The events in and around Dallas this weekend are a nice mixture of high culture and pop culture. You can see one opera production in its natural setting, or see another in an unusual location. You can enjoy some classical music, or enjoy a concert by a classic rock star. And you can hear a conversation about the biggest musical in the world right now, or watch a performance honoring an iconic TV show.
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 16
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Brahms 2
The latest concert from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, playing at Meyerson Symphony Center through Sunday, features violinist Alexander Kerr. Kerr is being showcased during Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1, and the symphony is also taking on the distinctive richness of harmony and rhythm of Brahms' ingenious Second Symphony.
Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment
Many of your favorite Disney characters are represented during Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment, which is at American Airlines Center through Sunday. There are high-speed stunts with Lightning McQueen; underwater adventures with Ariel; heroic action with Buzz, Woody, and Jessie from Toy Story; and fun in the wintery world of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff from Frozen.
Friday, March 17
Dallas Opera presents The Turn of the Screw
The latest from the Dallas Opera, The Turn of the Screw, is a dark and gripping 19th-century tale based on the atmospheric novel by Henry James. Playing four times through March 25 at Winspear Opera House, it follows a governess who sees what she believes to be a ghost after being hired to care for two children. Her vision leads to a number of chilling revelations about former employees and the children themselves.
Saturday, March 18
House of Blues Dallas presents Local Brews, Local Grooves
This event, taking place throughout the House of Blues Dallas, features 15 breweries, 18 bands on four stages, and delectable food pairings. Bands performing include The Mastersons, the Funky Knuckles, Dead Flowers, the Buffalo Ruckus, and many others. There's also over 45 beers to sample, an outdoor party plaza, food pairings, vendors, contests, prizes, games, and more. As this is a beer-centric event, it's only for those 21 and over.
Dallas Opera presents Madame Butterfly simulcast
The Dallas Opera is moving its annual free simulcast event from Klyde Warren Park to The Star in Frisco. The classic Italian opera Madame Butterfly is being simulcast live from the Winspear Opera House. The program is hosted by KLUV Radio’s Jody Dean, and activities include a Family Fun Zone, contests, behind-the-scenes interviews, and a WB Classics cartoon. The event starts at 4:30 pm, and the opera simulcast begins at 7:30 pm.
George W. Bush Presidential Center presents "Engage Conversation: Hamilton’s America"
Christopher Jackson, who was nominated for a Tony Award for originating the role of George Washington in Broadway’s Hamilton, takes part in a conversation on the phenomenon that has propelled Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers into the pop culture mainstream. Jackson is joined by filmmaker Alex Horwitz, director of the PBS special Hamilton’s America, and Yale historian and Hamilton expert Joanne Freeman. If you don't have a ticket for the sold-out event, you can watch via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/thebushcenter.
Off Broadway on Flora: One Woman Sex and the City: A Parody on Love, Friendship, and Shoes
This loving tribute and send-up takes audiences through a laughter-infused version of all six seasons of the beloved Sex and the City. Comedic whirling dervish Kerry Ipema brings all the favorite characters to life at Wyly Theatre as they brunch, banter, argue, support each other, and swoon over men and Manolos. There will be puns, cosmopolitans, and audience participation.
Sunday, March 19
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo in concert
Fans know and love Pat Benatar for hit songs like "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Love Is a Battlefield," "We Belong," and more. The name Neil Giraldo may not be as familiar, but the guitarist was a key player in Benatar's band during her prime in the 1980s, and he also happens to be her husband. The two are playing a special acoustic concert at Majestic Theatre.
Kerry Ipema performs in One Woman Sex and the City: A Parody on Love, Friendship, and Shoes at Wyly Theatre on March 18.
Jerry Jones has good reason to give a thumbs up. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images 