The first weekend in February brings an eclectic group of events that hit on multiple fronts. There's a highly topical appearance by a well known celebrity, the start of an award-winning musical, two big-name concerts, monster trucks on the loose, and, as always at the beginning of February, the Super Bowl.
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, February 2
Dallas Holocaust Museum/SMU Embrey Human Rights Program present Upstander Speaker Series: George Takei
Born to Japanese-American parents, George Takei speaks openly about his childhood experiences during World War II when he and his family were forced to relocate to internment camps in Arkansas and northern California. Best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Sulu in the Star Trek television series and movies, Takei will talk about his career and his role as a civil rights advocate.
Dallas Museum of Art presents Carey Young: "The New Architecture" opening day
The Dallas Museum of Art will present the world debut of Palais de Justice (2017), a new video work by London-based artist Carey Young, together with a selection of new and existing photographic and text-based works. "The New Architecture" is Carey Young's first solo museum show in the U.S. and samples a decade of Young’s practice. On opening day at 2 pm, Young will participate in a conversation with Dr. Michael Corris, professor at the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. The exhibition will be on display through April 2.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents An American in Paris
An American in Paris is a Tony Award-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. The production, playing at the Music Hall at Fair Park through February 12, brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin.
Friday, February 3
2017 DFW Winter Boat Expo
The DFW Boat Expo, the largest boating event in North Texas, has over 650 all-new 2017 boat and watercraft models on display and available for purchase from 20 North Texas boat dealers. Nearly 150 different vendors will have booths at Dallas Market Hall during the expo, which runs February 2-5 and 9-12.
Foreigner in concert
With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world. The band, which plays at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, is responsible for some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “Juke Box Hero,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” and “I Want To Know What Love Is."
Eric Church in concert
Country singer Eric Church is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the genre right now thanks to five hit albums and a slew of hits like "Drink in My Hand," "Springsteen," "Give Me Back My Hometown," "Talladega," and "Record Year." Church plays at American Airlines Center in support of his 2015 album, Mr. Misunderstood.
Saturday, February 4
Monster Jam 2017
Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that are built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, capable of going up to 100 miles per hour. The trucks will take on a dirt track set up inside AT&T Stadium, flying up to 130 feet in distance and 35 feet in the air.
Sunday, February 5
Super Bowl LI Watch Party
There is no shortage of places to watch the Big Game between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons, but this watch party at the Bomb Factory sounds especially fun. The event will feature a 30-foot HD big screen, food from Wiles BBQ, drink specials, and prize giveaways each quarter. The party is hosted by Donovan Lewis from 1310 The Ticket.
George Takei will speak at McFarlin Auditorium on February 2.
