There are some decently big names in Dallas-Fort Worth this weekend, but if you're in the mood for a real party, the place to be is Klyde Warren Park, which will host two separate big events.
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 23
Tony Robbins: Unleash the Power Within
As a motivational speaker and life coach, Tony Robbins has been teaching people how to live better lives since the 1980s. This weekend-long event, going on through Sunday at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, is a chance to see Robbins live and in person, get inspired by his teachings, and connect with similar-minded individuals.
Dallas Opera First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon 2014
As a prelude to the first production of the year, Dallas Opera holds its annual First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon at Winspear Opera House. Designers debut pieces interpreting the productions from the upcoming 2014–2015 Dallas Opera season, and there is also a fashion show highlighting Roberto Cavalli.
Friday, October 24
Dallas Opera presents The Marriage of Figaro simulcast
Sure, you could dress up and go to the Winspear for Dallas Opera's season premiere, The Marriage of Figaro, but it might be more fun to be among the hoi polloi at Klyde Warren Park as it hosts a simulcast of the event. Among other activities is a hideous bridesmaid gown contest, a bouquet toss and a screening of the Three Stooges classic Micro-Phonies. The Marriage of Figaro plays at the Winspear through November 9.
Shaquille O'Neal's All Star Comedy Jam with Mo'Nique, Tony Roberts, Faizon Love and Michael Blackson
Even though his name is at the top of the title, don't expect Shaquille O'Neal to make an appearance at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on Friday. Instead, attendees are treated to some of the funniest African-American comedians in the country, including Oscar winner Mo'Nique, Tony Roberts, Faizon Love and Michael Blackson.
Saturday, October 25
Klyde Warren Park Second Anniversary Family Festival
Believe or not, it's been two years since Klyde Warren Park brought green space to a place that had previously only been a highway. To celebrate its second anniversary, the park hosts a variety of activities, including yoga; face painters; juggler; caricature artist; crafts for kids; and concerts from Michael Prysock, Eastwood with Nicholas Altobelli and Home by Hovercraft.
2014 North Oak Cliff Music Festival
The North Oak Cliff Music Festival, held annually at Lake Cliff Park, has gotten better and better every year. For its third edition, it features the homecoming of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, along with performances by Meiko, Seryn, Emily Elbert, Fox and the Bird, David Garza Trio, South Dallas Funk Revue and Kat Edmonson.
Second Thought State of Mind: Allison Tolman
One of the bright spots on television in 2014 was the FX series Fargo, which included multiple great performances, including the Emmy-nominated turn by Allison Tolman. Tolman was one of the founding members of Second Thought Theatre, and she comes back to her roots with this evening at Bridge Bistro, featuring cocktails, food, a Q&A with Tolman and more.
Jason Aldean in concert with Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr
As we inch closer to November, so too do we close in on the ending of the 2014 Gexa Energy Pavilion season. One of Gexa's final concerts of the year is a country music lover's paradise, featuring a return trip by Jason Aldean, who just released his new album, Old Boots, New Dirt, along with Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr.
Sunday, October 26
Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour
Fans of reality food television know all about Alton Brown, who has made his name on shows like Iron Chef America, Feasting on Asphalt and The Next Food Network Star. The Edible Inevitable Tour, coming to the Majestic Theatre, is Brown's first national tour, and it features his brand of quirky humor, culinary-science antics and even live music.
ATTPAC Sunset Screenings: The Shining
Halloween comes next Friday, so get into the mood with one of the best horror films of all time, The Shining. This classic from writer/director Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, took Stephen King's already popular novel and made it immortal thanks to its now-iconic imagery and performances. The movie plays for free at Annette Strauss Square.
Emmy nominee Allison Tolman returns to her roots for Second Thought State of Mind at Bridge Bistro on October 25.
