There will be essentially three things to do this weekend around Dallas, but the variety within those three things will be enough to satisfy anyone. There will be two chances to enjoy theater in the fresh air, four big-name concerts, and three chances to celebrate the Fourth of July a bit early.
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 27
Shakespeare Dallas presents Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It
We missed the beginning of Shakespeare Dallas' annual Shakespeare in the Park at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre, but it's not too late to enjoy theater in the great outdoors. The comedy As You Like It, filled with cases of mistaken identity, intrigue, and romance, follows the heroine Rosalind as she flees from persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia, to find safety and, eventually, love in the Forest of Arden. It will run every Wednesday through Friday through July 19.
Father John Misty and Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit in concert
For the first time, critically acclaimed, award-winning artists Father John Misty and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit will co-headline a national tour. Father John Misty is touring in support of his 2018 album, God’s Favorite Customer, while Isbell and The 400 Unit are touring in support of their album, The Nashville Sound. They'll play at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.
Friday, June 28
Thomas Rhett in concert with Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, and Rhett Akins
Country singer Thomas Rhett has been churning out hits almost from the moment his debut album, It Goes Like This, came out in 2013. In fact, all but one of his singles since the title song off that album have made the top 10 on the country charts, including his first single, "Look What God Gave Her," off his new album, Center Point Road. He'll be joined at Dos Equis Pavilion by opening acts Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, and Rhett Akins.
Anita Baker in concert
In the 1980s and '90s, R&B/soul singer Anita Baker was as big as almost anyone else out there, with a series of top-10 albums, including 1988's No. 1 Giving You the Best That I Got, and a slew of hit songs like "Sweet Love," "Giving You the Best That I Got," and "Just Because." The 61-year-old singer has decided to put her touring days behind her, playing at The Theatre at Grand Prairie as part of her Farewell Concert Series. This concert is a makeup date for the postponed concert from May 12.
Saturday, June 29
Klyde Warren Park presents Independence Day Celebration
The Fourth of July isn't until next Thursday, but celebrations will get started early this weekend, including this event at Klyde Warren Park. There will be cold treats from more than a dozen vendors, contests, live music, games, and other fun family activities. The event will wrap up in the evening with a concert by the U.S. Army’s 36th Infantry Division Band and a pyrotechnic display on the Park’s East Lawn.
Market Street Allen USA Celebration
The Market Street Allen USA Celebration has a tradition of being “First to the Fourth,” and even though they'll have to share that honor this year, it's still guaranteed to be a good time. This fun, family-friendly event at Celebration Park in Allen will include live music, games and activities, diverse food options, and one of North Texas’ most exciting fireworks displays choreographed to contemporary and patriotic music.
Shakespeare Dallas presents Shakespeare in the Park: Shakespeare in Love
The second Shakespeare in the Park production is reverse-engineered, adapted from the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love. The deadline for Shakespeare's new play is fast approaching, but he's in desperate need of inspiration. He finds his muse in Viola, a beautiful young woman who is Will’s greatest admirer and who will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. The play will run every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday through July 21.
Train in concert with Goo Goo Dolls
Both Train and the Goo Goo Dolls have been mainstays on the pop charts since the late 1990s. Train has maintained its popularity thanks to hits every few years like "Meet Virginia," "Drops of Jupiter," "Hey, Soul Sister," and "Drive By." Goo Goo Dolls haven't been quite as consistent, but still draws love for songs like "Iris" and "Give a Little Bit." The two bands will play at Dos Equis Pavilion.
Sunday, June 30
Viridian presents Stars & Stripes Celebration
You can finish off the weekend with one more early Fourth of July celebration, this time at Viridian in Arlington. The free event will feature concerts by Lilly Harvey, The Shane Bell Band, and Live 80, and will also include a pop-up market, bounce houses, food trucks, and a silent auction benefiting Nehemiah Builds. The event concludes with fireworks over the lake.
Father John Misty will play along with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving on June 27.
