Memorial Day weekend means a lighter load of events in and around Dallas, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Among the worthy choices are two national Broadway tours, two more entries in the Soluna Festival, and the annual return of Margaritaville.
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 26
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Ragtime
This musical that takes place at the dawn of a new century, when everything is changing and anything is possible. The production, running through June 5 at Music Hall at Fair Park, tells the stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician in New York, all of whom are united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow.
Roundabout Theatre Company presents Cabaret
As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, Roundabout Theatre Company will present the national tour of Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s Tony Award-winning production of Cabaret. The musical, playing at Winspear Opera House through June 5, features some of the most memorable songs in theater history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen,” and “Maybe This Time.”
Friday, May 27
2016 Soluna Festival: Jaap van Zweden Conducts Mahler
One of the main events of the Soluna Festival, this concert highlights Gustav Mahler's Das klagende Lied, an imaginative fairy tale of chivalry and ambition in which two knights vie for the hand of the imperious queen. The concert, which will showcase the entire 175-member symphony, will play twice at Meyerson Symphony Center, once each on Friday and Saturday.
Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream
The Dallas Wings, the area's new WNBA team, continue their inaugural home stand at College Park Center on the UT Arlington campus with a game on Friday against the Atlanta Dream and another on Sunday against the Chicago Sky. Star Skylar Diggins, who's coming off an injury, played limited minutes in the home opener but will hopefully have her role expanded in forthcoming games.
Saturday, May 28
Color Fun Fest 5k & Carnival
At the Color Fun Fest 5K & Carnival, participants are encouraged to wear their whitest running clothes and get ready to be showered with more than 10,000 pounds of color as they navigate the 1.8-mile course. Taking place at Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney, runners have the option of running the course multiple times or choosing between a day or night run; night runners will be showered with glow-in-the-dark colors.
Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band in concert with Jerry Jeff Walker
Jimmy Buffett has managed to maintain an almost godlike level of popularity for more than 40 years, mostly because he's stuck to his escapist roots. He, the Coral Reefer Band, and Texas legend Jerry Jeff Walker will play at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, but everybody knows the real party takes place in the parking lot before, during, and after the concert.
Sunday, May 29
Caliber Collision presents Dallas Memorial March
Every year, the national relay Carry the Load concludes at the Dallas Memorial March at Reverchon Park. The Dallas Memorial March was created as a way to raise awareness for veterans and military families. The 20-hour-and-16-minute family-friendly walk finishes on Monday and is a way to restore the meaning of Memorial Day and support our military heroes.
2016 Soluna Festival: Our Heroes
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will present their own Memorial Day tribute with this special concert at Klyde Warren Park. DSO maestro Jaap van Zweden conducts a program with patriotic favorites and beloved classics in honor of Dallas' veterans and first responders.
The Color Fun Fest 5K & Carnival will take place at Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney on May 28.
