As April gives way to May, the Dallas-Fort Worth area will see a stellar weekend full of events, including a spring festival in Fort Worth, a horror film celebration, Dallas Cowboys mania, a visit from a Tony Award-winning musical and the return of one of the most iconic bands of all time.
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, April 30
2015 Mayfest
The annual Mayfest in Fort Worth is a chance to enjoy the great outdoors while partaking in a variety of fun activities. Taking place through Sunday at Trinity Park, it has three stages, where bands of all musical varieties perform, along with a kids zone, arts market, great food and more.
Alamo Drafthouse presents Scream with Neve Campbell
If you're a horror movie fan, this is your weekend. You can start by seeing this classic at Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson with star Neve Campbell in attendance, then go to the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport Friday through Sunday for Texas Frightmare Weekend. The horror movie convention features appearances by Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, Skeet Ulrich, Tara Reid, Brad Dourif, Tom Savini and more.
2015 Dallas Cowboys Draft Party
The Dallas Cowboys did better than they have in years in 2014, and they look to get even better at the annual NFL draft, which is being held in Chicago. The Cowboys are holding free draft parties on all three days, including at AT&T Stadium on Thursday and Saturday, and at The Rustic in Dallas on Friday. If you cheer loud enough, they may even make the right choices this time around.
AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Newsies
Based on the 1992 Disney movie musical flop, Newsies somehow found renewed life on Broadway, earning hosannas from both critics and audiences, and winning two Tony Awards for choreography and original score. The high-energy musical about the 1899 New York City newsboys strike runs at Winspear Opera House through May 10.
Friday, May 1
Music Road Records Day
Music Road Records is an Austin-based record label with a long roster of experienced and up-and-coming singers in multiple genres. They showcase some of their best and brightest at this free event at Klyde Warren Park, including Hal Ketchum, Jimmy LaFave, Sam Baker, Garrett Lebeau and Jonah Smith.
Saturday, May 2
2015 Asian Festival
The annual Asian Festival is one of the largest gatherings of Asian Americans in Dallas, and it takes up even more space this year, showcasing more than 30 Asian countries. Scattered around Klyde Warren Park and on Flora Street in the Dallas Design District are booths, stages, kids activities and more.
Lady Antebellum in concert with Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt
Although nothing can compare to the country extravaganza that was the Academy of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium, a visit from Lady Antebellum is no small thing. The trio comes back to Gexa Energy Pavilion in support of their 2014 album, 747, with opening acts Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt.
The Who in concert with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
For many people, The Who is mainly known as the group that provided the theme songs for the entire CSI franchise. But the legendary rockers, still led by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, are way more than just those handful of hits, as they show in this 50th anniversary concert at American Airlines Center. As a bonus, they are joined by new Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
Sunday, May 3
2015 Spring Cottonwood Art Festival
It seems like every weekend in spring brings another arts festival to the area, and this weekend it's Richardson's turn. The city hosts the semi-annual Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park on Saturday and Sunday, featuring booths from more than 200 artists, music, a children's area and more.
Lady Antebellum plays with Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt at Gexa Energy Pavilion on May 2.
