Things To Do Around DFW: Asia Times Square Lunar New Year, Chef Bowers Art Show, Dallas Open & more

lunar new year
Photo credit Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images

There are lots of places to visit around North Texas! From exhibits to festivals and of course the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, there are plenty of things to do for fun.

& Juliet

This fresh musical reimagines Shakespeare’s classic: what if Juliet didn’t die for Romeo? Follow her on a brand-new adventure, featuring pop hits like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—all from the prolific songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than anyone else this century. Forget the balcony tragedy—there’s plenty of life (and laughs) after Romeo.
Where: Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas
When: January 28 - February 9

Cost: $30 and up

More info: https://dallas.broadway.com/shows/juliet/

Arlington Museum of Art: Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition & 
Wicked Threads: The Artistry of Costume in Oz

Princess Diana was one of the most photographed people of her time. The Exhibition is a breathtaking visual experience that will bring guests closer to the princess than ever before, pairing vivid stories told by the Husseins with larger than life images and murals. Bespoke art installations from renowned multimedia artist, Pauline Loctin, have been developed exclusively for Accredited Access and are inspired by some of Diana’s most famous moments. This is a ticketed event ($19 to $42)
And following the release of the highly anticipated film, the Arlington Museum of Art will debut a collection of costumes from Wicked (2024) celebrating the artistry of the costume design and twenty-one years of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. Admission is Free.
Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: Diana: January 17 - April 6 / Wicked: January 17 - April 27

Cost: Free (for Wicked) / $19-$42 (for Diana)

More info: https://arlingtonmuseum.org/

Asia Times Square Lunar New Year 2025

It’s the final weekend packed with culture, community, and tradition! This weekend it’s the Firecracker Show Only. But a great way to bring in the Lunar New Year!
Where: Asia Times Square, 2625 W Pioneer Pkwy, Grand Prairie
When: February 1 - February 2

Cost: Free

More info: https://asiatimessquare.com/events/lunar-new-year-2025/

Astra Lumina

Astra Lumina offers a magical night walk through an enchanted forest, transforming ordinary trails into a cosmic journey filled with celestial light, ethereal sounds, and mesmerizing visions. As visitors explore, fallen stars release radiant energy, guiding guests along a luminous pathway to witness their celestial rebirth. This multi-sensory experience is suitable for all ages and invites guests to connect with the stars in a truly enchanting setting.
Where: Trinity Forest Adventure Park, 1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas
When: Select evenings through March 9 (Thursdays - Sundays)

Cost: $25 and up

More info: https://astralumina.com/dallas/#location

Billy Bob’s: Easton Corbin (Friday) / Wade Bowen (Saturday)

Where: Billy Bob’s Fort Worth
When: Friday at 10 p.m.; Saturday at 10 p.m.

Cost: $20 - $40

More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory TYA Version follows Charlie Bucket and the four other golden ticket winners through Willy Wonka’s marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory. Journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination and find out who will become heir to the most famous chocolate empire in the world.
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, Fort Worth
When: January 31-February 2 / February 8-9 / February 15-16

Cost: $19 and up

More info: https://casamanana.org/events/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/

Chef Kenny Bowers Art Show

Chef Kenny Bowers first turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet, but soon discovered it offered the same boundless creativity he found in cooking. Encouraged by friends to sell his artwork, he decided to use his passion for both food and art to benefit others. Now, with at least 50 pieces available for purchase, guests can meet Bowers, learn about his vision, and enjoy light bites and drinks.
Where: Kenny's Italian Kitchen, 5100 Belt Line Rd #764, Dallas
When: Saturday, February 1st at 10 a.m.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.kennybowersart.com/

DSO: Brahms’ Violin Concerto

A work of nearly symphonic proportions, Brahms’ Violin Concerto has been enthusiastically embraced by awestruck audiences for a century-and-a-half. As you listen to Augustin Hadelich’s tour de force interpretation, you, too, will feel its tender lyricism, vigor, charm, and gypsy folk rhythms. Then, from the soaring theme in the first movement of Bruckner’s most popular symphony, through the majestic finale, the vast soundscapes of this masterpiece, enriched by the composer’s hallmark brass sonorities (including four Wagner tubas, invented for his Ring operas) will envelop you with glorious harmonies and transport you to a world beyond time.
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas
When: January 30 to February 2

Cost: $39 to $52

More info: https://www.dallassymphony.org/productions/brahmss-violin-concerto/

Dallas Open

The Dallas Open is heading to the Dallas Cowboys' HQ, the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. Featuring tennis stars Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, the tournament gets a major boost in 2025, becoming an ATP 500 event. This means a bigger purse—around $2.8 million—and a more competitive player lineup.

