With Dallas-Fort Worth encompassing so many different cities, it'd be a shame to limit yourself to Dallas proper. This week, you can stick around the Dallas city limits on Thursday and Friday, but you'll want to head to Fort Worth and the suburbs for your weekend fun.
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, June 27
Klyde Warren Park presents Decks in the Park
From day one, music has been a constant at Klyde Warren Park, whether it was the initial Concert in the Park or the variety of music series hosted there. Thursday marks the beginning of another, as the park turns into a dance club for the initial Decks in the Park, featuring Demarkus Lewis, Paul Paredes and series founder Jeff Mitchell. The DJ series occurs the last Thursday of every month through at least September.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Flashdance
You might think that Flashdance the Musical appearing in Dallas Summer Musicals' 2013 season means it's another in a long succession of Broadway shows coming to Dallas, but the adaptation of the 1983 Jennifer Beals movies hasn't actually made it to Broadway yet. It features all the classic songs from the film, plus a few surprises, and runs at Music Hall at Fair Park through July 7.
Friday, June 28
New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men in concert
Even though the boy bands of the '90s have long since left their boy days behind them, many of them steadfastly refuse to give up on their dreams. Fans get a little bit of everything at American Airlines Center when New Kids on the Block, who just released their sixth album; 98 Degrees, who just put out their fourth; and Boyz II Men, who actually aren't promoting a new album, join forces.
Barry Manilow in concert
Let's try this again: Barry Manilow is back in town about a month after he had to postpone several scheduled shows due to a case of bronchitis. Manilow is far from the only big-name music act to postpone or cancel on Dallas recently, so the fact that he came back to Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie this quickly gives him points for being a trouper.
Saturday, June 29
Allen USA Celebration 2013
Most area cities are waiting until July 3 or 4 to celebrate Independence Day, but Allen does things just a bit differently. The patriotic fervor gets started early with this event at Celebration Park, featuring performances by Dennis DeYoung and Emerald City Band, a kids area with games and rides, and, of course, a fireworks show to end the night.
Dirk Nowitzki's 2013 Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game
Mike Modano was the face of the Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game for years, but when he retired in 2011, he also ceded the reins to the current biggest name in Dallas sports, Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavs star is joined by a slew of other athletes and stars at Dr Pepper Ballpark, including Mark Cuban, Dez Bryant, Terrell Owens, Jason Terry and David Justice.
Sunday, June 30
Performing Arts Fort Worth presents The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare
If you didn't know any better, you'd think that this show at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth is just your usual fun show that appeals to elementary school kids and younger. But when you know that it's presented by LightWire Theater, which uses lighted costumes to enhance the stories, it's suddenly an experience for the whole family.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Moonlight and Mozart
The big crowds will turn out for Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's annual Fireworks Picnic a few days later, but you'll find a little more leg room if you head to this concert at Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The event features several selections from Mozart, Brahms and Rossini's classic Barber of Seville overture.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Flashdance the Musical at Music Hall at Fair Park through July 7.
Figure skater Mariah Bell. Getty Images