If you have procrastinated on going out to the State Fair of Texas, you'd better get a move on; it ends on Sunday. Otherwise, this weekend offers a wide range of fun and interesting events, including several big concerts, a great comedy festival, and a chance to meet some of your movie and TV idols in person.
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 15
CultureMap Stylemaker Awards Reveal Party
After weeks of gathering your votes, it's officially time to reveal the winners of the annual Stylemaker Awards. The six finalists are showing off their skills by putting together two looks from The Plaza at Preston Center retailers to debut at the Stylemaker Awards Reveal Party. Guest emcee Ron Corning will help us reveal the readers' and editors' choice winners at Tootsies.
Dallas VideoFest 28
After a few other special events earlier in the week, Dallas VideoFest 28 kicks into high gear at Angelika Film Center Dallas on Thursday. The festival, running through Sunday, will include Anomalisa, a stop-motion film from writer/director Charlie Kaufman, a rare screening of the 1972 Rolling Stones documentary Cocksucker Blues, and the presentation of the annual Kovacs Award to Chris Elliott and his father, Bob.
Don Henley in concert
Texas native Don Henley hasn't been a stranger to Dallas in recent years, playing two shows over the course of five months with the Eagles in 2013 and 2014. But this will be a solo show at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, as Henley is touring in support of his first solo album in 15 years, Cass County, which happens to be the Texas county where Henley was raised.
Friday, October 16
Dallas Comic Con Fan Days
This bi-annual event at Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas shouldn't be confused with the actual Dallas Comic Con, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its fair share of celebrities on hand. Among the stars who will be talking and signing autographs during the three-day event will be Lucy Lawless, Jason Momoa, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, and William Zabka.
Aurora: All Together Now
For second time in three years, the Dallas Arts District will be turned into a panoply of light as it hosts Aurora, an expansive outdoor light-based art event featuring light, video, sound, and performance. This being the third Friday of the month, the district will also be alive with special events at Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art, which will have its own special Aurora installation.
Saturday, October 17
The D.O.C. in concert with Erykah Badu and Scarface
Perhaps spurred on by the depiction of himself in the unexpected summer hit Straight Outta Compton, Dallas rapper The D.O.C. will come to the Bomb Factory to put on his first performance in 20 years. He'll be joined by another Dallas legend, Erykah Badu, as her alter ego DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown, and Houston rapper Scarface.
Taylor Swift in concert with Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes
The coverage of Taylor Swift's 2015 world tour, which has been going on since May, has been so overreaching that most fans could tell you every minute detail you're likely to see Saturday at AT&T Stadium, her lone second Texas stop. The only question left to ponder is which local celebrity or fellow singer Swift will bring on stage for a "surprise" appearance. Swift will be joined by opening acts Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes.
Sunday, October 18
Ultimate Cowboys Fan Fest
As part of Klyde Warren Park's weekend-long third birthday celebration, it will host the Ultimate Cowboys Fan Fest. Along with appearances from the Cowboys cheerleaders, drumline, and mascot Rowdy, there will be a slew of fun activities and a performance from country singer Trace Adkins. Former Cowboy Darren Woodson will serve as emcee for the event.
Funny or Die presents Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival 2015
If you're a fan of stand-up comedy in the slightest, you'll want to be at Gexa Energy Pavilion on Sunday for Funny or Die's annual Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival. Amy Schumer and Aziz Ansari are the headliners for the final stop on the tour, but it will also feature comedians Anthony Jeselnik, Ashley Barnhill, Bridget Everett, Jeff Ross, Nick Thune, T.J. Miller, and Steve Rannazzisi.
Don Henley will play at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on October 15.
