Weekend Event Planner

These are the 11 best things to do in Dallas this weekend

Theater and music are the big things to see around Dallas this weekend, as they're the focus of nearly every event on our list. They include a Tony-winning play, another play aimed at breaking down stereotypes, acrobatics on ice, no fewer than five big-name concerts, a celebration of movie music, stellar dance, and more.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, June 13

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Broadway Series: The Play that Goes Wrong
What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get the award-winning smash comedy The Play that Goes Wrong. Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous, with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). The play will run at Winspear Opera House through Sunday.

WaterTower Theatre presents Unveiled: A One Woman Play
Five Muslim women from around the world sip tea and share stories about faith, culture, and prejudice in this groundbreaking one-woman show, written and performed by critically acclaimed playwright and actor Rohina Malik. Unveiled is an uplifting and universal performance sure to break down stereotypes of Muslim women. It will run at WaterTower Theatre in Addison through June 30.

Cirque du Soleil: Crystal
Crystal is not just an ice show; it’s the very first experience on ice from Cirque du Soleil. Led by Crystal, the misfit heroine, who takes the audience on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination, world-class ice skaters and acrobats claim their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics. The show will be at Comerica Center in Frisco through Sunday.

Friday, June 14

Florida Georgia Line in concert with Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, and Hardy
Country duo Florida Georgia Line hit the ground running in 2012, reaching No. 1 with their debut album, Here's to the Good Times, a feat they've repeated with their next three albums, including their new album, Can't Say I Ain't Country. They play at Dos Equis Pavilion, joined by opening acts Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, and Hardy.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Star Trek and Beyond
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of the greatest science fiction movie scores ever written, including Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, E.T The Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars, and more. The concert, under the direction of Jeff Tyzik, will play at Meyerson Symphony Center through Sunday.

Paul McCartney in concert
Sir Paul McCartney, who will turn 77 years old on June 18, remains as much of an entertainer as he was with The Beatles 50 years ago. And now he's showing us new tricks: The legendary singer, making his first appearance in Dallas-Fort Worth since 2014, will put on the first major concert at Globe Life Park in Arlington in its 25-year history. He's touring in support of his 2018 album, Egypt Station.

Bruce Wood Dance presents Embrace
Embrace features the return of Joy Bollinger’s highly acclaimed Carved In Stone, along with a world premiere from renowned choreographer Garrett Smith. The program concludes with the re-staging of Bruce Wood’s mysterious Dark Matter, which tells the story of a journey of a motley crew of dancers looking for a way home. The company will perform at Moody Performance Hall on Friday or Saturday.

"Weird Al” Yankovic in concert
Someone who writes and performs comedy songs for a living is not supposed to have an extended career, but somehow "Weird Al" Yankovic is almost as popular as ever, after 36 years in the business. His last album, 2014's Mandatory Fun, was the first No. 1 album of his career. He'll play at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving as part of his Strings Attached tour, featuring a 71-piece orchestra.

Saturday, June 15

Texas Summer Jam with Randy Rogers & Friends
Whataburger and Randy Rogers will present the Second Annual Texas Summer Jam at Toyota Music Factory in Irving. The festival will include a non-ticketed pre-party at the Texas Lottery Plaza Stage starting at 3:30 pm, featuring performances by Ray Johnston Band, Wynn Williams, and Holly Tucker. The Main Stage inside The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory will kick off at 7 pm and include performances by Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band, and William Clark Green.

Hootie & The Blowfish in concert with Barenaked Ladies
If you want to make anyone who came of age in the '90s feel old, you just have to point them to this concert, which has Hootie & The Blowfish celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Cracked Rear View. The band, which will soon release their first new album since 2005, will play at Dos Equis Pavilion alongside another '90s mainstay, Barenaked Ladies.

Sunday, June 16

Clint Black and Trace Adkins in concert with Pam Tillis
Local country station 99.5 The Wolf will celebrate its 21st birthday in a big way with a concert featuring country stars Clint Black, Trace Adkins, and Pam Tillis. Black and Adkins are appearing as part of their Hits. Hats. History. Tour, a nod to the long history of each in the industry and their shared past when they toured together in the '90s. They'll play at The Theatre at Grand Prairie.

"Weird Al" Yankovic will play at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving on June 14.

Photo courtesy of Weird Al Yankovic

"Weird Al" Yankovic will play at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving on June 14.

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Store closure

Beloved Dallas boat and kayak shop Mariner Sails to close after 50 years

Facebook/Mariner Sails

Mariner Sails will be missed by boaters, kayakers, and fishermen.

After more than five decades serving North Texas paddlers, sailors, and watersports enthusiasts, Dallas watercraft store Mariner Sails is coming into harbor for good.

Founder and owner Aris Tsamis announced the store closure in an email to customers and on the shop website, saying he has decided to retire after more than 50 years in business.

Located at 11110 N. Stemmons Fwy. in north Dallas, Mariner Sails has long been a go-to for kayaks, canoes, sailboats, paddleboards, accessories, repairs, and expert advice. Over the years, the store built a loyal following among everyone from competitive racers to casual weekend paddlers.

"Thank you for your business and support for over 50 years," Tsamis wrote to customers. "We have been fortunate to navigate the retail and service world for over 50 years, and we couldn't have done it without you."

Mariner Sails was known for stocking hard-to-find inventory and taking the time to personally assist customers with questions, purchases, and even helping them load up new watercraft to haul home. As a fun tradition, they took photos of happy customers standing next to their new boats and kayaks outside the store and posted them to their Facebook page.

Tsamis credited customers for helping sustain the business since 1975 and for creating a community centered around life on the water.

"You are the reason we have worked for so many years to help make sure our watersports community can get on the water and enjoy the peace, the competition, the comradery, the friendships, and the satisfaction of being on the water," he said.

Social media posts about the closure have drawn more than 100 comments from longtime customers recounting experiences buying watercraft or seeking expertise on parts and repairs. One likened it to "a death in the family." Others wonder why no one has stepped in to buy the business.

While calling the decision bittersweet, Tsamis said retirement will allow him to spend more time enjoying the sports he has spent a career supporting.

"I'm going to miss my Mariner Sails family and friends, and I have enjoyed every minute of my time with you," he wrote. "On the flip side, I'm very excited about the opportunity to get out on the water more and enjoy the sports we all love."

In news that softens the blow just slightly, the closure means the launch of a major liquidation sale. Mariner Sails closed its doors to customers June 9-10 to prepare for the event, with the store-closing sale beginning Thursday, June 11. Tsamis described it as the company's "biggest, best, and FINAL SALE," adding that "everything MUST GO."

The sale will take place in-store only, with additional details expected through the company's email and social media channels. (The website will not show sale pricing, they note.) Customers are encouraged to shop early for the best selection. Doors will open at the regular time of 9 am June 11.

"Our doors will be closing forever soon, so please visit us and help celebrate our time together," Tsamis said.

No final closing date has been announced, but a Facebook post says it'll be "a few short weeks."

"It has been my privilege to be a part of your watersports community," Tsamis wrote. "We here at Mariner Sails wish you all the time on the water you can stand!"

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