After a slew of music-heavy weekends in the Dallas area, some balance has been restored, with theater, film, art and comedy all figuring prominently in this weekend's docket. If you live for music, don't worry — you'll still be taken care of.
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, October 3
Patio Sessions: Somebody's Darling in concert with Ryan Thomas Becker
The AT&T Performing Arts Center started up its free Patio Sessions series in Sammons Park a few weeks ago, but we're just now getting to the time when the cool(er) weather can actually let you enjoy the music without sweating off half your body weight. This week, as usual, has two fantastic local acts performing — Somebody's Darling and Ryan Thomas Becker.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents The Lion King
Even though there are other shows coming later this year, The Lion King is technically the final show in Dallas Summer Musicals' 2013 season, and it's one that shouldn't be missed, even if you've seen it several times before. The Disney adaptation, which premiered on Broadway in 1997, is a big reason there are so many movies being made into musicals these days. It'll play at Music Hall at Fair Park through October 20.
Friday, October 4
Dallas Theater Center presents Clybourne Park
Dallas Theater Center started its 2013-2014 season several weeks ago with the fantastic A Raisin in the Sun, and now the vision will become complete with its companion piece, Clybourne Park. It's a must-see for anyone who saw the first play, as the themes, setting and several actors will make repeat appearances. Clybourne Park will alternate with A Raisin in the Sun at Wyly Theatre through October 27.
Dallas VideoFest 26: Expanded Cinema: MultipliCity
The 26th annual Dallas VideoFest doesn't officially get underway until October 9, but it's bringing back the popular Expanded Cinema, in which images are projected onto the side of the Omni Downtown Dallas Hotel, to drum up a little excitement. There's a watch party at Hickory House Barbecue off of Industrial Blvd. and then an after-party at the Texas Theatre.
Saturday, October 5
Crow Collection of Asian Art presents Garden Party and Street Festival
The Crow Collection of Asian Art will unveil its new Sculpture Garden with a Garden Party and Street Festival, featuring tours of the garden, a number of different art activities, live music, dancing, food trucks and more. The Sculpture Garden is the result of six years of planning and takes inspiration from a variety of Asian countries.
2013 Cattle Baron's Ball
The Cattle Baron's Ball is arguably the biggest event on the Dallas social calendar, as the movers and shakers get to go to Southfork Ranch to bust out their cowboy boots and hats, listen to some top notch music — this year's entertainment is country superstars Rascal Flatts — and help support a great cause, the American Cancer Society.
Dane Cook in concert
The popularity of Dane Cook has ebbed and flowed over the course of his career. In the mid-2000s, it was easy to make the case that he was probably the most popular comedian in the United States. But his momentum has slowed in recent years, to the point where he may be more popular with kids thanks to his starring voice role in Planes than he is with adults. He'll try to prove he's still got it at the Majestic Theatre.
Sunday, October 6
19th Annual Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride & Concert
Dallas native Stevie Ray Vaughan has been gone for over 23 years now, but the impact he made during his relatively short career continues to reverberate to this day, as evidenced by the annual Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride & Concert. Hundreds of motorcycles will caravan from downtown Dallas to Cowboys Dancehall in Arlington, where blues musicians will pay tribute the best way they know how.
The Mavericks in concert with the Michael Guerra Band
The Mavericks were one of the more popular country bands back in the 1990s, thanks to their fusion of different musical elements. But they went their separate ways in 2004, and are just now attempting a comeback. This is their second appearance at the Granada Theater in a year, but their first since their latest album, In Time, was released. The Michael Guerra Band will be the opening act.
The Lion King will play at Music Hall at Fair Park through October 20.
