What better way to welcome summer than with a party? Dallas’ One Arts Plaza is planning a blowout bash on June 17, designed to celebrate all the area has to offer while taking advantage of the warm weather and lasting daylight.
It all starts with complimentary garage parking — $5 valet is also available — so you can then wander freely around the plaza and take in all the evening’s activities.
Perhaps you’ll begin with a meal or cocktail on the patio at Jorge’s Tex-Mex, Proof + Pantry, or Tei-An. Or if you’d rather wander while you nibble, scoop up organic popsicles from Berrynaked starting at only $3 in refreshing flavors such as pomegranate black tea, cucumber lime, and strawberry agave.
Inside the One Arts Plaza lobby, peruse works on display from Booker T. Washington students for the Dallas Art Dealers Association Student Scholarship Exhibition. Still feeling artsy? Check out JM Gallery, which stays open until 10 that night to show off its latest exhibition, “Worlds Within, featuring Kenneth Burris and Sam Watson.
Parked outside in the plaza will be two stunning Maseratis, a Ghibli and a GranTurismo, courtesy of Park Place Dealerships. There’s your next profile picture all figured out.
The Dallas Arts District Summer Block Party also happens that Friday night, and if you participate in the scavenger hunt, you could win prizes that include gift cards to One Arts Plaza restaurants. Stop by the CultureMap photo booth to commemorate all the fun you’re having.
If you need a little inspiration for your summer wardrobe, take in the Prashe 2016 fashion show produced by Jan Strimple. Presentation of the ready-to-wear line can be seen from anywhere in the plaza, but if you’d rather be right up in the action, you can snag a ticket starting at $75.
That nets you a $35 gift card and access to the after-party at Proof + Pantry, but VIPs can shell out $150 for the addition of a gift bag and access to the complimentary bar from 7-10 pm. You can hang with Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken, and watch a performance by Dallas Black Dance Theatre, which is receiving a portion of all ticket sales.
And it wouldn’t be a party without music from Dallas’ best local acts. Psych jazz band Raché — Booker T. graduates Mike Mitchell, Ben Hixon, Max G, Ethan Worland, and Jojo —have developed a following from their weekly Sunday night residence at Drugstore Cowboy in Deep Ellum. Premier Dallas DJ JT Donaldson and multidisciplinary artist Norvis Junior are also on tap for what’s sure to be a memorable night.
One Arts Plaza will be bustling on June 17.
Braniff Airlines flight attendants decked out in stylish uniforms.Courtesy photo