High-profile musical collaborations are the order of the weekend, event-wise. There will no fewer than five different concerts featuring either dual headliners or opening acts who have already established themselves as known quantities. Other events will include a cute animal film festival, two new local theater productions, and a ballet version of a classic story.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, August 23
Dallas VideoFest presents PawFest
Take a refreshing break from the dog days of summer to watch some funny, heart-melting videos of adorable felines and canines. PawFest features a new selection of videos curated by Will Braden, including approximately 100 cat and/or dog videos culled from videos in the categories of Comedy, Drama, Animated, Musical, Action, Vintage, and Documentary. The event takes place at Texas Theatre.
Charlie Puth in concert with Hailee Steinfeld
Charlie Puth is perhaps the ultimate example of how the music industry currently works. His most famous song, "See You Again," is one where he's only the featured artist, playing second fiddle to rapper Wiz Khalifa. But thanks to its heart-wrenching inclusion at the end of Furious 7, it launched Puth's career, leading to headlining dates like this at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory. He'll be joined by singer/actress Hailee Steinfeld.
Second Thought Theatre presents Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.
To be a woman in the 21st century is to experience, and to embody, a world of contradictions. Work, relationships, family, sex, and power intersect as one daring group of actors turns everything you thought you knew directly on its head. Language is inverted, bodies are distorted, men are banished, and nothing is sacred in this bold, provocative, riotous play. It will run at Bryant Hall in the Kalita Humphreys Theater complex through September 15.
Friday, August 24
Evanescence and Lindsey Stirling in concert
Two extremely talented female musicians will be at the forefront of this concert at Dos Equis Pavilion. Amy Lee leads the way for Evanescence, which is having a bit of a resurgence after releasing their fourth album, Synthesis, in 2017. They'll be joined by Lindsey Stirling, a violin virtuoso who's taken the instrument far from its classical roots. Her latest album, Warmer in the Winter, was released in 2017.
Mavis Staples in concert with Sarah Jaffe
The true must-see concert of the weekend is this one at the recently revived Statler Hotel. Mavis Staples is a music legend, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who has weaved herself into the very fabric of gospel, soul, folk, pop, R&B, blues, rock, and hip hop over the last 60 years. She'll be joined by Dallas-Fort Worth's' own Sarah Jaffe, who has won huge acclaim over the past decade. Jaffe released her fourth album, Bad Baby, in 2017.
Texas Ballet Theater presents Cinderella
Texas Ballet Theater will present the most beloved fairy tale of all time, Cinderella. Marvel as spells and pumpkin shells are upstaged by extraordinary choreography and breathtaking sets. Laugh at the zany antics of Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters and rejoice as Cinderella finds her prince charming. The production will have five performances at Winspear Opera House through Sunday.
Uptown Players presents Perfect Arrangement
To close its 17th season, Uptown Players will present the regional premiere of Topher Payne’s Perfect Arrangement. It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: both Bob and Norma are gay, and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. The production will run at Kalita Humphreys Theater through September 2.
Saturday, August 25
Rascal Flatts in concert with Dan + Shay
Almost 20 years into their career, Rascal Flatts remains one of the most popular country music groups around. They've released a new album every 1-2 years since their debut in 2000, with four of those albums going to No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Country charts. They'll play at Dos Equis Pavilion in support of their 2017 album, Back to Us, joined by opening act Dan + Shay.
Sunday, August 26
Wiz Khalifa and Rae Sremmurd in concert with Lil Skies and O.T Genasis
In an odd coincidence, Wiz Khalifa will be in town the same weekend as his "See You Again" collaborator, Charlie Puth. There won't be a live recreation of the song, though, as both have concerts in other cities on the night the other is playing. This concert promises a great time regardless, as Khalifa will be joined at Dos Equis Pavilion by Rae Sremmurd, Lil Skies, O.T. Genasis, and more. Khalifa recently released his sixth album, Rolling Papers 2.
Mavis Staples will perform at Statler Hotel on August 24, with support from Sarah Jaffe.
Crystal Charity Ball 2024 chairman Cheryl Joyner and Richard Joyner.
Photo by Ashley Gongora
