Another week, another set of events in Dallas that span the spectrum of ages, gender, cultures, art forms and multiple other categories. The city has so much to offer this weekend that you'd be silly to stay home.
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, February 21
Sesame Street Live: Can't Stop Singing
If you have kids of a certain age, chances are they spend at least part of their time glued to the educational antics of Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Big Bird. They've probably dreamed of getting to meet their favorite character in person, and they get their chance with this tour that'll have them dancing in the aisles. The show runs at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie through Sunday.
Old 97's in concert with The Travoltas and Rhett Miller
The Old 97's are now the elders of the alternative country scene in Dallas, having hawked their music across Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond for 20 years. Lead singer Rhett Miller has made a name for himself as a solo artist, and he displays both sides of his personality when he takes the stage at Granada Theater as a solo artist and with the Old 97's. The Travoltas, a group full of names familiar to Dallasites, also play.
Friday, February 22
Uptown Players presents Yellow
Uptown Players' first official show of the 2013 season is the most recent work from Texas playwright Del Shores. Yellow, which follows a year in the life of an Old South family, is a bit of a departure for Shores, as the play has as much drama as it does comedy. Yellow play at Kalita Humphreys Theater through March 10.
Pink in concert
While other pop acts seem to come and go, Pink has been a steady presence at the top of the charts since her breakthrough more than a decade ago. Her latest album, The Truth About Love, has kept up that streak, thanks mostly to the ubiquity of the hit "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)." She just released the album's second single, "Just Give Me a Reason," which features vocals from Fun lead singer Nate Ruess, a song virtually guaranteed to be another hit. She hits the stage at American Airlines Center at 8 pm.
Saturday, February 23
Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery presents Bunny Yeager opening reception
A million pin-up photographers owe their careers to trailblazer Bunny Yeager, who brought erotic art to a new level. She's most well-known for her photos of Bettie Page, whom she was able to get into Playboy during that magazine's infancy. The exhibit, which is Yeager's first solo show at a major photography gallery in the U.S., runs through May 11, coinciding with what would have been Page's 90th birthday.
Red Bull Thre3Style Regional Finals
Some of the nation's top spinners and scratchers hit Trees on Saturday for the Southwest regional finals of the Red Bull Thre3Style competition. The winner takes home a $10,000 prize and the chance to compete in LA for the national title. The presence of DJ Jazzy Jeff, one of the judges, will likely cause as much of a stir as the competing DJs.
Sunday, February 24
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Cultural Awareness
Dance is the main course on the menu Sunday. Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents its final performance of Cultural Awareness, which is also showing at Wyly Theatre on Friday and Saturday. The show is a historical dance perspective featuring Negro spirituals and folk songs.
The 85th Academy Awards Watch Party
Will Argo or Lincoln takes home the top prize? How many people will host Seth McFarlane offend? And will Zero Dark Thirty, the year's best movie, really not win any awards? You' can find out the answer to all of these questions, plus taste themed drinks like Zero Dark & Stormy, if you go to this watch party at The People's Last Stand at Mockingbird Station.
Bunny Yeager's photography exhibit opens at Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery on February 23.
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