Top-ranked athletes in Cutting, Reining, and Reined Cow Horse will compete in the third edition of The American Performance Horseman on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Now a standalone event, it brings together 24 elite competitors in both individual and team formats, with eight teams each made up of one rider from each discipline. With $1 million on the line, the competition marks one of the most intense and respected days in Western equine sport. This year also features a concert from Brothers Osborne, with floor-level access available through a ticket upgrade to the Dust Kicker zone.
Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, July 19 at 6 p.m.
Cost: $41 and up
The annual Basically Beethoven Festival showcases three chamber music concerts featuring top Dallas professionals and rising young talent. On July 20, "Café Music" will spotlight the Lakeway Chamber Players & Friends, along with Teaching Artists Crystal Haynes (soprano) and Kenoly Kadia (piano). The July 27 concert, "Septet," features an all-local Dallas ensemble and highlights pianist Tinashe McGowan as the Rising Star performer.
Where: Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas
When: Sunday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Billy Bob's: Xtreme Knockout MMA by XKO (Thursday) / Bri Bagwell (Friday) / Eric Gales (Saturday)
Where: Billy Bob's Fort Worth
When: Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 10 p.m., Saturday at 10 p.m.
Cost: $18 - $35 for concerts / $45 - $100 for MMA event
Buzzed! is a wild, pop-rock musical set in the late '50s, where Cold War panic meets a bizarre bee crisis. As mating bees vanish, two nerdy science students race to save the species with a pheromone called Bee-agra—but things go hilariously wrong. Swarms turn steamy, chaos erupts on campus, and our unlikely heroes must dodge the military, fix their formula, and maybe even fall in love.
Where: Theatre Three, 2688 Laclede St, Dallas
When: July 17-20 / July 24-27
Cost: $20
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This charming adaptation of Roald Dahl's whimsical story of five lucky "golden ticket" winners who are admitted into a mysterious chocolate factory features memorable songs including "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination."
Where: Theatre Denton, 214 W Hickory St, Denton
When: July 17-20 / July 25-27
Cost: $20 - $27
The Dallas Summer Boat Show is North Texas' biggest event for boating enthusiasts, showcasing the latest 2025 models and marine tech. Over 80 top dealers and brands—including Yamaha, Bennington, Regal, and Cobalt—will be on-site with pontoons, wake boats, cruisers, and more. Guests can enjoy walk-throughs, expert demos, and exclusive show-only deals, with pros available to help find the perfect fit for any lifestyle or budget.
Where: Dallas Market Hall, Dallas
When: July 17-20
Cost: $8 - $15 / Kids under 5 are free
Discover the magic of spring at the Dallas Zoo's newest attraction, I Spy Butterflies—a walk-through garden filled with fluttering wings, blooming wildflowers, and hands-on fun. Nestled in the newly transformed Wildflower Ridge, this colorful exhibit lets you wander through a lush, pollinator-friendly landscape where hundreds of live butterflies take flight around you. It's a feast for the senses and a chance to learn about these vital creatures from on-site experts. You'll also find a new nature-inspired play area and the charming Monarch Express mini-train nearby—all included with your zoo admission.
Where: Dallas Zoo, 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas
When: Daily through October 26
Cost: Included with general admission
Dallas Safari Club Convention & Sporting Expo
The inaugural DSC Summer Expo & Gala at the Gaylord Texan Resort brings together outdoor enthusiasts, conservation advocates, and industry leaders for a three-day celebration. The event features a dynamic expo with top outfitters, gear makers, and conservation partners, along with banquets and auctions throughout the weekend. Whether you're a dedicated hunter, a conservation supporter, or simply looking for a fun summer outing, the 2025 DSC Summer Expo & Gala promises something for everyone.
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine
When: Thursday, July 17 - Saturday, July 19
Cost: 1-Day: $25 / 2-Day: $45 / 3-Day: $60 / First Responders & Military: FREE (with valid ID) / 16 & under: FREE
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Inspired by true events, Everybody's Talking About Jamie celebrates acceptance, belonging, and the power of unconditional love a mother has for her child. Everybody's Talking about Jamie tells the inspiring story of Jamie New, a sixteen-year-old boy from Sheffield who dreams of becoming a drag queen.
