It's not often you get the perfect mixture of local and national events around Dallas, but this is such a week. The variety of big-name stars appearing in the area this weekend is complemented by several innately local happenings that feature fashion, music and ... water balloons?
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, August 27
Fashion Industry Gallery presents FIG Finale
FIG Finale is a sale at Fashion Industry Gallery open to the public where shoppers can find designer deals up to 75% off retail from top stores and brands. FIG Finale features women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. A VIP ticket gets you in on Thursday, while you can shop to your heart's delight for $5 on Friday or Saturday.
Yes and Toto in concert
The bands Yes and Toto have a combined 85 years of rock 'n' roll experience under the belts, but neither one of them are sitting back on their laurels. Both have put out new albums in the past year — Yes with 2014's Heaven & Earth and Toto with 2015's Toto XIV — so they have plenty of new material to perform along with their classic hits. They'll play at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Leon Russell in concert
Leon Russell is a music legend who's had a resurgence in recent years thanks to his 2010 collaboration with Elton John, The Union. Russell comes back to Dallas to play at the Granada Theater in support of his 2014 album, Life Journey.
Friday, August 28
Uptown Players presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch
The Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch has been a smash since the revival opened with Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role in 2014. Just as that production is set to close, Uptown Players will present its own version of the story about a rock 'n' roll goddess who was the victim of a botched sex change operation. It will run at Kalita Humphreys Theater through September 13, the same night it closes on Broadway.
Parade of Flesh presents Kevin Smith
Writer/director Kevin Smith has had quite the career since becoming one of the independent film darlings in the mid-'90s. He's gone from the highs of Clerks and Chasing Amy to the lows of Dogma and Jersey Girl to his recent horror film work. He'll talk about all of that and more at this special event at the Texas Theatre.
Saturday, August 29
KXT Summer Cut 2015 with Belle & Sebastian
To close out the summer of 2015, independent music radio station KXT will showcase a variety of local and national indie acts. Those scheduled to perform at South Side Ballroom include Belle & Sebastian, Sarah Jaffe, Israel Nash, Fantastic Negrito, Doug Burr, Repel the Robot, Jessie Frye, Calhoun and Catamaran.
Dierks Bentley in concert with Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan Smith
Aside from having a stellar last name, Dierks Bentley has been one of the more reliable country stars in recent years, hitting No. 1 with five of his last six albums, including 2014's Riser. He'll bring his Sounds of Summer Tour to Gexa Energy Pavilion, with help from opening acts Kip Moore, Maddie & Tae and Canaan Smith.
Sunday, August 30
Deep Ellum Water Balloon Wars
While the 100-degree days may be done for the year, it's still plenty hot out there, so this special event in Deep Ellum is just what the doctor ordered. Your ticket will give you access to the gated event and all the water balloons you can throw; food, drinks and alcohol will be available for purchase. And it's only for those 18 and over, so you don't have to worry about accidentally nailing a kid in the face.
Kelly Clarkson in concert with Pentatonix and Eric Hutchinson
It's been a great summer of concerts around Dallas, and it will appropriately be closed out by hometown girl Kelly Clarkson. The pop star, who recently announced she's pregnant with her second child, will play at Gexa Energy Pavilion in support of her 2015 album, Piece by Piece. She'll be joined by opening acts Pentatonix and Eric Hutchinson.
Uptown Players will present Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Kalita Humphreys Theater through September 13.
Profound Microfarms is shutting down.Photo courtesy of Profound Microfarms