If you're attending a big event this weekend, chances are you'll be stopping by the American Airlines Center, as the venue is hosting three huge concerts. If those aren't on your agenda, you can also support a local film, catch one of two interesting new theater productions, see another big concert outdoors, or get arty with a dance production.
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Monday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, August 3
USA Film Festival and the Texas Association of Motion Media Professionals present TexFest
TexFest is a community showcase screening series featuring works by Texas filmmakers. This installment honors two Dallas-based filmmakers, Matthew Stephen Tompkins and Jon Keeyes, and includes a screening of their new feature film, The Harrowing. The event takes place at Angelika Film Center in Dallas.
Lionel Richie in concert with Mariah Carey
At first glance, the pairing of Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey might seem odd, as Richie has long been a classics singer and Carey is still a current act. But Carey has released only one new album in the past eight years and hasn't had a bona fide hit since 2008, so the appeal for both singers now lies in their early work. They're performing a co-headlining concert at the American Airlines Center.
Theatre Three presents The Minotaur
A present-day version of a classic Greek myth, The Minotaur is a contemporary take on love, honor, and human connection. With refreshing originality and wit, it explores how people break out of history to shape new stories for themselves. The play, written by Anna Ziegler, runs through August 27.
Friday, August 4
Queen and Adam Lambert in concert
Brian May, Roger Taylor, and Adam Lambert are debuting a brand-new show that was specially designed and created for this outing. The high-energy concert, taking place at the American Airlines Center, brings Queen's history alive through favorite Queen hits such as “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are The Champions.”
Cry Havoc Theater Company and Kitchen Dog Theater present The Great American Sideshow
The Great American Sideshow is a political allegory about the current state of affairs in the United States. Otto Barron is the new owner of The American Sideshow, and along with the carnival barker Narcissa he sets out to sow discord and wreak havoc, all in the name of making the sideshow great again. The play runs at Trinity River Arts Center through August 12.
Saturday, August 5
John Mayer in concert
For a singer who's never had a top 10 single in his career, John Mayer sure has had a lot of success. His high profile has as much to do with his work, which includes his 2017 album The Search for Everything, as it has with his string of starry relationships: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Minka Kelly, Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, to name a few. He plays with The Night Game at the American Airlines Center.
Sunday, August 6
Incubus in concert with Jimmy Eat World and Judah & the Lion
As is the case with a lot of bands, Incubus has never reached the heights that they did with their breakout album, 2000's Make Yourself, which featured songs like "Pardon Me" and "Drive." But they've maintained a steady presence on the alternative charts, including their latest album, 2017's 8. They play Starplex Pavilion with support from opening acts Jimmy Eat World and Judah & the Lion.
Majestic Theatre presents Wanderlust Dance Project
Wanderlust Dance Project is bringing together Dallas-Fort Worth's eclectic dance community for its second annual dance festival, featuring the best dancers and choreographers in town, with a sprinkle of Julliard talent. The event includes a chance for budding choreographers to exhibit their dances onstage in a professional atmosphere. The program takes place at the Majestic Theatre.
Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey team up at the American Airlines Center on August 3.
Donde Los Tacos is now open in Oak Cliff. Photo courtesy of Donde Los Tacos