UPDATE: The St. Vincent concert has been moved indoors, to the Winspear Opera House.
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It's another jam-packed weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth, and hopefully the weather will cooperate to let us enjoy it. There are no fewer than five high-profile concerts, three big festivals and, lest you forget, the return of our annual Tastemaker Awards.
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, May 14
CultureMap Dallas Tastemaker Awards
We've been revealing the nominees for weeks, and now you can finally see who has come out on top at the Tastemaker Awards at the Empire Room. Restaurants like American Food and Beverage, Cane Rosso, Luscher's Red Hots and Public School 214 dole out samples; Bartender of the Year candidates serve Herradura specialty cocktails; and two DJs ensure that the music doesn't stop.
New Kids on the Block in concert with TLC and Nelly
Folks, brace yourself: It's now been more than 30 years since New Kids on the Block officially got their start, which raises the question of whether you can still be called a boy band if you're pushing 50. You can judge for yourself if NKOTB still has it when they perform at American Airlines Center, along with opening acts TLC and Nelly.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds in concert
No matter what Noel Gallagher does the rest of his life, he'll always have the shadow of Oasis hanging over him. The acrimonious break-up with his brother Liam in 2009 continues to linger despite the fact that Noel has released two albums with his solo outfit, High Flying Birds. He plays at the Majestic Theatre in support of his 2015 album, somewhat interestingly named Chasing Yesterday.
Friday, May 15
2015 Main Street Fest
Coinciding with National Craft Beer Week, the annual Main Street Fest in Grapevine once again centers on craft brew tasting experiences. But if beer is not your thing — or if you're not of age — there are plenty of great things to enjoy, including live music on five stages, a special kids zone and a carnival midway. The festival lasts through Sunday.
2015 Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
Over the years, the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival has slowly but surely become a player when it comes to drawing big-name bands. In addition to being a showcase for artists, it welcomes, among others, Minus the Bear, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Leon Russell, Fuel, Kansas, Everclear, and Wynonna and the Big Noise. The festival takes place at Galatyn Park in Richardson through Sunday.
Dave Matthews Band in concert
Dave Matthews Band is giving fans their money's worth these days. During both their 2014 and 2015 tours, the band, which performs at Gexa Energy Pavilion, has played two full sets – one acoustic and one electric — ensuring that each and every fan goes home happy.
Saturday, May 16
Dallas Music District Festival
Due to the weather, the inaugural Dallas Music District Festival won't be at its original location, but it should still be a great time for anyone interested in local and regional music. Now taking place in 410 Bedford St. in Trinity Groves on Saturday and Sunday, it features 20 bands, including Jessie Frye, Jonathan Tyler, Somebody's Darling, MOTHXR, Donald Cumming and Ishi.
Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean in concert
Last we saw country superstars Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean, they were both receiving trophies at the 50th annual ACM Awards at AT&T Stadium. They return to the scene of their triumphs to show exactly why they were deserving of the plaudits, with Chesney supporting his 2014 album, The Big Revival, and Aldean supporting his 2014 album, Old Boots, New Dirt. They are joined by Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell and Old Dominion.
Sunday, May 17
2015 Uptown Ciclovia
If any event is hoping for good weather on Sunday, it's this one. The second annual Uptown Ciclovia shuts down streets between Klyde Warren Park and Katy Trail so that cyclists, pedestrians, roller skaters and other non-motorized modes of transportation can enjoy a car-free area. There are loads of booths and activities, and if you want to do some shopping or eating at the stores and restaurants along the strip, all the better.
Soluna Festival: St. Vincent
The Soluna Festival continues for another week, but this concert is arguably one of the biggest highlights. Local girl made good St. Vincent returns home to play a special concert with several Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians. Originally it was scheduled for Annette Strauss Square, but it has been moved indoors to the Winspear Opera House due to weather.
Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean perform at AT&T Stadium on May 16.
Polish gingerbread at Gourmet European Market.Photo courtesy of GEM