Weekend Event Planner

Bomb Factory grand reopening tops best weekend events in Dallas

For those feeling nostalgic for the 1990s or anyone who wants to get a sneak peek at the next big venue in Dallas, the newly reopened Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum is the place to be this weekend. If that's doesn't move you, there is still a great mixture of events throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.

Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, March 26

Disney on Ice: Frozen
Just when you thought the mania of Disney's Frozen had died down, they suck you back in with a new short film before Cinderella, an announcement of a sequel and now Frozen on ice. The show, taking place multiple times at American Airlines Center through Sunday, provides an ideal setting for Anna, Elsa, Olaf and other characters to re-create the blockbuster story.

Dallas Holocaust Museum presents Upstander Speaker Series: Michael Sam
The impact of Michael Sam on the National Football League was minimized by the fact that Sam, who announced he was gay prior to the 2014 NFL draft, failed to make the active roster of any team. But his is still an inspirational story, one that he recounts during this special event at Communities Foundation of Texas. Dale Hansen makes the introduction.

Erykah Badu in concert with Sarah Jaffe
There's no better way to bring back the Bomb Factory than with an artist with a lot of Dallas history herself. Dallas native Erykah Badu, who's rumored to be releasing a new album later this year, is the new/old venue's first headliner, with support from Sarah Jaffe, another local who's on the rise.

Friday, March 27

2015 DFW Auto Show
If you're in the market for a new car or truck, then you will want to peruse the offerings at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, the host of the annual DFW Auto Show. Lasting through Sunday and featuring more than half a million square feet of cars, trucks and SUVs, you can't help but go home with that new car smell all over you.

TITAS presents Diavolo
Thanks in part to shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, the art form seems to be more popular than ever. But you've probably never seen anything like Diavolo, which uses large interactive sets and a variety of dance techniques to put on a show featuring both beautiful technique and jaw-dropping acrobatics. The troupe has another show at Dallas City Performance Hall on Saturday.

Saturday, March 28

Betty Buckley in concert
Fort Worth native Betty Buckley, who won a Tony Award for the classic musical Cats, returns home for two special shows. Taking place in the smaller McDavid Studio at Bass Performance Hall, the concerts includes many of Buckley's favorite songs as well as ones from her new album, Ghostlight. The album features a song written by Mary Chapin Carpenter, who just so happens to be playing in the main Bass hall the same night.

Toadies in concert with Brutal Juice and Baboon
Thanks to events like Dia de los Toadies and others, the Toadies haven't exactly been absent from the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene in recent years. But their being a part of the reopening of the Bomb Factory feels appropriate, as does appearances by throwback local bands Brutal Juice and Baboon.

Sunday, March 29

Screening of The Fast and the Furious and Fast & Furious 6
In advance of the release of Furious 7 on Friday, April 3, which could possibly be the last film in the series, the Granada Theater shows a double feature of the original Fast and the Furious and the penultimate film, Fast & Furious 6. As with other recent screenings, tickets are just $3 apiece, with shots and beer specials also at $3.

Pentatonix in concert
Fans of Pentatonix are about to get as much of the a cappella group as they can handle. First is this concert at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, where they sing in support of their second album, PTX Volume 2. If you can't make this date, you can also see them in August, when they open for Kelly Clarkson at Gexa Energy Pavilion.

Erykah Badu, along with Sarah Jaffe, plays the first concert at the resurrected Bomb Factory on March 26.

Photo courtesy of Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu, along with Sarah Jaffe, plays the first concert at the resurrected Bomb Factory on March 26.

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Store closure

Beloved Dallas boat and kayak shop Mariner Sails to close after 50 years

Facebook/Mariner Sails

Mariner Sails will be missed by boaters, kayakers, and fishermen.

After more than five decades serving North Texas paddlers, sailors, and watersports enthusiasts, Dallas watercraft store Mariner Sails is coming into harbor for good.

Founder and owner Aris Tsamis announced the store closure in an email to customers and on the shop website, saying he has decided to retire after more than 50 years in business.

Located at 11110 N. Stemmons Fwy. in north Dallas, Mariner Sails has long been a go-to for kayaks, canoes, sailboats, paddleboards, accessories, repairs, and expert advice. Over the years, the store built a loyal following among everyone from competitive racers to casual weekend paddlers.

"Thank you for your business and support for over 50 years," Tsamis wrote to customers. "We have been fortunate to navigate the retail and service world for over 50 years, and we couldn't have done it without you."

Mariner Sails was known for stocking hard-to-find inventory and taking the time to personally assist customers with questions, purchases, and even helping them load up new watercraft to haul home. As a fun tradition, they took photos of happy customers standing next to their new boats and kayaks outside the store and posted them to their Facebook page.

Tsamis credited customers for helping sustain the business since 1975 and for creating a community centered around life on the water.

"You are the reason we have worked for so many years to help make sure our watersports community can get on the water and enjoy the peace, the competition, the comradery, the friendships, and the satisfaction of being on the water," he said.

Social media posts about the closure have drawn more than 100 comments from longtime customers recounting experiences buying watercraft or seeking expertise on parts and repairs. One likened it to "a death in the family." Others wonder why no one has stepped in to buy the business.

While calling the decision bittersweet, Tsamis said retirement will allow him to spend more time enjoying the sports he has spent a career supporting.

"I'm going to miss my Mariner Sails family and friends, and I have enjoyed every minute of my time with you," he wrote. "On the flip side, I'm very excited about the opportunity to get out on the water more and enjoy the sports we all love."

In news that softens the blow just slightly, the closure means the launch of a major liquidation sale. Mariner Sails closed its doors to customers June 9-10 to prepare for the event, with the store-closing sale beginning Thursday, June 11. Tsamis described it as the company's "biggest, best, and FINAL SALE," adding that "everything MUST GO."

The sale will take place in-store only, with additional details expected through the company's email and social media channels. (The website will not show sale pricing, they note.) Customers are encouraged to shop early for the best selection. Doors will open at the regular time of 9 am June 11.

"Our doors will be closing forever soon, so please visit us and help celebrate our time together," Tsamis said.

No final closing date has been announced, but a Facebook post says it'll be "a few short weeks."

"It has been my privilege to be a part of your watersports community," Tsamis wrote. "We here at Mariner Sails wish you all the time on the water you can stand!"

boats shopping sale closings