It doesn't happen every week, but the events on tap for this weekend appeal have broad appeal, from comedy to music to theater to sports to film, with a near 50-50 split between adults-only and family-friendly. So no excuses — get out there and have a good time.
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, January 22
John Mulaney in concert
If you've enjoyed John Mulaney's eponymous sitcom Mulaney, you might want to catch it while you can, as it will wrap up its first — and likely only — season in the next few weeks. But the failure of his show in no way means the comedian himself isn't funny, something he proves with this performance at the Majestic Theatre.
Billy Joel in concert with Jamie Cullum
It's been 14 years since Billy Joel released new music of any kind, and seven years since he's played in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, so this concert at American Airlines Center, with Jamie Cullum as opening act, should be packed with fans dying to hear songs like "Piano Man," "Tell Her About It" and "We Didn't Start the Fire."
Friday, January 23
Dallas Theater Center presents Stagger Lee
The 2014-2015 Dallas Theater Center season kicks into high gear with the opening of previews for Stagger Lee, a world premiere musical from renowned playwright Will Power. The production, playing at Wyly Theatre through February 15, takes its title from a century-old folk song and has a story that spans the 20th century, tracing mythical characters in their quest to achieve the American Dream.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Kenny G
For going on 30 years, the dulcet tones of Kenny G's saxophone have been the go-to for lovers of smooth jazz music and/or anyone who's been stuck on hold or in an elevator. In advance of the release of his latest album, Brazilian Nights, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra welcomes him to Bass Performance Hall for three nights of his greatest hits.
Lyric Stage presents Annie Get Your Gun
This rendition of Annie Get Your Gun features a full acoustic orchestra playing some of the musical's most famous songs, including "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly" and "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun." The production, which runs only through Sunday, stars Daron Cockerell as Annie Oakley.
Saturday, January 24
2015 Texas Rangers Fan Fest
Believe it or not, we're less than a month away from the start of Major League Baseball's 2015 season. Although the 2014 Texas Rangers were a major disappointment thanks to a slew of injuries, a new season means renewed hope, and you can mingle with players, coaches and fellow fans at Globe Life Park in Arlington during Fan Fest.
Harlem Globetrotters 2015 World Tour
Although the Dallas Mavericks are doing well this year, there's nothing like the brand of entertainment the Harlem Globetrotters bring to the basketball court. The sleight of hand, twirling, spinning and generally acrobatic moves they display while taking it to the hapless Washington Generals are a joy to watch. They play three times at American Airlines Center on Saturday and Sunday.
Odysseo by Cavalia
Horses and theater collide in this special event inside huge tents at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco. Running through February 8, it's an ode to horse and man that features 63 horses and 46 artists in a production that was created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil.
Sunday, January 25
The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Henry IV, Part 1
We're about two-and-a-half years into Shakespeare Dallas' ambitious project to present every single one of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, which means we're roughly halfway through. The 19th in the series, playing Sunday and Monday at Wyly Theatre, is the first half of the saga involving King Henry IV, this one featuring Prince Hal owning up to his family responsibilities.
KidFilm 2015
There aren't a ton of recognizable names participating in the USA Film Festival's KidFilm this year, but there are plenty of worthy options. Taking place at Angelika Film Center Dallas on Saturday and Sunday, expect appearances by authors Alison McGhee and Kathi Appelt, plus cool-looking films like Maya the Bee Movie, The Boy and the World, and Jack and the Cuckoo Clock Heart.
Billy Joel plays at American Airlines Center on January 22.
