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    State Fair Free Music

    All the concerts you can see for free at State Fair of Texas 2016

    Teresa Gubbins
    Jun 1, 2016 | 9:08 am
    Spotify House SXSW party Kacey Musgraves March 2016
    Kacey Musgraves is one of the top acts performing at the 2016 State Fair of Texas.
    Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Spotify

    With concert season on our minds, the State Fair of Texas has released its 2016 concert lineup with Nelly and Kacey Musgraves leading a pack of musical acts delivering 24 days of free concerts.

    Well, free if you're at the fair. A variety of musical acts across all genres will perform on the fair's Chevrolet Main Stage, which is included with admission to the State Fair.

    Country music star Kacey Musgraves will kick off the concert series on opening night, September 30, at 8:30 pm. The East Texas native caught her big break after competing on the hit TV show Nashville Star in 2007, before moving on to co-write songs with major country artists like Miranda Lambert and Martina McBride.

    Opening weekend will conclude on October 2 with back-to-back headlining performances. Taking the stage at 3 pm, the Chris Perez Project blends American rock with Hispanic heritage. The former husband and lead guitarist for Tejano legend Selena, Chris Perez has performed with many different musical groups throughout the years, including the Chris Perez Band, which won a 1999 Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album.

    The Tejano sounds continue at 5:30 pm with AB Quintanilla y los Kumbia King All Starz. The older brother of Selena, AB Quintanilla has co-written songs and performed with his sister in their band Los Dinos, as well as founding several bands of his own. He's won a Latin Grammy Award and a Billboard Latin Music Award, and has been nominated for American Music Awards and Grammy Awards.

    Kicking off Red River Showdown weekend, Prophets and Outlaws take the stage on October 7 with shows at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. Formed in Dallas, this country-Southern rock band released its latest album, V, in 2016 and is currently touring Texas and Oklahoma.

    Country singer Cody Johnson performs on October 8 at 8:30 pm. In 2011, he won the Texas Regional Music Award for New Male Vocalist of the Year. His Cowboy Like Me album debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and his sixth album, Gotta Be Me, will come out in summer 2016.

    Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots Concert Spectacular performs on October 9 at 3 pm. This musical comedy group uses its combination of humor and music to help communities in need, raising more than $2 million for various charities through its performances. Bobby Bones has a nationally syndicated weekday radio show, and a new book, Bare Bones.

    Nashville-based singer/songwriter Ben Rector headlines the Columbus Day concert on October 10 at 5:30 pm. A 2006 winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Rector has released seven albums, including his most recent album, Brand New, in 2015.

    Austin blues band The Peterson Brothers perform on October 14 at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. Despite their young ages of 17 and 19, Alex and Glenn Peterson have already had the opportunity to share the stage with true music legends such as Pinetop Perkins, Willie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Buddy Guy, and the late B.B. King.

    Two-time Grammy Award winner Nelly will perform on October 15 at 8:30 pm. The rapper's hit singles include "Ride Wit Me," "Dilemma," "Hot in Herre," and "Work It." He currently stars in his own reality TV show on BET called Nellyville, which follows him through everyday life, from managing his career to spending time with his family.

    Disco band Le Freak will perform on October 16 at 3 and 5:30 pm. Fully outfitted in retro gear to go along with their disco-era performance, Le Freak adds new energy to songs of the past.

    Americana trio The Quebe Sisters perform on October 21 at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. Burleson sisters Hulda, Sophia, and Grace Quebe have developed their own blend of Western swing, classic country, and Texas-style fiddling. The Quebe Sisters have released three albums to date and are currently touring across the country.

    Christian rock singer Colton Dixon performs on October 22 at 6 pm. The Tennessee native was a contestant on Season 11 of American Idoland debuted his albumbA Messenger in 2013, which became the No. 1 selling album that year by a new Christian artist.

    Grammy nominee Skillet performs on October 22 at 8:30 pm. Described as Christian hard rock with alternative and metal elements, the Memphis band will release its ninth album this summer.

    The concert series concludes on October 23 with a 3 pm headlining performance by Dallas band La Energía Norteña. Their third album, Cruzando Territorio, was nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Norteño Album. Known for playing Mexican regional music that incorporates the accordion and saxophone, the all-male group stays true to its roots while maintaining a fresh musical style.

    In addition to the Chevrolet Main Stage, the State Fair will offer daily live music performances on multiple stages throughout the grounds. That includes the Budweiser Sound Stage centrally located in Cotton Bowl Plaza, with local and regional acts such as Coffey Anderson, the Tejas Brothers, and Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band.

    Nestled in the heart of the Midway, the Coca-Cola Stage is perfect for staking out a spot at the picnic benches and relaxing in the shade while enjoying a family-friendly musical performance. With an all-new musical act for 2016, the Coca-Cola Stage will host the Honey Bears, who will perform daily throughout the run of the Fair.

    On Nimitz Circle, next to the Creative Arts building, is the Dr Pepper Stage, offering an eclectic mix of musical talent and a quaint grassy area to relax with friends and family. The 2016 lineup will feature The Killdares, Six Appeal, and the Light Crust Doughboys.