Where: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco

When: February 1-9

Cost: Varies

More info: https://www.dallasopen.com/en/

Deathtrap

Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful writer of Broadway thrillers, finds himself facing a creative dry spell and financial strain while living in his cozy Connecticut home. His fortunes seem to take a turn when he receives a promising script from a student in his college seminar—one Sidney immediately recognizes as a potential Broadway hit. With his wife’s input, Sidney plans to propose a collaboration for shared credit. Or does he? Deathtrap is a masterful blend of gripping thriller and sharp comedy, packed with unexpected twists, clever deceit, and sudden shocks that keep audiences captivated until the final moment.

Where: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving

When: January 30 - February 1

Cost: $27 and up

More info: https://mainstageirving.com/deathtrap/

Denton Black Film Festival - VIRTUAL

The Denton Black Film Festival, established to address under-representation in film and media by amplifying Black stories and creatives, has evolved into the Denton Black Film Festival Institute, serving filmmakers of all backgrounds.

Where:  Alamo Drafthouse Denton, Campus Theater, and Margo Jones Performance Hall.

When: Virtually From January 26-February 2nd

Cost: Varies

More info: https://dbff25.eventive.org/welcome

Dinosaurs Live!

Visitors can explore a half-mile nature trail featuring eleven life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. The exhibit also includes interesting facts about various dinosaurs, stationary baby dinosaurs for kids to play on, and photo ops with a Tyrannosaurus rex and Pachyrhinosaurus. An outdoor hadrosaur fossil dig will inspire budding paleontologists. The exhibit is included with general admission and free for Heard Museum members.

Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney

When: August 31 - February 19, 2025

Cost: $9-$12

More info

FWSO: Musical Storytelling: Spano Conducts Scheherazade and The Rite of Spring

Who doesn’t love the story of 1,001 Arabian Nights? In Scheherazade, Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov used the full might of the symphony orchestra to retell a few of those tales. He eloquently uses the solo violin to represent the clever orator, Scheherazade, while the heavy brass portrays her merciless monarch, the Sultan. Balancing the program is another of music’s most famous tales, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, a ferocious story of sacrifice and rebirth where the orchestra and dancers share the stage.

Where: Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth

When: January 31-February 2

Cost: $26 and up

More Info

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, a tradition since 1896, offers 23 days of authentic Western experiences that showcase the best of Fort Worth. Highlights include the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament at Dickies Arena, the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and PBR's Last Cowboy Standing. Visitors can also enjoy livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly exhibits, live music, carnival rides, shopping, and great food, making it a true celebration of Western culture.

Where: Dickies Arena (and other sites), Fort Worth

When: Friday, January 17 -  February 8

Cost: Adults - $15 / Children Ages 6 to 16 - $8 / Children under 5 and under - free
Also - For $55, the 2025 Official Fort Worth Stock Show Souvenir Pin provides general admission access for all 23 days of the show

More info: https://www.fwssr.com/

Jim Gaffigan: Everything is Wonderful

Comedian Jim Gaffigan is in Fort Worth for three straight nights on his “Everything is Wonderful” tour.

Where: Will Rogers Auditorium, Fort Worth

When: January 30-February 1

Cost: $46 and up

More Info

Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour

Katt Williams' "Heaven on Earth Tour" is a stand-up comedy experience showcasing his signature blend of sharp social commentary, observational humor, and often controversial takes on current events. Known for his energetic delivery and distinctive style, Williams tackles topics ranging from pop culture and politics to everyday life and relationships.

Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie

When: Friday, January 31 at 8 p.m.

Cost: $64 and up

More Info: https://texastrustcutheatre.com/events/detail/?event_id=564732

Kumail Nanjiani: Doing This Again

From Silicon Valley to Hollywood and back to the stage, Kumail Nanjiani returns to his stand-up comedy roots in Dallas. Though known for his acting roles in projects like Welcome to Chippendales and his Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Big Sick, Nanjiani is reigniting his passion for live comedy, bringing his signature wit and insightful humor to audiences.

