Hot Headlines

Beyoncé and Rick Perry round out 5 most popular stories this week

Editor's note:Another week has come and gone, and there's a lot we all probably missed. But we're looking out for you, kid. Here are the most popular stories from this past week:

1. Beyonce and Jay-Z share post-concert dinner at Mesa restaurant in Dallas. Following her performance at American Airlines Center on Saturday night, Beyonce and husband Jay-Z dined at Mesa Dallas, the critically lauded authentic Mexican restaurant on Jefferson Boulevard in Oak Cliff. The twosome had dinner and drinks.

2. 10 best tweets on why Rick Perry's not running for governor of Texas. July 8 was a big day for Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The longest-running state governor announced he would not seek reelection in 2014, ending his 13-year reign. But why, oh why, Ricky? Looking for a career change? Worried you might lose? We found the answers to those questions and more on Twitter.

3. The best fried chicken in Dallas. Where do you go when you're craving the bird? We listed our favorites, including Babe's Chicken Dinner House, Chicken Scratch, Fearing's and Pecan Lodge.

4. Young East Dallas man in critical condition after severe beating. Police are still searching for clues about who severely beat Bryan Bradford, 25, at Swiss Avenue Place Apartments on June 29. Bradford is listed in critical condition. Due to the severity of Bradford's injuries, police initially believed he'd been shot in the head.

5. Lockhart Smokehouse to open restaurant in old downtown Plano. Bishop Arts BBQ spot Lockhart Smokehouse will open a second branch on the main drag of Plano's downtown strip. The restaurant is going into the Sutton Place furniture store, which is cutting its space in half to sublease to Lockhart.

Lockhart Smokehouse is opening a new barbecue joint in downtown Plano.

Lockhart Smokehouse

Lockhart Smokehouse is opening a new barbecue joint in downtown Plano.

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Smurfs News

Immersive show starring blue Smurfs makes U.S. debut in Arlington

SBX

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Beloved blue characters The Smurfs are making their way to Arlington with an immersive experience for families: The Smurf Experience, located at Esports Stadium at 1200 Ballpark Way, opens May 7.

Get ready to shrink down, turn blue, and journey into the land of the Smurfs to help save the world from the evil wizard, Gargamel in a show that started out in Europe and now makes its U.S. debut in DFW for a limited time.

“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but," says SBX Group’s CEO, Danny Fritz in a release. "From their origins in Europe in the 1950’s to their increasing global popularity, we are excited to bring the world of the Smurfs to life for families in DFW! Based on the success of the attraction in Europe, we believe US audiences will thoroughly enjoy the launch of The Smurf Experience."

This 13,000-square-foot, fully immersive attraction will transport families into the heart of Smurf Village. The 75-minute experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters and more. It’s hands-on, high-energy and full of Smurftastic fun for kids and parents alike.

The Smurf Experience is not to be missed and is only in Texas until the end of summer.

Tickets are now available at $30 for regular admission and $40 for VIP, as well as group and birthday packages.

“When my father first drew these little blue characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined that they’d one day jump off the pages and be able to physically interact with families around the world," says Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of Peyo Company and daughter of Peyo, in a release. "It is wonderful to see The Smurf Experience bring the Smurfs, their story and their values to life in such a meaningful way."

Timed with the release of Paramount Pictures’ new Smurfs movie, hitting theaters July 2025, this summer-long adventure builds on the excitement of the big screen.

The film stars Rihanna as both a producer and the voice of Smurfette. She’s also behind the soundtrack’s musical hits. The Smurf Experience lets fans step into the world of the Smurfs ahead of the film’s release—creating unforgettable moments for families to share together.

The Smurf Experience was designed by Belgium-based agency Cecoforma in collaboration with Smurf parent entity Peyo Company. SBX Group, a leader in entertainment attractions, is working with Cecoforma and Peyo Company to adapt the experience for North American audiences.

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