Because the State Fair of Texas is still the biggest event in town — and will be for the next three weeks — event planners seem to have taken a break this weekend. It's not that there's nothing else worth doing, but the majority of other new events appeal to certain niche audiences rather than wide ones.
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, October 1
Twenty One Pilots in concert with Echosmith
This concert at South Side Ballroom may be one of those rare times when more people are aware of the opening act than the headliner. Although the duo Twenty One Pilots hit No. 1 with their latest album, Blurryface, they have yet to have a single as big as Echosmith's "Cool Kids," which was inescapable for a long time.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Ravel Piano Concerto
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's latest outing at Meyerson Symphony Center is a celebration of composer Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto, brought to life by pianist Hélène Grimaud. The concert, which is performed four times through Sunday, also features a performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1.
Friday, October 2
The Decemberists in concert with Olivia Chaney
Folk rockers The Decemberists have been a band since the early 2000s, but it wasn't until the last few years, thanks to the recent folk rock boom, that they started to get a wider appeal. They play their first headlining show in Dallas at the Majestic Theatre in support of their most recent album, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World.
WaterTower Theatre presents Creep
There's only one high-profile theater event opening this weekend, but it's a good one. WaterTower Theatre presents the world premiere of the musical Creep, a thriller that explores many of the dark truths surrounding the fabled Jack the Ripper, and metaphorically examines how we all adapt, or hide from, truth in order to survive. It plays at Addison Conference Centre through October 25.
Saturday, October 3
EASL's Continental Caper Art Heist
To support its mission of providing financial assistance to artists in need, the Emergency Artists' Support League holds its annual Art Heist fundraiser. Taking place at 129 Leslie, guests can walk away with works of art from some of the area's notable artists while also enjoying a party with food, drinks, music, and more.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents DanceAfrica
At Dallas Black Dance Theatre's annual event, audiences can celebrate rhythms ancient and new with all five of DBDT’s performing companies and the return of festival founder, Dr. Baba Chuck Davis. The performance, which takes place both Friday and Saturday at Dallas City Performance Hall, also includes the Bandon Koro Drum and Dance Ensemble and Booker T. Washington HSPVA’s World Ensemble dance troupe.
Sunday, October 4
Dallas Mavericks Fan Jam
Preseason games for the Dallas Mavericks start at home on October 6, and the Mavs welcome the start of another season with the annual Fan Jam at American Airlines Center. Although the event is free, anyone who purchases half- or full-season ticket plans gets access to a special team autograph session. You can also pay to participate in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest game of basketball Knockout.
Ricky Martin in concert
Although Ricky Martin made a valiant attempt at an English language crossover in the early 2000s, scoring with hits like "Livin' La Vida Loca" and "She Bangs," his heart and his fan base as always been with the Spanish language. Expect to hear mostly songs in Spanish at this concert at Gexa Energy Pavilion, supporting his latest album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar.
Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the Mavericks will be on hand at Dallas Mavericks Fan Jam at American Airlines Center on October 4.
