The last weekend in April is full of great options around Dallas-Fort Worth, including movies, theater, art, music and comedy. With great weather expected every day, there's no excuse for not getting out and taking in at least one of them.
Below are your 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, April 24
Film Festival Mania
Movie lovers will have plenty of opportunities to indulge their passion this weekend, as both the John Wayne Film Festival at LOOK Cinemas and USA Film Festival at Angelika Film Center Dallas take place through Sunday. The former, of course, celebrates the filmography of Wayne with 11 different movies and visits by Wayne relatives and Ann-Margaret. The latter has been going on since Tuesday and features in-person appearances by people like Stephen Tobolowsky, Ed Harris, Fionnula Flanagan, Linda Gray and more.
Turtle Creek Chorale presents Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd
Turtle Creek Chorale and Uptown Players are teaming up for what promises to be a unique experience: a presentation of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. More than 150 actors and singers perform the macabre musical, playing four times through Saturday at Dallas City Performance Hall. Let's just hope that they're not serving pie at the snack bar.
Friday, April 25
2014 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival
First Deep Ellum and Fort Worth put on festivals showcasing art and music, and now Denton has its chance. This festival, taking place through Sunday at Quakertown Park, is heavy on the jazz part of the title, as more than 2,000 musicians perform on six separate stages, headlined by Al Jarreau, The Quebe Sisters Band, Asleep at the Wheel and Brave Combo. Also expect demonstrations of art, dance, choirs, storytellers, theater and more at this free event.
Dallas Theater Center presents Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure
There have been plenty of iterations of Sherlock Holmes on TV and in movies in recent years, but it's always nice to go back to the source material to understand why the character is still so popular. Dallas Theater Center presents a play in which Holmes once again locks horns with his nemesis, Moriarty, in a blackmail case. The production is presented at Wyly Theatre through May 25.
Saturday, April 26
Edgefest 2014
The 2014 edition of Edgefest, presented 102.1 FM KDGE, is a little light on big names, with only Beck, The Avett Brothers and newcomers Bastille ticking that box. But the festival, taking place at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, still has lots of other interesting bands, including Cage the Elephant, Grouplove, New Politics, The Neighbourhood, Switchfoot, Chvrches, MS MR., J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Kongos, Bear Hands and Smallpools.
Spring Gallery Walks
Art lovers are encouraged to get out and about on Saturday and enjoy great art and better weather. The Deep Ellum Spring Gallery Walk showcases 17 different galleries in Deep Ellum alone; at the Dallas Art Dealers Association Spring Gallery Walk, member galleries from the Design District to Denton throw open their doors. The DADA event also features a Bike Swarm starting at Oak Cliff Cultural Center.
Dallas Heritage Village presents 2014 History with a Twist
You can travel back in time more than usual at Dallas Heritage Village this weekend for the annual History with a Twist. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in vintage early 20th century attire to get into the spirit of the event, which also features classic cocktails, hors d'oeuvre and a performance by the Singapore Slingers.
Sunday, April 27
Earth Day Texas 2014
The actual Earth Day was on April 22, but individual environmentalists and eco-friendly companies still get their chance to present to the masses at this two-day event, taking place Saturday and Sunday at Fair Park. Expect the latest and greatest in environmental awareness on display at the Eco Expo, as well as a variety of performances, including a concert by Polyphonic Spree.
Kids in the Hall presents Rusty and Ready
Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall have had a remarkably long lifespan given that their initial TV show went off the air 20 years ago. They've had a variety of reunions, including a movie and several tours, including one that came to the Dallas area in 2008. They're back in town for a show at the Majestic Theatre that features some new material and an assortment of oddities from their past.
Dallas Heritage Village presents its annual History with a Twist on April 26.
Figure skater Mariah Bell. Getty Images