There are some weekends where one event is so massive that everything else comes in a distant second. With country legend George Strait putting on his final tour date ever on Saturday, it seems like many event organizers have deferred to his greatness.
Below are your 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, June 5
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Mamma Mia!
Back in 1999, the idea that a musical based on the songs of ABBA would go on to be one of the most popular Broadway shows of all time might have been laughable. But 15 years later, Mamma Mia! is still going strong, and it's joined by other versions around the world, including the North American tour presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at Music Hall at Fair Park through June 15.
Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys, which uses the songs of The Four Seasons to document their rise and fall, is another long-lasting Broadway musical, having played continuously since 2006. In advance of the musical finally coming to the big screen later this summer, you can catch this touring production at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth through June 15.
Friday, June 6
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Hollywood Hits
Summer is when the Dallas Symphony Orchestra cuts loose and offers some of their more whimsical fare. Movie lovers of all ages will love this concert, as it'll feature famous movie soundtracks and beloved love songs from classic and new films. The DSO will put on three separate concerts at Meyerson Symphony Center through Sunday.
Viva Dallas Burlesque presents Dirty Sexy Funny
Burlesque is an art form anyone can appreciate, and few do it better than than Viva Dallas Burlesque. The group's annual presentation of Dirty Sexy Funny at Lakewood Theater is chance for the performers to show that their routines can be both titillating and hilarious at the same time.
Saturday, June 7
2014 Belmont Stakes Day at Lone Star Park
California Chrome is aiming to be the first thoroughbred to win horse racing's Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978, and only the 12th horse to ever accomplish the feat. There's no better place to watch the attempt than Lone Star Park, where you can catch some live races and also bet a few ducats on the big race itself.
George Strait in concert
One of the most anticipated concerts of the summer is finally here, and George Strait's going away party — at least when it comes to touring — promises to be the blowout of all blowouts. Appropriately taking place at AT&T Stadium, the concert will feature in-person tributes from no fewer than 12 other big name artists, including Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Ronnie Dunn, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack and Asleep At The Wheel.
Sunday, June 8
WaterTower Theatre presents Good People
The latest offering from WaterTower Theatre is a production of Good People, which was written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire. Playing at Addison Conference Centre through June 29, it follows a woman who returns to her old neighborhood in South Boston looking for a job, and winds up getting more than she bargained for.
Howie Day in concert with Shane Piasecki
The music business can be cruel to singers like Howie Day. Although he's tasted a bit of success, such as his top 20 hit "Collide," he's never hit the big time. But you have to respect someone who keeps at it even when his work is not appreciated by the masses. Day will play at The Kessler with Shane Piasecki as opening act.
George Strait and half of Nashville will be at AT&T Stadium on June 7 for Strait's final tour date ever.
Mark Ridlen (right) with close friend Reid RobiinsonFacebook