Axe to Grind

Axe-throwing trend hits hard with new spot opening in East Dallas

It's just people throwing around axes.

Photo courtesy of Bad Axe

If it takes three to make a trend (and it does), then Dallas-Fort Worth is now officially on board with the axe-throwing trend. Bad Axe Throwing, a new concept to Texas, will open in East Dallas at 5438 E. Grand Ave., where it will host a grand opening the weekend of June 8-10.

Bad Axe Throwing was founded in Ontario, Canada in 2014, and has locations in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Kansas City; Dallas will be the 18th location.

Axe-throwing as a diversion originated in Canada, and is a non-sporty sport like darts, paintball, or bowling that does not require you to be fit to participate. This, along with its ice-breaking novelty, makes it perfect for first dates, group outings, and team-building corporate events.

The number of facilities in the United States keeps growing; at last count, there were more than 40.

Bad Axe founder Mario Zelaya says that it's part of a desire for new, interactive forms of entertainment.

"Axe throwing is really a traditional hobby that we’ve turned into a unique experience," he says in a release. "It's perfect to celebrate any occasion or simply get a group of friends together because anyone of any skill can participate and have a lot of fun."

He likens axe throwing to throwing darts at a bar, but instead of tiny darts you can hold in one hand, it's axes with a blade large enough to hack off a hand, if not properly deployed.

Bad Axe has experts on hand to prevent that kind of thing. The company represents the third axe-throwing concept in the DFW. There are currently two: Flying Axe Factory in Fort Worth, and the confusingly-named Dallas Axe Throwing, which is actually located in Richardson (and whose website is way too janky to link to).

But Bad Axe gets extra points as the first in Dallas proper, and it's going in an interesting location: 5438 E. Grand Ave., right near I-30. This is primarily a Mexican neighborhood that's just an axe's throw from Lakewood. For Lakewooders who need to get their ya-yas out, it's just a short drive away.

The company always hosts free open houses to demystify the axe throwing experience and that'll happen at the grand opening June 8-10.

"Our open houses are legendary and we’re happy to have everyone and anyone try their hand at learning at new skill," Zelaya says.

trends

Weekend Event Planner

These are the 10 best things to do in Dallas this 4th of July weekend

Photo courtesy of City of Little Elm

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With the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday, there are not many new events happening in and around Dallas, but it will still be a big holiday weekend full of festivities. Choices include the World Cup (both in-person and watch parties at the official festival), two comedians, a new local theater production, two new exhibitions, a festival-style concert with some big-name musicians, and plenty of 4th of July celebrations.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out our calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events.

For our complete list of spectacular 4th of July festivities happening in and around Dallas, go here. And for restaurant specials celebrating America's 250th birthday, visit this guide.

Thursday, July 2

FIFA Fan Festival Dallas
With the FIFA World Cup having entered the knockout stages, the excitement level has ramped for fans of the remaining teams. With three matches scheduled for both Thursday and Friday, and two matches each on Saturday and Sunday, there will be plenty of soccer action to watch at this event at Fair Park. There will also be fireworks following the final match on Friday, and a concert by Turnpike Troubadours on Saturday.

Improv Addison presents Finesse Mitchell
Finesse Mitchell is a multi-faceted actor, author, and stand-up comedian who entered the comedy scene with appearances on BET’s Comic View and Comedy Central. In 2003, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, where he stayed for three seasons. Mitchell has multiple comedy specials under his belt, most recently Slightly Offensive in 2024. He'll perform at Improv Addison four times through Sunday.

Improv Arlington presents Benji Brown
Benji Brown began his career in radio while honing his skills as a stand-up comedian with a unique voice and hilarious characters. He became a key fixture on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and went on to work with such A-list headliners as Smiley, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, and Monique. He's also appeared in a number of TV specials and commercials. He'll perform at Improv Arlington five times through Sunday.

Pocket Sandwich Theatre presents King Arthur & Merlin: A Tale of Sword & Sorcery
King Arthur & Merlin: A Tale of Sword & Sorcery makes its world premiere with a royally ridiculous twist on the legendary tale of Camelot. The magic-fueled comedy follows bumbling Uther, wise-but-weary Merlin, vengeful Morgana, and the once-and-future himbo, King Arthur, as they fight, flirt, and fumble their way through destiny. The production runs through August 22 at Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Carrollton.

Friday, July 3

Independence Day Eve events
As is tradition, many cities start celebrating the day before the 4th of July. You can find big holiday events happening in Addison, Garland, Cypress Waters, Wylie, and Carrollton.

FIFA World Cup: Australia vs. Egypt
Friday will mark the end of the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Dallas Stadium will host one of the final three matches. Australia made it to this round after coming in second to the United States in Group D, while Egypt came in just behind Group G winner Belgium. The winner of the match will go on to play either Argentina or Cabo Verde.

Outlaw Music Festival
The Fourth of July weekend brings with it the start of the 2026 Outlaw Music Festival, a relatively short tour that is headlined by 93-year-old country music legend Willie Nelson. This concert at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, which kicks off the 12-date tour, will feature performances by Willie Nelson & Family, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, and Lily Meola.

Frontiers of Flight Museum presents "Hindenburg: The Flying Hotel" opening day
Frontiers of Flight Museum will debut a global-first exhibition that takes a new look at the Hindenburg, focusing on its status as a luxurious passenger experience and the lasting impact of its design and innovation. “Hindenburg: The Flying Hotel” explores the history, pop culture, luxury, and engineering marvel of one of the most iconic airships of the 20th century. The immersive exhibition features around 90 rare artifacts and firsthand historical materials. The exhibition will remain on display through June 2027.

Artstillery presents "Dichotomy of Compassion"
Artstillery's "Dichotomy of Compassion" is a new immersive multimedia installation exploring the fractures of the American Dream. The interdisciplinary experience confronts the fractured promises of American democracy through a fusion of visual art, soundscape, community narratives, and audience participation. At its core, the work examines how systems of inequality and inherited prejudice distort people's ability to recognize themselves in one another. The exhibition will be open on limited dates through July 11.

Saturday, July 4

4th of July events
The Metroplex will offer myriad options to celebrate America's 250th birthday on Saturday, with Independence Day events happening all over the place, starting with morning parades and culminating in evening fireworks. Top area celebrations include Klyde Warren Park, Irving, Arlington, McKinney, The Colony, Grand Prairie, Little Elm, Denton, Frisco, Plano, and Grapevine.

Photo courtesy of City of Little Elm

Little Elm presents Red, White & Beach on July 4.

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