Where: Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas
When: July 18-20 / July 24-27 / July 31 - August 3
Cost: $50 - $70
Cracking Art at the garden exhibit features 80 large animal sculptures made from regenerated plastic. Designed to captivate all ages, it blends creativity with a powerful message, inspiring joy and conversations about sustainability.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth
When: Now - September 1
Cost: Adult - $15 / Child (6-15) - $6 / 5 and under Free
It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!
Where: Stolen Shakespeare Guild, 3623 Decatur Ave, Fort Worth
When: July 18-20 / July 24-27
Cost: $20
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest tells the story of two men who assume the identities of a fictional man named Ernest. This leads them to fall in love and encounter an assortment of problems along the way.
Where: Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas
When: July 16-18
Cost: $15 and up
Kansas and 38 Special in Concert
Where: The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory, Irving
When: Sunday, July 20 at 6 p.m.
Cost: $67 and up
Moon Day at Frontiers of Flight Museum
The Frontiers of Flight Museum will host its 17th Annual Moon Day, a celebration of the Apollo 11 landing and a tribute to the history and future of space exploration. The event features space-themed exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational presentations designed for all ages, offering a family-friendly experience that inspires curiosity and discovery.
Where: Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas
When: Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $15 - $20 for museum admission
Sardines! Sardines! Called "the funniest farce ever written," Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe's production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening performance, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind-the-scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. A side-splitting backstage farce with slamming doors, falling trousers, and flying sardines!
Where: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving
When: July 18-20 / July 25-27 / July 31-August 2
Cost: $27 and up
Loosely adapted from Homer's epic, Odysseus and Penelope follows the legendary warrior on his perilous journey home from war, while his courageous wife Penelope fights to keep their household intact. With live original music, a cast of professional and student actors, and accomplished musicians, this fresh retelling infuses the classic tale with heart, tension, and timeless reflections on endurance, loyalty, and love.
Where: The Addison, 15650 Addison Rd., Addison
When: July 18-20 / July 24-27
Cost: $10-15, $20 reserved seating
In this reimagining of Shakespeare's Othello, the legendary general stands at the height of his influence—celebrated by Venice and newly married to the noble Desdemona. Unbeknownst to him, his decision to overlook his servant Iago for a promotion has set a cunning and vengeful plot in motion. This production puts a modern spin on the classic tragedy, transporting the story to an alternate version of the 1990s, where the Venetian empire reigns as the dominant global force in politics, military might, and commerce.
Where: Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas
When: July 19-20
Cost: $15 and up
Where: Dos Equis Pavilion, 1818 1st Ave, Dallas
When: Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $55 and up
Perot Museum – "Bug Lab: A Journey into the World of Insect Ingenuity"
What if the planet's smallest geniuses could share their biggest secrets? Bug Lab is a captivating exhibition exploring the remarkable genius of insects, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the world from a bug's perspective. It's opening this weekend at the Perot Museum. Visitors can explore immersive bug chambers, test their reflexes at interactive adaptation stations, and examine real specimens in hands-on labs—all while discovering the incredible abilities, behaviors, and science behind the insect world.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
When: Daily TFN
Cost: $15-$25
SPARK! Dallas presents Prismatic: Fantastical Realms, an immersive art pop-up created by local teens in partnership with Meow Wolf Grapevine. The exhibit features six vibrant, interactive spaces—from crystal caverns to underwater worlds—each themed by color. Open weekends through September 7, it marks SPARK!'s 10th anniversary and celebrates youth creativity.
Where: SPARK! Dallas, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #004, Dallas
When: Weekends through September 7
Cost: $25 and up
Rick Springfield + Guests - I Want My '80s Tour
Where: Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas
When: Sunday, July 20 at 7 p.m.
Cost: $55 and up
Get ready for music under the stars! Rockwall's annual Concert by the Lake series is back with free live performances on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and your favorite snacks—or grab dinner from nearby restaurants offering a range of tasty options. July 17: Dunn & Brooks keeps it country with a tribute to Brooks & Dunn. July 24: Bad Moon Rising channels the swampy soul of Creedence Clearwater Revival. July 31: David Whiteman Band wraps up the month with a high-energy party set.
