Things to do around DFW: May 20 - 23

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

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/

Billy Bob’s Concerts - Gary Allen

Country music superstar Gary Allen is at Billy Bob’s this weekend.

Where: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth

When: Friday 10 p.m., Saturday 10 p.m.

Cost: $25 - $85

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

Cowtown Fair at Texas Motor Speedway

It’s fair time at Texas Motor Speedway. The Cowtown Fair features: State Fair quality Carnival Rides & Games, a Petting Zoo, the Jurassic Kingdom, White Tigers, the Flores Thrill Show, and Fair Food.

Where: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth

When: Now through May 30; 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Cost: $10 adults / $5 for seniors/kids -- All-day ride passes: $25

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

Dallas Arboretum’s Summer of Sculpture: ZimSculpt

The Dallas Arboretum presents the return of the international blockbuster exhibit ZimSculpt, a world-renowned collection of hand-selected, modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures. ZimSculpt features the talent of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected, exquisite sculptures artfully displayed throughout the garden. These contemporary pieces, created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.

And remember, the arboretum’s Cool Thursday Concert Series is back every Thursday night during the warm weather months. Bands perform on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn overlooking White Rock Lake.

Where: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas

When: Daily through August 8

Cost: $12-$17

More info:  https://www.dallasarboretum.org/event/summer-of-sculpture-zimsculpt/

Dallas Museum of Art: “Frida Kahlo: Five Works”

The Dallas Museum of Art presents "Frida Kahlo: Five Works," giving visitors the rare opportunity to see five exquisite works by the acclaimed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Since her death in 1954, Kahlo’s deeply emotional and vibrant paintings have garnered ever-increasing attention, transforming the celebrated artist into a global cultural phenomenon.

Where: 1717 N Harwood, Dallas

When: Daily through June 20

Cost: Free

More info: https://dma.org/art/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-five-works

Dallas Opera - Free Outdoor Concert

Join the Dallas Opera for a special free outdoor presentation of Broadway showtunes and operatic showstoppers. Soprano Deanna Breiwick, mezzo Sasha Cooke, and baritone Lucas Meachem will team up with the Dallas Opera Orchestra, led by music director Emmanuel Villaume.

Where: Annette Strauss Square, 2403 Flora St, Dallas

When: Friday, 7:30p.m. - Rain Date: Saturday

Cost: Free

More info: https://dallasopera.org/

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, May 21 - 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.

Also at the Garden, you can check out "Sean Kenney's Nature Connects Made with Lego Bricks" through Aug. 1, 2021. This exhibit includes 15 builds, like a colorful hummingbird drinking from a trumpet vine blossom, a butterfly sitting on a blooming flower, a family of ducks, and more.

Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth

When: Daily through June 30

Cost: $6 - $12

More info: https://bit.ly/3vZco7u

Fort Worth Foto Fest

Fort Worth Foto Fest is an annual festival of photography that began in 2015. Go to their website to check out all the events photographers can participate in this weekend to hang with other photogs, take some great shots, and expand their knowledge. It concludes with the Photo Expo and Sale on Saturday at Fort Worth Camera (1600 Montgomery St.).

Where: Various locations in/around Fort Worth

When: May 20 - May 22

Cost: Free

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

Frisco Fair 2021

Now that Texas has safely opened up, the Frisco Fair is coming back with a bang! From May 20 — June 6, 2021, fans of the Texas State Fair can come to Frisco for carnival rides, midway games, live music, arts and crafts, a cocktail tent, and of course…FAIR FOOD! The Frisco Fair is doubling the number of rides this year? There will be over 40 carnival rides, including a giant Ferris Wheel and a roller coaster!

Where: 9215 John W. Elliott, Frisco

When: Now through June 6

Cost: Free admission, pay to eat/play/ride (rides start at $4)

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

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

If/Then She Can Exhibit at Northpark Centre

The exhibit, sponsored by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, stands outside Northpark Centre in the CenterPark Garden. It’s a monumental exhibit of the most women statues ever assembled in one location. This first-of-its-kind, life-sized statue exhibit of more than 120 Ambassadors hailing from more than 40 states is free to the public. All these women are in STEM careers. Visitors can scan a QR code to learn about each one of the unique contributors. The exhibit is sure to be inspirational to young women and men alike.

Where: CenterPark Garden, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas

When: Daily through October 24

Cost: Free

More info: https://ifthenexhibit.org/

Lone Star Classic Corvette Show

The Classic is held at Texas Motor Speedway. Highlights are the Autocross, Roamin' Roanoke Scavenger Hunt, Friday Cruise, Judged and Show N Shine Car Shows, Hot Wheels Races, Silent and Live Auction, and unlimited laps on the TMS Oval Track and Road Course.

Where: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth

When: Friday and Saturday

Cost: Free to look...but you’ve got to register to show your car

More info: https://lsclassic.clubexpress.com/

Pegasus Film Festival

The largest student-run film festival in the U.S. is virtual for the second year in a row. The Pegasus Film Festival is a creative outlet for students all over the world. Now in its sixth year, the Pegasus Film Festival, will be held online Saturday night.  Students around the globe from kindergarten through graduating high school seniors will be able to view their work along with their family and friends.

Where: Virtual

When: Saturday, May 22 - 7 p.m.

Cost: $6

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

Pop! By Snowday at Galleria Dallas

Looking for that perfect photo op? Pop! Just opened at Galleria Dallas. There are unique photo opportunities for guests to have fun, strike a pose, and snap a picture - including 7 extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting. The retro-style themes will have you looking like you’ve gone back in time to capture stunning moments.

Where: Galleria Dallas

When: Daily through September 6

Cost: $22 to $32

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

Rangers Games

The Rangers’ bring in the Astros for a three game set this weekend. Remember, the brand new Globe Life Field is open to 100% capacity. No rainouts this year because of the retractable roof. AND masks are now optional.

Where: Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr, Arlington

When: Friday at 7:05 p.m., Saturday at 3:05 p.m., Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

Cost: Varies

More info: https://www.mlb.com/rangers

Rainbow Vomit presents: Sanctuary

The immersive art exhibit, Rainbow Vomit, has reopened its doors for public and private tours on a newly imagined experience titled “Sanctuary.” This creative refuge will transport guests to a new realm of visual splendor and relaxation that combines many mediums of art into a fun and moving artistic experience. This gallery is great for all ages.

Where: Rainbow Vomit, 3609 Parry Ave, Dallas

When: Daily through December 19

Cost: $17 - $40

More info: https://rainbowvomit.com/

Scarborough Renaissance Festival

Just a couple weeks are left to enjoy the  40th Season of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. This weekend the Legends of the Seas come alive...so they’re celebrating mermaids, pirates, all that fun stuff. There are costume contests for adults and kids.

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/

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/

LISTEN on the Audacy App

Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD

Facebook | Twitter

Featured Image Photo Credit: GEttyImages