One month down, 11 to go. January was gone in a flash, and now February brings in a nice variety of events, including two themed for the month itself. In addition, there will be a visit from a legendary musician, a new show from a Texas original, comedy and stories from a renowned actress, a new version of a horrifying story, and more.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, February 1
Commemorative Air Force presents "Rise Above"
The Commemorative Air Force will bring its “Rise Above” Traveling Exhibit back to Dallas Executive Airport for a free Black History Month program. The “Rise Above” Traveling Exhibit is a mobile movie theater showing the original 30-minute film, Rise Above, which tells the inspirational story of the Tuskegee Airmen and their struggle for civil rights and equality. The exhibit will be in town through February 16.
Barry Manilow in concert
Neil Diamond has retired from touring and Elton John soon will, so it's important to take advantage of the opportunity to see living legends like Barry Manilow when you have the chance. Manilow will play at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving in support of his new album, This is My Town: Songs of New York. He'll also perform some of his greatest hits like "Copacabana" and “Mandy.”
Kitchen Dog Theater presents Six Characters in Search of a Play
Sordid Lives creator Del Shores returns to Dallas for a limited engagement with his new one-man show, Six Characters in Search of a Play. For this hilarious and provocative piece, Shores riffs on Pirandello’s classic play to bring audiences six characters inspired by his real-life encounters that haven’t quite made it into one of Shores’ plays, films, or TV shows. The production will run at Trinity River Arts Center through Sunday.
Friday, February 2
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents The Labèque Sisters
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the French piano duo, the Labèque Sisters. Under the direction of Maestro Jaap van Zweden, the Labèque Sisters will play selections like Philip Glass’ Double Concerto for Two Pianos and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8. There will be two performances — one Friday and one Saturday — at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Vicki Lawrence & Mama
Though only 68 years old, Vicki Lawrence has been a celebrity for over 50 years, coming to fame in 1967 as part of the original cast of The Carol Burnett Show. It was on that show that she created the character of "Mama," which she has been performing in one form or another ever since. This show, at Arlington Music Hall, will feature a mix of stand-up comedy, music, and Lawrence's observations about real life.
Dallas Theater Center presents Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s 200-year-old horror story, widely regarded as the original science fiction novel, continues to challenge the modern imagination. When Dr. Frankenstein’s experiment goes horribly awry, he resolves to destroy the terrifying creature he has unleashed upon the world. But can he kill his own creation without becoming a monster himself? Dallas Theater Center will present the production at Kalita Humphreys Center through March 4.
Uptown Players presents A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of American musical theater as it takes the audience through the final grueling audition for a new Broadway musical. The classic musical provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. Uptown Players will put on three performances at Moody Performance Hall through Sunday.
Dua Lipa in concert
English singer Dua Lipa is already making history with her self-titled debut album. She is up for five Brit Awards, including Best Female Artist and Best Album, marking the first time a female artist has received five Brit Awards nominations. She also got two nominations for her hit, "New Rules," which was inescapable on both sides of the pond. She'll play at South Side Ballroom.
Saturday, February 3
Bruce Wood Dance presents Love, Bruce: A Valentine Cabaret
Bruce Wood Dance will present a romantic Valentine cabaret featuring Broadway's Brent Barrett and Joseph Thalken with the Bruce Wood dancers performing classic moonstruck favorites in sophisticated supper-club style. This performance, at Granada Theater, will help fund Bruce Wood Dance's 2018 community and education outreach initiatives.
Sunday, February 4
Nasher Sculpture Center presents "Paper Into Sculpture" closing day
Sunday is the final day to see Nasher Sculpture Center's exhibit, "Paper Into Sculpture." The artists in the exhibit treat paper as a material with a palpable three-dimensional presence, using processes ranging from tearing, crumpling, and cutting to scattering, binding, and adhering to create sculptural works that take a variety of forms, with a diverse range of expressive and conceptual implications.
Bruce Wood Dance presents Love, Bruce: A Valentine Cabaret at Granada Theater on February 3.
The Great Lawn at Halperin Park will be a prime viewing spot for the World Cup Watch Parties. Photo by Kathy Tran 
A giant soccer ball sculpture at Halperin Park will be a great selfie opportunity during their World Cup Watch Parties. Photo courtesy of Halperin Park