The slate of events in and around Dallas this weekend is split evenly between local and national performers. On the local side, you can enjoy classical music, theater, a holiday celebration, and ballet. On the national side will be a highly personal theatrical show, two big-name comedians, and a country music superstar.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, February 15
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky's "Pathétique"
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will present trombonist Jörgen van Rijen under the direction of Maestro Gustavo Gimeno. Selections for the concert, which will be put on four times through Sunday at the Meyerson Symphony Center, will include Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, "Classica," the U.S. premiere of James MacMillan's Trombone Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique."
Eisemann Center presents PostSecret: The Show
PostSecret: The Show is an immersive, poignant journey through the humor and humanity of personal stories we’d rather keep to ourselves, but on rare occasions, share with others. Three actors and a guitarist use projected images and videos to guide the audience through crowd-sourced narratives revealing the true stories behind the secrets. There will be five performances through Sunday at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson.
Ochre House Theater presents The Woman Who Knew Too Much
Ochre House Theater is presenting the world premiere of The Woman Who Knew Too Much, about a woman with no memory of who she is or where she comes from. Who knows her, and how did she lose her memory? Or is she a spy, undercover, trying to solve a mystery with many clues, shady characters, and few answers? The play, which opened on February 10, will run through March 3 at Ochre House Theater.
Friday, February 16
Ron White in concert
Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon. He's a classic storyteller who relays tales from his life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life. He'll put on four performances through Saturday at Majestic Theatre.
Improv Addison presents Joel McHale
Joel McHale has become one of the most sought-after comedians and actors in the industry, having served as host of The Soup for 12 years and starring on Community for six seasons. He recently starred as former Community co-star Chevy Chase in Netflix’s A Futile & Stupid Gesture, and his Netflix talk show, The Joel McHale Show, will premiere on February 18. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Improv Addison.
Alan Jackson in concert
Country singer Alan Jackson is one of the biggest stars of the industry in the past 30 years, hitting the big time with his 1990 sophomore album, Here in the Real World. None of his subsequent 14 albums have landed outside the top 5 on the country charts, and 11 of them went to No. 1, including his most recent, 2015's Angels and Alcohol. He'll take his fans on a tour of his greatest hits during this concert at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Saturday, February 17
Crow Collection of Asian Art presents Chinese New Year Festival
2018 is the Year of The Dog, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art is getting ready for one amazing paw-ty at its 19th annual Chinese New Year Festival. Organizers are shaking things up and bringing the festivities to NorthPark Center, where they will celebrate with art activities and demonstrations, dog-themed booths, food, fireworks, and a main stage filled with a list of talented performers, old and new.
Avant Chamber Ballet presents "Beauty and Bach"
Avant Chamber Ballet returns with a triple bill of works from the 19th, 20th, and 21st century, all with live music. The works will include George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, set to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto; the world premiere of Katie Cooper’s Appalachian Spring, featuring Copland's 13-member orchestra suite arrangement; and Aurora's Wedding — Sleeping Beauty Act 3, featuring Tchaikovsky. There will be performances on both Saturday and Sunday at Moody Performance Hall.
The Crow Collection of Asian Art will put on a Chinese New Year Festival at Klyde Warren Park on February 17.
Cowboys fans were out in full force.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Tailgating is all about the food.Photo by Ashley Gongora
An array of beverages ensured guests had fun all night.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Buffalo shrimp and blue cheese grits from McRae's American Bistro & Cocktails won the best dish of the night.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The silent auction inspired competitive bidding.Photo by Ashley Gongora