The first weekend in March brings a variety of interesting events to the Dallas area. Among your choices are some truly theatrical magic acts, the best of Broadway done in a unique way, a celebration of all things Irish, a collaborative version of a Shakespearean play, a concert from one of the biggest rock bands on the planet, and 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, March 2

The Rustic presents 2017 Texas Independence Day Bash
The Rustic is throwing a huge bash to celebrate Texas Independence Day, featuring live music from Raised Right Men and Shinyribs. Also on hand are Texas-themed vendors like Tumbleweed TexStyles, which sells Texas T-shirts, and All the Wire, which sells custom Texas-themed jewelry. The event also includes cornhole games and a photo booth with Texas props.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Rachmaninoff & Rachmaninoff
Anyone who loves the compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff will be in heaven at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's latest concert. Two of the composer's classics, Piano Concerto No. 4 and Symphony No. 1, are being featured during the four performances, taking place at Meyerson Symphony Center through Sunday. Pianist Garrick Ohlsson is the featured musician.

Dallas Summer Musicals presents The Illusionists
It's no musical, but The Illusionists is a mind-blowing spectacular that showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The nonstop show, packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic, is presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park through Sunday.

Uptown Players presents Broadway Our Way
Now in its 15th year, Uptown Players’ annual fundraiser, Broadway Our Way, light-heartedly pits the men against the women to determine who the true Divas of the Dallas stage really are. The production, playing at Kalita Humphreys Theater through Sunday, features many favorite actors from past Uptown Players seasons performing selections from Broadway shows both past and present, done with an Uptown Players twist.

Friday, March 3

Southwest Celtic Music Association presents 35th Annual North Texas Irish Festival
The North Texas Irish Festival, one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S., returns to celebrate 35 years of music and Irish culture. This year’s theme, "Texas Grown — Irish Roots," celebrates the music, dance, and cultural talent in and around the region and incorporates the tradition of Irish and other Celtic influences. The event, taking place at Fair Park through Sunday, also features whiskey tastings, blacksmithing demonstrations, horse displays, Celtic storytelling, animal rescue groups, food, children's activities and entertainment, and chef demonstrations.

Cara Mia Theatre presents Yemaya's Belly
A Cuban boy is born into a humble farming family, but after his first taste of cold Coca-Cola, he dreams of a world beyond his family's meager acre. Naively yearning to meet the "President of America," Yemaya’s Belly follows his epic journey into manhood and materialism, from farm to city, to a raft sailing to the New World. Cara Mia Theatre presents the play, performed in English, at Latino Cultural Center through March 19.

Dallas Theater Center presents The Tempest
Dallas Theater Center and Ignite/Arts Dallas at Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts presents the inaugural production of Public Works Dallas’ The Tempest. The 90-minute musical adaptation of the play features 200 actors and community members, only five being professional actors. There are four performances through Sunday at the Wyly Theatre.

Saturday, March 4

2017 Lantern Fest
The Lantern Fest is an unforgettable spectacle, taking place at Texas Motorplex in Ennis. Before sundown, friends and families can enjoy food, live music, a stage show, familiar princesses, face painters, s'mores, balloon artists, and more. Then, when the time is just right at absolute dark, the sky will be lit up with thousands of lanterns, symbolizing attendees' highest hopes, fondest dreams, and/or memorials of loved ones.

Dita Von Teese: The Art of the Teese
International Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese takes audiences on an opulent evening of fantasy and seduction in her new striptease spectacle, Dita Von Teese: The Art of the Teese. The show treats audiences to show-stopping numbers like a brand-new version of her iconic “Martini Glass” routine, which features a beautiful art-deco style cocktail glass, crystallized from top to bottom with over 250,000 Swarovski crystals. She performs twice at the House of Blues Dallas, on Saturday and Sunday.

Green Day in concert with Against Me
It's hard to believe, but Green Day can now be considered a classic band. It's been over 30 years since they first started and over 22 years since their breakout album, Dookie​. Their success has also led to them being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. They play at American Airlines Center in support of their 2016 album, Revolution Radio. They'll be joined by opening act Against Me.

Sunday, March 5

The Best of Second City
Chicago’s legendary sketch and improv comedy theater comes back to Dallas with “The Best of the Second City,” a must-see show that features the best sketches and songs from the Second City’s 55-year history. The troupe was made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and more, as well as their trademark improvisation. They perform at The Kessler.

Green Day plays at American Airlines Center on March 4, with opening act Against Me.

  

Photo by Frank Maddocks

Green Day plays at American Airlines Center on March 4, with opening act Against Me.