With the temperatures in Dallas continuing to stay above 100 degrees, it's difficult to justify any kind of outdoor activity during the day. Luckily, the slate of events this week will keep you mostly indoors, where you can enjoy a variety of big-name concerts, two hilarious comedians, all the art you can handle, and more.
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, July 21
Drake in concert with Future
Drake's latest album, Views, has once again set the pop culture world on fire, thanks to songs like "Hotline Bling" and Drake's innate meme-ability. He's joined at this concert at American Airlines Center by fellow rapper Future, who can't seem to get enough of Dallas, having also been the headliner at the JMBLYA Festival in May.
Todrick Hall in concert
Broadway actor, MTV star, American Idol finalist, and viral YouTube personality Todrick Hall is putting a new “twister” on L. Frank Baum’s most classic creation, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. With more than 20 original songs, Hall brings to life this American classic like you’ve never seen. The performance takes place at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Friday, July 22
Pitbull in concert with Prince Royce and special guests
The rapper Pitbull is one of the hardest working entertainers around, having released 10 albums since his debut in 2004, a nearly unprecedented pace in this day and age in the music business. He comes back to Dallas to play at American Airlines Center in support of his 2016 album, Climate Change. He's joined by Prince Royce and other special guests.
Modest Mouse and Brand New in concert
Modest Mouse and Brand New are both performing full sets at this co-headlining concert. Modest Mouse is touring in support of their 2015 album, Strangers to Ourselves, while Brand New may or may not have an album coming out later this year. Anyone who thought this event was at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, be prepared: It's actually being held outside at the Field at Verizon Theatre.
Improv Addison presents Ali Wong
Comedian Ali Wong has been on the stand-up comedy circuit for over a decade, but it wasn't until her critically acclaimed Netflix special, Baby Cobra, debuted earlier this year that she truly had her breakout moment. Recorded while she was seven months pregnant, her unique viewpoint is comedy at its finest. She's performing four times through Saturday at Improv Addison.
Saturday, July 23
Dallas Gallery Day
The member galleries of the Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas are participating in Dallas Gallery Day 2016, which features 31 spaces spanning the Design District, Deep Ellum, the Cedars, Trinity Groves, Uptown, and the Dallas Arts District. In addition to a day filled with great art and cold craft beer, gallery goers have the opportunity to scoop up the coveted Gallery Day gift bags, which contain the official Gallery Day T-shirt and are limited to 15 per space.
Verde Energy TX presents Movie Night on the Bridge: Minions
When the sun goes down, Continental Avenue Bridge will once again become an outdoor movie theater, with the downtown Dallas skyline as a backdrop. A variety of food trucks are going to be on hand to serve up great bites at this free event, which features a screening of the 2015 hit Minions.
Chris Tucker in concert
For a while, there was no hotter movie comedian than Chris Tucker. The Rush Hour trilogy, which ran between 1998 and 2007, made Tucker into a brand name. But strangely, apart from a one-off appearance in 2012's Silver Linings Playbook, he's appeared in nothing else in the 21st century. He's getting back to stand-up comedy in this appearance at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Sunday, July 24
DFW Strong Fundraiser
There have been several good ways to support the families of the five police officers killed in downtown Dallas on July 7, as well as the others injured in the attack, but this fundraiser is the most high-profile one to date. Taking place at American Airlines Center, it's going to feature appearances by Jay Novacek, Drew Pearson, Michael Irvin, Chad Henning, Charles Haley, and others, as well as food from celebrity chefs, live music, and silent and live auctions.
Bring It! Live Tour
The Bring It! Live tour is an interactive show that includes live audience voting, a live Q&A session with the Bring It! Dolls, and, for the super fans of the Lifetime reality dance show, exclusive “behind-the-scenes” insights about the television show. The performance takes place at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Chris Tucker is performing for one night only at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on July 23.
Braunda Smith will compete on BBQ Brawl. Braunda Smith/ Facebook 