    The 2016 State Fair of Texas is themed "Celebrating Texas Agriculture" and runs from September 30 through October 23.

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    Weekend Event Planner

    These are the 11 best things to do in Dallas this New Year's weekend

    Alex Bentley
    Dec 31, 2025 | 3:00 pm
    Shen Yun 2026
    Photo courtesy of Shen Yun
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    The holiday hangover is real when it comes to events, as very few new events will be taking place over New Year's weekend. Choices include New Year's Eve celebrations, a music festival, a big college football game, a family New Year's event, three comedians, two local theater productions, the annual return of a Chinese dance troupe, and the final days of holiday-themed events.

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

    Wednesday, December 31

    New Year's Eve celebrations
    There are plenty of options acoss Dallas to celebrate the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026. We've helpfully compiled 12 of the most interesting ones on this list; head to our calendar to see more choices. Here are some special NYE dinners, and here's a list of restaurants open for brunch the following day.

    Lights All Night
    Electronic music fans will once again get to bring in the New Year with a variety of acts performing at Dallas Market Hall. The two-day event, which started on Tuesday, will wrap up on Wednesday with performances by Illenium, Porter Robinson (DJ set), RL Grime, Ayybo, Odd Mob, Jackie Hollander, Grabbitz, Maddy O'Neal, and Skellytn, among others.

    Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
    The annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic will also serve as a quarterfinal game in the 2025 College Football Playoff. After a first-round win by the No. 10 seed Miami Hurricanes over Texas A&M, they will take on the No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. The winner will move on to play either Georgia or Ole Miss at the Fiesta Bowl on January 9.

    Thursday, January 1

    Vogel Alcove presents 11th Annual Day 1 DFW
    The 11th Annual Day 1 DFW is a family-friendly celebration packed with activities, live entertainment, and games that serve a heartwarming purpose. Taking place at Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, visitors can enjoy a variety of food options available at the concession stands or in the Irving Convention Center Café.

    Friday, January 2

    Punch Line Irving presents Andy Huggins
    The area's newest comedy club will welcome one of the oldest working comedians today, Andy Huggins, who has been performing stand-up for 45 years. He has opened for acts ranging from Ray Charles to Jeff Foxworthy. His 2024 debut special, Early Bird Special, can be seen on Amazon Prime and King of The One-Liners on Don't Tell Comedy has been viewed by over 3 million people. He'll perform three times through Saturday at Punch Line Irving.

    Improv Addison presents Dustin Nickerson
    A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California, Dustin Nickerson describes himself as “the world’s most average person” but is far from it when on stage. He brings audiences into his life through his jokes about the struggles of parenting, marriage, and being generally annoyed by most people. In 2020, he released his debut comedy special, Overwhelmed. Nickerson also has a podcast, Don’t Make Me Come Back There, and a book, How to be Married to Melissa. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Addison.

    Improv Arlington 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. Mitchell has four one-hour comedy specials under his belt, including Slightly Offensive in 2025. He also produces a weekly podcast, Understand This with Finesse Mitchell. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.

    NTPA Repertory Theatre presents A Chorus Line
    A Chorus Line is a concept musical capturing the spirit and tension of a Broadway ensemble audition. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of professional Broadway performers, the show features one powerhouse number after another, including “What I Did for Love,” “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At the Ballet,” “The Music and the Mirror,” and “I Hope I Get It.” The production serves as the annual NTPA Alumni show, performed by alums from NTPA youth theatre who have graduated and are now pursuing college or careers. There will be four performances through Sunday at North Texas Performing Arts in Plano.

    Pocket Sandwich Theatre presents The Final Adventures of Hercules
    The Final Adventure of Hercules is a melodrama of mythic proportions that promises gods, monsters, and more drama than Zeus at a family reunion. Audience participation is mandatory (popcorn-throwing encouraged, lightning bolts optional). The production will open with a special performance at Pocket Sandwich Theatre's Second Chance New Year's Bash on Friday, where guests are encouraged to dress like a legend in togas or other mythical best to welcome in ... January 3. The production runs through February 14 at Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Carrollton.

    Saturday, January 3

    Shen Yun
    Shen Yun's unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional journey featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dance systems - classical Chinese dance - along with dynamic animated backdrops and all-original orchestral works. The dance troupe will perform three times through Sunday at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson, and then return through eight more performances during a two-weekend stay, January 17-25.

    Sunday, January 4

    Last chance for holiday events
    Sunday will be the final day to participate in most of the holiday-themed events in and around Dallas, including Holiday at the Arboretum at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Ice featuring Elf at Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Christmas at the Anatole at Hilton Anatole in Dallas, The Trains at NorthPark at NorthPark Center, The Light Park in Little Elm, Frisco, and Arlington, and Dallas Zoo Lights at Dallas Zoo, among others.

    Shen Yun 2026
    Photo courtesy of Shen Yun

    Shen Yun will be at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson, January 3-4 and January 17-25.

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