Crazy though it may seem, the State Fair of Texas comes to a close this weekend, so this is your last chance to indulge in weird fried food and Midway games for awhile. If you've already had your fill of fair, there are great options for lovers of music, theater, comedy 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, October 16
KEGL Freaker's Ball featuring Chevelle, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Starset, Crobot and New Medicine
97.1 The Eagle knows how to create a rockin' set list, and their favorite bands will be live and in person at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie for the annual Freakers Ball. Among the groups who will be performing will be Chevelle, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Starset, Crobot and New Medicine.
Dallas Theater Center presents Driving Miss Daisy
Dallas Theater Center has a glut of productions scheduled for its 2014-2015 season, and this is the first weekend when they'll have overlapping plays. While The Rocky Horror Show finishes up at Wyly Theatre, Driving Miss Daisy, which was a Pulitzer Prize-winning play before it was an Oscar-winning film, will start its run at Kalita Humphreys Theater, going through November 16.
Friday, October 17
Dallas Comic Con Fan Days
Dallas Comic Con always has a ton of movie, TV and comic book stars come in for its main event, and this year they're bumping up their Fan Days at Irving Convention Center to three days of geeky delight. Among the stars who will be on hand will Elijah Wood and Sean Astin from The Lord of the Rings and the original Batman and Robin, Adam West and Burt Ward.
Enrique Iglesias in concert with Pitbull and J Balvin
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull have captured the heart and souls of Latin music lovers in two seemingly disparate genres, but now they've joined forces for a tour that will come to American Airlines Center. Iglesias is supporting his new album, Sex and Love, which includes "I'm a Freak" featuring Pitbull, while Pitbull recently put out a new album, Globalization. They'll be joined by opening act J Balvin.
American Authors in concert with The Mowgli's and Echosmith
One of the big problems with having a massive hit song is that the pressure is always there to follow it up with something equally great. American Authors had one of the best songs of 2013, "Best Day of My Life," but their follow-up singles have yet to capture the imagination in the same way. You can judge them for yourself when they play at the Granada Theater with The Mowgli's and Echosmith.
Tig Notaro in concert
One could argue that getting breast cancer was the best thing to ever happen to Tig Notaro, as her now-legendary stand-up set soon after getting the news has led to a plethora of new opportunities. The comedian will discuss her life since then and more when her stand-up tour stops by the Majestic Theatre.
Saturday, October 18
Mattress Firm Music Fest
If you haven't made it out to the State Fair yet, a new music festival may be just the enticement to make the trip. This fest taking place inside the Cotton Bowl will feature Texas country music performers like the Randy Rogers Band, the Josh Abbott Band, Easton Corbin and Jerrod Niemann. Tickets for the festival include State Fair admission.
Charli XCX in concert with Elliphant and Femme
You may not know exactly how to pronounce her name, but 2014 has been very good for Charli XCX. She was featured on Iggy Azalea's hit, "Fancy," and her own song, "Boom Clap," became a hit after it was included on The Fault in Our Stars soundtrack. This concert at Trees is in support of her forthcoming album, Sucker, which will be released in December. She'll be joined by opening acts Elliphant and Femme.
Sunday, October 19
Suzanne Vega in concert with Betty Soo
If you're in for a bit of '80s nostalgia, you can head over to The Kessler to catch Suzanne Vega in concert. Vega had her own unique fandom late in the decade thanks to her hit song, "Luka." The folk rocker hasn't hit those heights since, but her voice is as lovely as ever. She comes to Dallas in support of her first new album in seven years, Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles. She'll be joined by opening act Betty Soo.
Suzanne Vega will play at The Kessler on October 19, with Betty Soo as opening act.
