Mid-October brings a music-heavy weekend to the Dallas area, including the symphony, a comedian/singer, two country music icons, a Latin superstar, and one of the hottest rappers around. As if that's not enough, you can also get up close and personal with movie and TV celebrities.
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, October 13
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents "Tchaikovsky 4"
For their latest concert, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is playing to audiences both inside and outside. For the Thursday, Friday, and Sunday performances, they are performing a full concert at Meyerson Symphony Center, with guest violinist August Hadelich. On Saturday, they are performing a free condensed concert (only Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4) in the CenterPark Garden at NorthPark Center.
Bridget Everett in concert
Hot off the heels of her Comedy Central special Gynecological Wonder, her recurring appearances on Inside Amy Schumer, and a jaw-dropping appearance in the blockbuster film Trainwreck, comedian and singer Bridget Everett hits the stage at House of Blues Dallas armed with a bottle (or two) of Chardonnay, as well as the songs and stories from her unique brand of comedy cabaret.
Friday, October 14
Dallas Comic Con Fan Days
As little as three months ago, the idea that a 12-year-old British girl would be the big star at Dallas Comic Con Fan Days would have been laughable. But then Stranger Things premiered on Netflix, and Millie Bobby Brown became the toast of Hollywood. She, along with the likes of Karl Urban, Christian Slater, Ian Ziering, Adam West, and Burt Ward, are appearing at the pop culture convention, taking place at the Irving Convention Center in Las Colinas through Sunday.
Improv Addison presents Nikki Glaser
Nikki Glaser is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young comedians, as she is the creator, executive producer, and star of the Comedy Central series Not Safe with Nikki Glaser, where some of comedy’s funniest voices — including Bridgett Everett — joke, learn, and share their personal stories about sex, relationships, and other taboo topics. Glaser brings that energy to Improv Addison for four sets through Saturday.
Keith Urban in concert with Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris
Now that American Idol has taken its final bow, country superstar Keith Urban can focus full-time on his own music career. He's coming back to Dallas for the first time in three years in support of his new album, Ripcord. He's joined at American Airlines Center by opening act Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris.
Kris Kristofferson in concert
In the latest example of appreciating music legends while you can, Texas' own Kris Kristofferson is playing a concert at Annette Strauss Square in support of his new album, Cedar Creek Sessions. The 80-year-old singer has been active in the industry for 50 years, becoming one of the most-respected and awarded musicians in the industry along the way.
Saturday, October 15
The Shops at Park Lane present Parktoberfest
The Park, a landscaped lawn located in the heart of the Shops at Park Lane, is being transformed into a tasting garden where revelers can enjoy multiple beer tents featuring some of Texas’ best craft breweries, along with multiple food options. There's also continuous live local music, fun games, giveaways, a photo booth, and more throughout the day.
Marc Anthony in concert
Singer Marc Anthony has gone through multiple waves in his 25-year career. He hit big highs with 1999's Marc Anthony and 2002's Mended, but his laudable effort to stay true to his roots with Spanish-only albums, while still popular, have not been met with the same level of enthusiasm. He's playing at American Airlines Center as part of his 2016 U.S. tour, Marc Anthony Live!
Sunday, October 16
Chance the Rapper in concert with Francis & the Lights
Aside from superstars like Kanye West or Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper may be the most popular hip-hop artist on the planet right now. He's collaborated with people across the musical and entertainment spectrum, from West to Stephen Colbert, despite having only released a series of mixtapes, including 2016's Coloring Book. He's performing a sold-out show at the Bomb Factory with Francis & the Lights, although you can still find tickets on the secondary market.
Kris Kristofferson is playing at Annette Strauss Square on October 14.
Skate the Square is an outdoor ice rink in Frisco. Frisco Square Facebook 
Peace Plaza Ice Rink Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau 
Stockyards Rodeo Rink is moseying into Fort Worth's historic district for the season. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 
2022 Olympic pairs skater Ashley Cain (show here with former partner Timothy LeDuc) will make a solo appearance at the Hilton Anatole and Galleria Dallas ice rinks. Getty Images 
Galleria Dallas and its very Christmas tree. Photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas