Event Planner

Kid Rock headlines the best weekend events in Dallas

For anyone not taking a vacation right about now, the middle of July in Dallas offers a few interesting pleasures, including boat shopping, outside movie-watching and celebrating the anniversary of the first moon landing.

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, July 18

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks in concert
The name The Jayhawks sounds like an early rock band from the 1950s, but they're in fact an alt-country group that came to fame in the 1980s. Gary Louris was one of the founding members, whom many consider responsible for the sound for which the group would come to be known. He'll play at The Kessler with Greg Schroeder as opening act.

2013 DFW Boat Expo
Owning a boat may not be for everybody, but summer is primetime boating season, so what better time for a boat expo? Whether you're in the market or not, ogling the hundreds of boats and other watercraft that will be on display during the four-day event at Dallas Market Hall is still fun. Hey, we can dream, can't we?

Friday, July 19

Rodrigo y Gabriela in concert with Zach Heckendorf
Rodrigo y Gabriela are unlike any musical duo you're likely to encounter. They're heavily influenced by heavy metal bands, yet they're mostly acoustic and their Mexican heritage plays a big part in their output as well. Any way you slice it, they've gotten big enough to play a venue like Winspear Opera House, where they'll be joined by Zach Heckendorf.

Downtown Dallas Summer Movie Series: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Alamo Drafthouse isn't the only place you can see classic movies in outdoor setting this summer. Downtown Dallas is taking advantage of its various open spaces to show one free movie a week for four weeks. This week's offering is Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind, taking place in Browder Plaza at the corner of Browder and Commerce Streets.

Dallas Arts District Late Night Parties
It won't be quite the fest that last month's Summer Block Party was, but the three Dallas Art District museums will each put on their monthly late night celebrations - Late Nights at the DMA, 'til Midnight at Nasher Sculpture Center and Crow Collection After Dark. Come to get an after-hours peek at their exhibits, listen to music, watch movies or any number of other activities.

Saturday, July 20

Frontiers of Flight Museum presents 2013 Moon Day
Even though the Frontiers of Flight Museum celebrates Moon Day, or the day Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969, every year, the event is more about looking forward than looking back. They're interested in the future of space exploration, and hope to inspire kids to share that same passion. A variety of exhibits and activities will show off the wonders of astronomy.

Kid Rock in concert with Uncle Kracker
Ticket prices for concerts continue to skyrocket, so it's pretty refreshing to see a big name like Kid Rock offer tickets on the cheap. Every ticket, from the front row to the lawn seats at Gexa Energy Pavilion, was available for $20. The concert, featuring longtime collaborator Uncle Kracker, will also have discounted parking, food and merchandise.

Sunday, July 21

Dallas Opera presents Jack and the Beanstalk
The Dallas Opera isn't in season right now, but that doesn't mean they're not still busy putting on events. This kid-friendly offering, taking place at Dallas Children's Theater, is an operatic take on the classic fairy tale, complete with music from Sir Arthur Sullivan. Early exposure to the arts is always a good thing, and the price - $5 per person - is just right.

Amphibian Stage Productions presents The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)
As people in the Bible Belt will tell you, "Sunday is God's day," so why not take them at their word and see the newest play from Amphibian Stage Productions? Of course, The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged) may not be what they had in mind, as it is a satirical look at theological questions that have puzzled through the years. The play will run through August 11.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks fame will play another raucous set at The Kessler on July 18.

Gary Louris/Facebook

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks fame will play another raucous set at The Kessler on July 18.

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Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen