Now that March has arrived, it's officially festival season in Dallas-Fort Worth. In addition to two festivals that will take advantage of the stellar weather we're enjoying, you can attend the first showings of a Tony Award-winning play, a new opera, concerts from R&B stars young and old, and a performance by one of the world's biggest dancing stars.
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 3
George W. Bush Presidential Center presents Path to the Presidency
Just what does it take to get elected as President of the United States? At the new Path to the Presidency exhibit, on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center through October 9, visitors can see campaign and election-related memorabilia, including documents, photographs, and artifacts from the library and museum’s holdings, as well as items from other presidential libraries.
Dallas Theater Center presents All the Way
Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Texas native Robert Schenkkan, All the Way is a suspenseful new play about one of the most powerful Texans, Lyndon B. Johnson, from the moment of his sudden ascension to the presidency in 1963 to his hard-won landslide election a year later. A co-production with Houston's Alley Theatre, at which the same cast recently wrapped a month-long run, the play will be put on by Dallas Theater Center at Wyly Theatre through April 3.
Friday, March 4
Southwest Celtic Music Association presents The North Texas Irish Festival
The annual North Texas Irish Festival, themed Legends and Legacy this year, will highlight some of the legends of Irish music, including crowd favorites Altan and Solas, among other featured performers from around the world. The festival, running through Sunday at Fair Park, also features dancing, cultural presentations, traditional Irish food, drinks, a kids zone, and more.
Dallas Opera presents Manon
The penultimate production of Dallas Opera's 2015-2016 season, Manon is set in late-18th century France and is a timeless tale of young love and the allure of life’s unavoidable temptations. Can a woman with a taste for the best things in life sacrifice it all for the one man whose love is both unconditional and never-ending? The opera will play four times at Winspear Opera House through March 12.
Mavis Staples in concert with Nick Lowe
R&B/gospel singer Mavis Staples is a music legend, having been a force in the industry since her debut album in 1969. She never really stopped producing music, but she's enjoyed a resurgence in the 21st century, releasing five albums in the past 12 years, including the just-released Livin' on a High Note. She'll play at The Kessler on both Friday and Saturday, with help from Nick Lowe.
Andra Day in concert
Leon Bridges may hold the title for hottest soul singer in the country right now, but R&B/soul singer Andra Day is hot on his heels. Day released her debut album, Cheers to the Fall, in 2015, for which she earned two Grammy nominations, including one for her hit song, "Rise Up." She'll play at the Granada Theater with help from opening act Desi Valentine.
Saturday, March 5
2016 All Out Trinity
All Out Trinity is a daylong event designed to get people moving. It starts off with the Trinity River Levee Run, and continues with a variety of fitness activities on the Continental Avenue Bridge, West Dallas Gateway, and Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Among the activities are cycling, yoga, boxing, a shopping marketplace, and more.
Michael Flatley - Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games
Following his acclaimed Broadway debut, Michael Flatley will bring the Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games tour to Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie. Flatley himself will headline in what will mark his final onstage appearances as a performer following a remarkable 20-year run as the creator and star of the Lord of the Dance franchise.
Sunday, March 6
W Dallas Victory presents W Fashion Closet
The W Dallas Victory Hotel and Luxury Garage Sale will present an exclusive pop-up shop, at which you can peruse one-of-a-kind finds from designers like Chanel, Hermes, Celine, and more. Enjoy beats by DJ Ducati and complimentary champagne while you mix, mingle, and shop chic finds at the spring soiree.
Michael Flatley will bring the Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games tour to Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on March 5.