Where: Majestic Theatre, Dallas

When: Sunday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $29 and up

More Info: https://www.axs.com/events/731002/kumail-nanjiani-doing-this-again-tickets

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill

To honor Black History Month, Lyric Stage will present Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.  Presented at the Lyric Studios Space, with both general admission and reserved café tables. In 1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Billie Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime. Through her brilliant voice and sometimes haunting songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time shares her loves and her losses. The production is rated R.

Where: Lyric Stage, 1170 Quaker St, Dallas

When: January 31-February 2 / February 7-9 / February 14-16 / February 21-23

Cost: $30 - $50

More Info: https://www.lyricstage.org/season31

Luminosa: A Festival of Lights

Luminosa Dallas lights up Fair Park with over 100 dazzling sculptures crafted from steel and silk, creating a magical journey through rainforests, ancient civilizations, and fairy tales. Visitors of all ages can explore vibrant botanical scenes, cultural depictions of Mayan, Aztec, and Egyptian history, interactive photo ops, live performances, and delicious food. This awe-inspiring festival blends artistry, imagination, and culture for an unforgettable experience.

Where: Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas

When: January 29-February 2 / February 5-9 / February 12-16 / February 19-23 / February 26-March 2 / March 5-9 / March 12-16 / March 19 / March 20 / March 23 (Wed - Sun: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Cost: $22 and up

More Info: https://www.fairparkdallas.com/events/detail/a-festival-of-lights

Mania - The Abba Tribute

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute delivers a high-energy, authentic recreation of an ABBA concert experience. Featuring iconic costumes, dazzling stage presence, and note-perfect renditions of ABBA's timeless hits like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," and "Waterloo," MANIA transports audiences back to the height of ABBA's popularity. It's a nostalgic, sing-along celebration of the Swedish pop sensation's enduring music.

Where: Majestic Theater, 1925 Elm St, Dallas

When: Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $23 and up

More Info: https://maniatheshow.com/us/

Pink Sweat$

Pink Sweat$ brings his Welcome Home Tour with Special Guest Aqyila to Majestic Theatre in Dallas.
Where: Majestic Theatre, Dallas
When: Friday, January 31 at 8 p.m.

Cost: $29 and up

More info

Primary Trust

Kenneth lives in a small town in upstate New York. By day, he works at a local bookstore - by night, he sips mai tais at his favorite bar with his best friend Bert. But when Kenneth is unexpectedly laid off, the quiet life he knows is thrown into a tailspin, as he sets out on a journey of self-discovery. Courage gives way to transformation in this story about old friends, new beginnings, and the good in being there for one another.

Where: Stage West Theatre, 821 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth

When: Jan 30-Feb 2 / Feb 6-9 / Feb 13-16

Cost: $38 and up

More Info: https://stagewest.org/primary-trust

Shane

The classic Western tale of Shane rides onto the stage, bringing the story of a mysterious ex-gunfighter and the Wyoming family he protects to vivid life. Based on Jack Schaefer's novel and adapted by Karen Zacarías, this production explores the myths and values of the Wild West, featuring cowboys, gun violence, and saloon showdowns (recommended for ages 11+).

Where: Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas

When: Jan 31-Feb 2 / Feb 4-9 / Feb 11 / Feb 13-16 / Feb 19-23

Cost: $68 and up

More Info: https://dallastheatercenter.org/shows/shane/

She's Got Soul with Capathia Jenkins

"She's Got Soul" fuses the Richardson Symphony’s orchestral grandeur with the smooth soulful tapestry of R&B singer Capathia Jenkins. From Dolly Parton's ballad “I Will Always Love You” to Jim Weatherly's infectious “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Jenkin’s powerhouse vocals taps into the genre's emotional depth and raw energy, promising pure musical magic.

Where: Eisemann Center

When: Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $30 and up

More Info

The Temptations and The Four Tops

Get ready for a night of Motown magic! Two legendary groups, The Temptations and The Four Tops, are joining forces for a can't-miss concert in Grand Prairie on February 2nd. Expect a hit-filled evening featuring decades of iconic songs, smooth choreography, and unforgettable vocals. It's a chance to see these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers perform classics that have defined generations.

Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie

When: Sunday, February 2 at 6 p.m.

Cost: $49 and up

More info

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images