Pachyrhinosaurus. This year's exhibit will also feature an outdoor hadrosaur fossil dig to inspire future paleontologists.
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl., McKinney
When: Daily September 3 through February 20, 2023
Cost: $12
More info: https://www.heardmuseum.org/event/dinosaurs-life-size-animatronic-open-for-season/
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
The Pigeon is having a bit of an identity crisis – he never gets to do ANYTHING, and people just want him to "fly off". Everything changes when the confident, cool Bus Driver rolls into town, and the Pigeon finds himself with a brand new goal: DRIVE THE BUS! But, is it even possible? Time to find out! Written by Mo Willems: creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling, Caldecott Honor award-winning Pigeon picture books...this zany show is ready to take audiences for the ride of their lives!
Where: Dallas Children's Theater, 5938 Skillman, Dallas
When: February 18-19
Cost: $20 and up
More info: https://www.dct.org/plays/
The Elephant Man
John Merrick, an intelligent and friendly man shunned by Victorian-era society and called a "freak" due to his skin and bone disorders is found abandoned. Under the care of physician Frederick Treves, Merrick begins to slowly evolve from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other. A biographical drama.
Where: Theatre Three, 2688 Laclede St, Dallas
When: February 16-19
Cost: $37 and up
More info: https://www.theatre3dallas.com/shows-tickets/
Frost Fest
The cold weather fun comes back to Irving for 2023 with Frost Fest! This free winter festival features tons of fluffy snow, a rarely seen occurrence here in Texas! Come enjoy the "cool" side of winter, without the freezing rain and slick roads. This snowy, activity-packed event includes: Snow Tubing Hills, Two Snow Play Areas, a Giant Snow Globe Inflatable, Winter Wonderland Bounce Houses, Caricature Art, Face Painters, Balloon Artists, Free Train Rides, Food Vendors, Crafts and a Complimentary Photo Station.
Where: Levy Event Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving
When: Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.cityofirving.org/2956/Frost-Fest
Galleria Dallas Lantern Festival
View nearly 250 Chinese lanterns on display over the ice rink for Lunar New Year. There's also a celebratory dragon dance performance by the HD Lion Dance Foundation on Saturday, January 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Galleria Dallas
When: Friday, January 20 - Sunday, February 19
Cost: Free
More info: https://galleriadallas.com/programs/events/galleria-dallas-lantern-festival
Ghost the Musical
Ghost the Musical is the new, revised version of the Broadway musical currently on tour across the world. Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, Ghost the Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.
Where: Repertory Company Theatre Inc, 770 N Coit Rd, Richardson
When: February 17-19
Cost: $18 and up
More info: https://www.rcttheatre.com/
Gypsy
Regarded by many theatre professionals as the finest musical ever created, Gypsy is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters' success – while secretly yearning for her own. Set all across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents' landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication.
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W Main St, Arlington
When: February 16-19, February 23-26, March 2-5
Cost: $35
More info: https://theatrearlington.org/production/gypsy-a-musical-fable/
"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
Immersive Monet & The Impressionists
Immersive Monet & The Impressionists is a tantalizing exploration of vibrant colors on a jaw-dropping scale. The Impressionists were radicals that shook up the art world in the 19th century. Striving to capture the ever-elusive effects of sunlight and movement in expressive brushstrokes, they captured both the transient nature of beauty, and the timeless beauty of nature. From Monet's celebrated water lilies to Degas's graceful dancers and so much more, you'll step inside living paintings at Immersive Monet & The Impressionists.
Where: Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St., Dallas
When: Select dates through February 25
Cost: $20 and up
More info: https://www.immersivemonet.com/Dallas/
Immersive Van Goh
The highly-anticipated Immersive Van Gogh experience is 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh's oeuvre. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail, and color – truly illuminating the mind of the genius.
You will be immersed in Van Gogh's works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.
Where: Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St., Dallas
When: Select dates through February 27
Cost: $30 and up
More info: https://www.dallasvangogh.com/
Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade
The 21st annual Krewe of Barkus, McKinney's annual Mardi Gras parade of dogs and their owners, steps off through historic downtown McKinney at 2pm. Come watch the parade and cheer on the canine entrants, or dress up and join in with your own family dog.
The 2023 theme is "Barkus Salutes the Good Dogs: Unleash Your Superheroes," in celebration of the people who make a positive contribution to our lives. These heroes can be community helpers like first responders, historical figures who made a difference in education, civil rights and medicine, everyday personal heroes and comic book superheroes.