Where: The Harbor Rockwall, 2059 Summer Lee Dr, Rockwall
When: Thursday nights in July at 7 p.m. (July 17, July 24, July 31)
Cost: Free
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (Youth Edition)
This charming, timeless musical brings the beloved fairy tale to life with whimsical characters and memorable songs like "In My Own Little Corner" and "Impossible" that will leave audiences humming long after the curtain falls.
Where: Dallas Children's Theater, 5938 Skillman St, Dallas
When: July 18-20
Cost: $18 - $23
Step into a vibrant blue world at The Smurf Experience, an interactive indoor adventure spanning 13,000 square feet of fun. This immersive playground invites guests to shrink down to Smurf size and take on a mission to stop the wicked Gargamel. As you journey through Smurf Village, the Enchanted Forest, and the villain's hideout, you'll tackle obstacle courses, join scavenger hunts, dive into virtual reality, and meet your favorite Smurf characters along the way.
Where: Esports Stadium Arlington, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: Daily through August 11 / Mon - Sun: 10:00am - 8:30pm
Cost: $30 and up
The 2025 Solar Car Challenge will bring 27 high school teams from across the country—including 13 from Texas—to Texas Motor Speedway, where about 300 students will race the solar-powered cars they've spent the past year or more building from scratch. Over four days, teams will compete to see who can travel the greatest distance in their category. Spectators are welcome to watch from the Speedway's infield, entering through the South tunnel, and are advised to wear closed-toed shoes and wide-brimmed hats.
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
When: July 20-23
Cost: Free
'til Midnight at Nasher Sculpture Center
'til Midnight at the Nasher brings live music and movie nights to the Nasher Garden, showcasing standout regional artists under the stars. Guests can stroll through the galleries on guided tours, explore special exhibitions, and enjoy bites and drinks from the Nasher Café by Wolfgang Puck. Bar service and grab-and-go snacks are available throughout the evening. On Friday night July 18: performances by Runaway Sky, Mitchell Ferguson, and Angel White.
Where: Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St, Dallas
When: Friday, July 18 from 6 p.m. - Midnight
Cost: Free
Embark on an immersive, interactive tour of the Titanic with vast, jaw-dropping recreations of the ship's interior and exterior. Visit the dock from where the Titanic first sailed, explore the galleries and boiler room, take a look inside a millionaire's suite, stroll the exterior promenade deck under a starry night sky, and see the Grand Staircase with your own eyes.
Where: Pepper Square, 14856 Preston Rd, Dallas
When: Through Labor Day
Cost: $30 and up
Gaylord Texan Resort and Warner Bros. Discovery present Universe of Light—a dazzling walkthrough attraction featuring over 1,000 glowing lanterns and 40 iconic DC Super Heroes and Villains. Created by artisans from Zigong, China, the display transforms the resort into larger-than-life scenes from Gotham City, Themyscira, and Metropolis. Guests can snap photos inside the Batmobile, witness Superman vs. Lex Luthor overhead, explore interactive areas, and meet DC characters—all open to resort guests and day visitors alike.
Where: Gaylord Texan, Grapevine
When: Daily through September 1
Cost: $25
Unveiling Echoes: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Immerse yourself in a transformative journey of self-discovery with Unveiling Echoes. This immersive show seamlessly blends poetry, dance, theater, and music, transcending boundaries to celebrate resilience, transformation, and embracing authenticity.
Where: Hammon Hall at Winspear Opera House, Dallas
When: July 17-19 (7:30 p.m. each night)
Cost: $35
THE WIZ returns "home" to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway – from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping '70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy's journey to find her place in a contemporary world. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
Where: Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St, Fort Worth
When: July 15-20
Cost: $50 and up
In the near future, Jane takes advantage of a new AI technology that would extend her lifespan...even if she's not around to see it for herself. This world premiere asks us to consider the new and difficult questions humans may face as new technologies emerge. A play about relationships, the nature of self, and what may or may not remain of us when we leave this life behind.
Where: Second Thought Theatre, 3400 Blackburn St, Dallas
When: July 17-21 / July 24-26
Cost: $30
