Time flies when you're having fun, and with January almost over, there's tons of fun to be had around the Dallas area. Among your choices are a dance festival, concerts from two big-name national acts, a huge dinosaur exhibit, goofy basketball, and much more.

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 26

Dallas Theater Center presents The Christians
Modern-day religion is at the core of the latest from Dallas Theater Center. Pastor Paul’s church has grown from a small mom-and-pop operation into a full-blown megachurch over the course of 20 years. But now Pastor Paul has a new message for his devoted flock, one that will turn the entire congregation on its head. The play runs at Wyly Theatre through February 19.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents 29th Annual International Conference & Festival of Blacks in Dance
The 29th International Conference & Festival of Blacks in Dance features performances by the International Association of Blacks in Dance, PHILADANCO!, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and more. The festival takes place Thursday through Saturday at Majestic Theatre.

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds in concert
The Dave Matthews Band makes an almost annual appearance in the Dallas area, but this year Matthews comes to town sans his usual bandmates. Instead, he's joined by Tim Reynolds, who he met more than 25 years ago. The two have been collaborating ever since, and this rare performance as an acoustic duo at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie allows fans to experience their special chemistry up close.

Friday, January 27

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Jason Alexander
You may know him best from his Seinfeld days, but Jason Alexander is a veteran Broadway performer, even winning a Tony Award for his role in Jerome Robbins' Broadway. Alexander appears with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for a concert full of show tunes and comedy at Meyerson Symphony Center. The show plays three times through Sunday.

Gad Elmaleh in concert
Touted as the "Ben Stiller of France" and the "Jerry Seinfeld of French Comedy," Gad Elmaleh is arguably the biggest and most loved comedic star in France. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, he speaks Moroccan Arabic, French, English, and Hebrew. Appearing at Texas Theatre, his accent may be foreign, but his sense of humor is universal.

Saturday, January 28

Jurassic Quest
This dinosaur exhibit features over 80 ultrarealistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs that visitors can interact with, learn about, and even ride. It features T-Rex and Triceratops fossil digs, a “Dino Bounce” area with inflatable mazes, face painting, dino crafts, and much more. The event, located in both the Centennial and Automotive buildings at Fair Park, takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Crow Collection of Asian Art presents Chinese New Year Festival
Say goodbye to the Year of the Monkey and celebrate the Year of the Rooster at the Crow Collection’s signature Chinese New Year Festival. Highlights include lion and dragon dances, kung fu and breaking demonstrations, musical performances, and traditional Chinese dances. The event also features Chinese New Year art making activities and more.

Harlem Globetrotters World Tour
It's always a fun time when the Harlem Globetrotters come to town. The world-renowned basketball team has the ball-handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. They play three times at American Airlines Center through Sunday.

Shen Yun 2017
Consisting of about 20 pieces, Shen Yun takes audiences on a magical journey through 5,000 years, featuring animated backdrops, handmade costumes, high-flying leaps, thunderous drums, and live orchestra music. Including nearly 100 world-class performers, Shen Yun is accompanied by its unique concert orchestra blending Western and Chinese instruments. Shen Yun is at Winspear Opera House through February 5.

DNCE in concert
Consider yourself lucky if you scored tickets to this sold-out concert at Granada Theater, because DNCE won't be playing small venues for long. Led by former Jonas Brother Joe Jonas, DNCE has becomes inescapable thanks to hits like "Cake by the Ocean" "Toothbrush," and "Body Moves." They'll be joined by opening act The Skins.

DNCE plays at Granada Theater on January 28.

  

Photo by Steven Taylor

DNCE plays at Granada Theater on January 28.