Because March 20 is the official start of spring, it's no surprise that event planners start unveiling a slate of outdoor events soon thereafter. That time appears to be this weekend, which also happens to be Easter weekend, a nice coincidence for everybody in the area.

What about the NCAA tournament games at Cowboys Stadium, you say? Although the Sweet Sixteen lineup includes Cinderella Florida Gulf Coast, there aren't any Texas ties to the tournament this year. Couple that with the cluster that is driving to Arlington, and you’re probably better off watching at 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, March 28

2013 Dallas Comedy Festival​
The fourth annual festival, held by Dallas Comedy House, brings out many of the best stand-up, improv and sketch comedians from around the Dallas-Fort Worth area and other parts of the country. The festival continues through Saturday, with people like Keegan-Michael Key showing off their comedic chops.

Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Peter Pan
Chances are if you've seen a national tour of Peter Pan any time in the last 40 years, Cathy Rigby has been playing the boy who never grows up. The former gymnast has inhabited the role off and on since 1974 and has become almost as iconic as the character himself. Act quick, though — the musical at Bass Performance Hall ends Sunday.

Friday, March 29

The Kessler Third Anniversary Party with the Burning Hotels, Ice Eater and Analog Rebellion
The Kessler has become such a big part of the local music scene that it's easy to forget that it hasn't existed in its current incarnation for very long. It was only three years ago that Edwin Cabaniss brought the old theater back from the dead, and it's been hopping ever since. You can celebrate the milestone with three great local bands.

Kitchen Dog Theater presents RX
The 2012-2013 season for Kitchen Dog Theater continues with RX, a comedy in which love and pharmaceuticals intersect. If that reminds you of the 2010 movie Love and Other Drugs, take heart: This play is almost guaranteed to be superior to that awful film. The production plays at McKinney Avenue Contemporary through April 27.

Saturday, March 30

Klyde Warren Park presents Spring Has Sprung
The recent cold temperatures notwithstanding, spring has officially arrived, and there's almost nothing better than enjoying good weather with a day at the park. Klyde Warren Park celebrates the season with a variety of musical performances, arts and crafts, and pictures with the Easter bunny on Sunday.

2013 Mudbug Bash Crawfish Boil
A number of events have flocked to Main Street Garden since it opened in 2009, and that attractiveness is underscored this weekend at the inaugural Mudbug Bash. Enjoy multiple activities, from live music to the main reason for the event, a Cajun-style crawfish boil.

Sunday, March 31

2013 Easter in the Park
Some may love going to church and/or brunch on Easter Sunday, but for many in the area, Easter in the Park is a tradition unlike any other. The annual event at Robert E. Lee Park features live music from Mi Diva Loca, food and drink, and, of course, the popular Pooch Parade with dogs in costumes.

The Texas Theatre presents The Ten Commandments screening
If you're not that into the religious aspect of Easter but still want to pay lip service to stories from the Bible, the Texas Theatre has the solution: a screening of a 35mm print of the 1956 classic The Ten Commandments. Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea as Moses is a sight meant to be seen on the big screen, so don't miss your chance.

Klyde Warren Park celebrates spring with a variety of musical performances, arts and crafts, and pictures with the Easter bunny on March 31.

Courtesy photo

Klyde Warren Park celebrates spring with a variety of musical performances, arts and crafts, and pictures with the Easter bunny on March 31.