Where: Dr. Glen Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana St. | Historic Downtown McKinney
When: Sunday, February 19 from 12:30 - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch parade; to participate: registration fee is $5 per dog or float
More Info: https://www.mckinneytexas.org/674/Krewe-of-Barkus
Love on the Run
Love on the Run Benefiting the Irving Schools Foundation now includes a Half Marathon distance along with the 10k, and 5k run/walk. A commemorative Love on the Run Beanie will be given to the first 150 participants to register for the Half Marathon distance. Half Marathon participants will go through 8 Water Stations on the scenic USATF route through Las Colinas Urban Center and Campion Trail. The route is mostly flat with elevation at miles 2 and 10.
Where: Toyota Music Factory, Irving
When: Saturday, February 18 at 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $50 and up
More Info: https://www.irvingmarathon.com/love-on-the-run-5k
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
Native Gardens
You can't choose your neighbors.
In this brilliant, contemporary comedy, cultures and gardens clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into feuding enemies. A delicate disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out border dispute, exposing both couples' notions of race, taste, class and privilege. This show is suitable for all ages and runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas
When: Daily through February 26
Cost: $20 and up
More info: https://dallastheatercenter.org/shows/native-gardens/
Papa Roach and Falling in Reverse
It's the Rockzilla Tour: Falling in Reverse & Papa Roach with Hollywood Undead and special guest Escape the Fate.
Where: The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory, Irving
When: Saturday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $49 and up
More info: https://www.thepaviliontmf.com/event/rockzilla-2023/
Perot Museum of Nature and Science - "The Science Behind Pixar"
Be inspired to infinity…and beyond! Explore the artistry, science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters with This interactive exhibition showcases the STEM concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar's award-winning films to the big screen.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
When: Daily through September 4, 2023
Cost: $15 - youth / $25 - adults
More info: https://www.perotmuseum.org/exhibits/the-science-behind-pixar/
The Play That Goes Wrong
Welcome to the opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to fiasco. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can't play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), the whole evening is a disastrous smash. Chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania, this classic murder mystery is sure to bring down the house!
Where: Stage West Theatre, 821 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth
When: February 16-19, February 22-26, March 1-5
Cost: $40
More info: https://stagewest.org/
Side by Side by Sondheim
The late Stephen Sondheim was the leading musical theatre composer of the last 50 years. In this award-winning revue of his early work, some of the most unforgettable songs from the master are presented in one magical evening. The production features music from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Where: Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco
When: February 17-19; February 24-26; March 3-5
Cost: Varies
More info: https://www.theatrefrisco.com/shows
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. 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: The Firehouse Theatre, 2535 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch
When: February 16-19
Cost: $28 and up
More info: https://www.thefirehousetheatre.com/
Stolen Shakespeare Festival: A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Winter's Tale
Catch the Stolen Shakespeare Festival 2023 featuring A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Winter's Tale.
In Midsummer Night's Dream: two pairs of star-crossed lovers, a troop of inept amateur actors, a feuding pair of supernatural sprites and a love potion gone awry all come together in an enchanted moonlit forest. The result is an unequalled mixture of entertainment and enchantment.
In The Winter's Tale: "There is a disease that can twist men's hearts and make them mad, and the name of that disease is jealousy." So begins one of William Shakespeare's last plays—a fascinating and unique combination of intensity and whimsy. When King Leontes unfairly accuses his wife of infidelity, he sets off a terrible chain of events. But this is not one of Shakespeare's tragedies. It's a romance, and one with a healthy dose of fancy and surprise. A story of redemption and the strength of friendship and true love, The Winter's Tale is perhaps Shakespeare's most endearing story.
Where: Arts Fort Worth, 1300 Gendy St, Fort Worth
When (The Winter's Tale): February 17, 18, 23, 25, 26; March 3, 4
When (MND): February 18-19, 24-25; March 4-5
Cost: $15 and up
More Info: https://stolenshakespeareguild.org/
Texas A&M Singing Cadets
The Singing Cadets is Texas A&M University's premier men's chorus, now in their 118th touring season. A $60 VIP Package includes a VIP lunch running from 1 pm to 2:30 pm in the Coppell Arts Center's Reception Hall.
Where: Coppell Arts Center, 505 Travis St., Coppell
When: Sunday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 - $60
More Info: https://www.coppellartscenter.org/events/detail/coppell-am-club-singing-cadets
Unchain My Heart: The Music of Ray Charles
Often called the "Genius," Ray Charles pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950s, combining blues, gospel, R&B, rock, country music and jazz to create groundbreaking hits such as "Unchain My Heart," "I've Got a Woman" and "What I'd Say." This show is suitable for most audiences.
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
When: February 7 - 18
Cost: $65 and up
More info: https://casamanana.org/events/unchain-my-heart-the-music-of-ray-charles/
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