Some weeks multiple events compete for the headline. Other times, the best event is clear as a bell. We mean no disrespect toward the other happenings around town, of course. But this weekend there is one event that towers above all others: a concert from hometown girl Kelly Clarkson.
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 28
Theatre Three presents Idols of the King
Elvis Presley has now been dead almost as long as he was alive, but there's no end in sight to the public's continued fascination with the man and his music. Theatre Three is taking advantage of that by presenting Idols of the King, a musical that focuses more on the King's fans than on the man himself, but it still features many of his iconic songs. The show starts Thursday and runs through March 30.
The Molly Ringwalds in concert
No, this isn't everyone's favorite '80s movie star, although she can actually carry a tune. Rather, it's an English band that's taken her name as a way to pay homage to everything that pop culture from that decade brought us. The band references movies, television and music, so if you're a child of the '80s, this could very well be heaven. The Molly Ringwalds play one night only at the House of Blues Dallas.
Friday, March 1
2013 North Texas Irish Festival
St. Patrick's Day doesn't roll around until March 17, but for anyone looking to get their Irish on early can do so at Fair Park courtesy of the annual North Texas Irish Festival. The festival, taking place Friday through Sunday, features anything and everything Irish, from musicians to dancers to food to, of course, Guinness.
Kelly Clarkson in concert
If Kelly Clarkson had a more unique first name, she might have already achieved one-name status like Beyonce or Madonna. As it stands, she's still one of most popular and recognizable singers in America, having done nothing less than sing at President Obama's second presidential inauguration.
Fresh off a very public spat with record producer Clive Davis, Clarkson takes the stage at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie. If the 6,300 seat venue seems a bit small for a star of her stature, that's because this is a benefit concert. Proceeds support the Opportunity Education Foundation.
Saturday, March 2
Casa Mañana presents Camelot
Camelot is one of musical theater's most enduring productions, for its notable songs and score and for its subject matter. The tale of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot has been adapted many times, but none is quite as memorable as the Lerner and Loewe musical. Casa Mañana presents the noble show for one week only, March 2-March 10
South Side Music Hall presents Jim Jefferies
Funny is funny, whether it comes from your next-door neighbor or someone halfway across the world. One of the hottest names in comedy right now is Jim Jefferies, a comedian who's known for being brutally honest no matter the topic. Having hit pay dirt with Louie, FX is betting on Jefferies' potential by airing his sitcom Legit, now in the middle of its first season. Jefferies performs at South Side Music Hall, one of several venues in the Gilley's complex.
Sunday, March 3
Galleria Dallas presents Beauty Live 2013
If you're looking to get beauty tips, deals on products or just gawk at celebrity stylists, Galleria Dallas is the place for you this weekend. On Friday night, the kickoff event dubbed Pink'd has the star power of chair Emmitt Smith and his wife, Pat. Beauty Live runs through the weekend.
Coheed and Cambria in concert
All bands are storytellers in one form or another, but the rock band Coheed and Cambria has taken that concept in a unique direction. All of the group's albums are concept albums that relate to a science fiction story called The Amory Wars, written by lead singer Claudio Sanchez. Coheed and Cambria hits Dallas just a few weeks following its latest release, The Afterman: Descension. The band plays at the Palladium Ballroom.
Kelly Clarkson performs a benefit concert at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on March 1.
Leela's Holiday House is really three different festive destinations. Leela's/Facebook