When you go to check out the scene in Dallas this weekend, keep two things in mind: You're going to have a lot to choose from, and it's going to be hot as hell. Most of the events are blessedly indoors, but there are a few that require you to spend all your time in the heat and humidity, so make sure you're prepared.
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, June 16
Dallas Theater Center presents Dreamgirls
Dallas Theater Center's latest production, Dreamgirls, is a modern-day classic that sparkles with almost as many awards and accolades as it does sequins on its costumes. Take a trip back to the seminal music scene of the 1960s, when young women sang their way to musical prominence in a man’s world. The musical plays at Wyly Theatre through July 24.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Bullets Over Broadway
Based on the screenplay of the 1994 film by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, Bullets Over Broadway is the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. Dallas Summer Musicals presents the production at the Music Hall at Fair Park through June 26.
2016 Oak Cliff Film Festival
The 5th Annual Oak Cliff Film Festival includes 27 feature-length films and 41 short films, including a fully restored version of Eagle Pennell’s ’80s Texas classic Last Night at the Alamo and the new adventure/comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Taking place through Sunday, the festival includes screenings and events at Texas Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Wild Detectives, 29 Pieces, The Kessler, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, and Basement Gallery.
Shakespeare Dallas presents She Stoops to Conquer
Shakespeare in the Park returns as Shakespeare Dallas presents She Stoops to Conquer at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre. Also titled The Mistakes of a Night, Oliver Goldsmith’s comedy of manners is a wild romp in the lives of a family and their sordid adventures to pair two would-be lovebirds. The production runs through July 22.
Friday, June 17
Dallas Arts District parties
You won’t be able to walk two steps in the Dallas Arts District on Friday night without finding something to do. In addition to continuing productions of Dreamgirls and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, you can participate in the Summer Block Party in and around the district's three art museums; enjoy food, music, and more at One Arts Plaza's Party in the Plaza; or check out the Prashe Fashion Show.
Darius Rucker in concert with Dan+Shay and Michael Ray
If it’s June, that must mean it’s time for country star Darius Rucker to make his return to the Dallas area. Rucker has headlined a concert locally in three of the past four years, making him a regular. He’s playing at Gexa Energy Pavilion for the second time since the release of his 2015 album, Southern Style, this time with support from opening acts Dan+Shay and Michael Ray.
Saturday, June 18
Selena Gomez in concert with Bahari
It’s been an eventful 10 years for Grand Prairie's own Selena Gomez, as she’s gone from being a Disney ingénue to paramour of Justin Bieber to a musical powerhouse in her own right. An innocent no more — just check out the cover of her latest album, Revival — she’s coming back home to play at American Airlines Center, with help from opening act Bahari.
Martin Lawrence - Doin' Time: Uncut Live
The name Martin Lawrence is still a big one in the comedy world, even though it’s been a long time since the days of Martin, Bad Boys, and Big Momma’s House. But Lawrence made his name as a stand-up comedian, and he’s still as capable of slaying an audience now as he was 25 years ago. He’s performing at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Darius Rucker plays at Gexa Energy Pavilion on June 17.
