While there are a few national acts coming to town, this weekend will mostly be about appreciating the quality and breadth of the local arts scene. Among the offerings will be a highly anticipated world-premiere musical, a tribute to a classic musician by classical musicians, and a vampire doing a few plies and sautes.
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, September 3
Dallas Theater Center presents Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical
The details about Dallas Theater Center's latest world premiere have intrigued since the beginning. A musical set in the world of the TV show Hee Haw? Written by country singer Brandy Clark and country songwriter Shane McAnally? Starring former American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini? Whether it's good or not, it's sure to be memorable. The production will play at Wyly Theatre through October 11.
Friday, September 4
Dallas Symphony Pops Series presents The Sinatra Century
Frank Sinatra was undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will honor his legacy by opening their Pops season with this special tribute. Friday through Sunday at Meyerson Symphony Center, the Orchestra, with help from singer Curtis Stigers, will take on classics like "Come Fly With Me," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Fly Me to the Moon," and more.
2015 Dallas DanceFest
The second annual Dallas DanceFest brings together some of the best dance companies from around the state and region to wow you with their moves. Among the companies performing at the festival, which runs through Sunday at Dallas City Performance Hall, will be the Ballet Ensemble of Texas, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Houston METDance, NobleMotion, and more.
Texas Ballet Theater presents Dracula: Dangerous New Terrain
Halloween isn't for another two months, but Texas Ballet Theater will get you in the mood early with their rendition of this horror classic. Accompanied by members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the troupe will perform at Winspear Opera House through September 13. After a month's break, TBT will put on the show in Fort Worth, October 16-18.
Saturday, September 5
Ed Sheeran in concert with Christina Perri
If it seems like Ed Sheeran was just in town, that's because he actually was, playing at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie back in May. But since he's one of the hottest singers on the planet right now, you can never get too much Sheeran. This time he'll play outdoors at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, with support from opening act Christina Perri.
Hank Williams, Jr. in concert
The name Hank Williams has been synonymous with country music since the late 1930s, as Hank Williams, Sr. established a legacy that his son has only built upon during his long career. Hank Williams, Jr. will be sure to touch upon every aspect of his varied catalogue during this concert at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Sunday, September 6
Digifest 2015
Direct from your computer to the stage at South Side Ballroom comes Digifest, a celebration of people who've become well known for their prowess on YouTube, Vine, Twitter, and more. Among the personalities who will be on hand are Jack&Jack, Carter Reynolds, Aaron Carpenter, Sam Pottorff, Dylan Dauzat, Daniel Skye, Twaimz, Danny Edge, Paul Zimmer, Forever In Your Mind, BruhItsZach, and AlexFromTarget.
Encore Park Film Screenings
The location of the new Encore Park in downtown Dallas used to be the site of the Warner Brothers Film Exchange. To pay tribute to that history, Encore Park will be hosting a series of screenings of Warner Bros. films, starting with Sunday's showing of the 1938 short cartoon Cinderella Meets Fella and the 1938 feature film The Adventures of Robin Hood.
Ed Sheeran will perform at Toyota Stadium on September 5 with opening act Christina Perri.
