Holidays take center stage this weekend in and around Dallas, as both the holiday season and Veterans Day are being celebrated at different events. There are also performances by a legendary country music singer and one of the top comics in the country, a major music and beer festival, and an insider theater production.
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, November 10
Holiday events galore
Every weekend leading up to Christmas features some kind of new holiday event. This weekend you can choose between shopping at the 21st annual 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market at Plano Centre (taking place through Sunday), checking out the festivities at the 13th annual Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine (going on through January 1), or raising money for a good cause at DIFFA/Dallas' 21st annual Holiday Wreath Collection at Fashion Industry Gallery.
Undermain Theatre presents 10 out of 12
The second production of Undermain Theatre's 2016-2017 season is a behind-the-scenes look at a theater company engaged in the very peculiar task of making a new play. The audience eavesdrops as the sound designer mixes cues, backstage gossip flies over headsets, and the director struggles to contain the uncontainable. 10 Out of 12 runs through December 3.
Louis C.K. in concert
If you don't already have tickets for this, the second of Louis C.K.'s two dates at the Music Hall at Fair Park, it's too late: His shows sold out quickly, and he's very effective at shutting down the secondary ticket market. But for anyone who actually has tickets, C.K.'s cathartic brand of comedy is sure to be a welcome respite during this stressful week.
Friday, November 11
2016 Stars & Stripes Luncheon and Film Festival
Held annually on or near Veterans Day, the Stars & Stripes Film Festival features a variety of military-themed movies. The list for this year's festival, taking place through Sunday at Highland Park Village Theatre, includes An Officer and a Gentleman, Glory, and South Pacific, among others. This year, there's also a kick-off luncheon on Friday featuring United States Congressman Sam Johnson at Dallas Country Club.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Patriotic Pops
Another Veterans Day tribute takes place all weekend long at Meyerson Symphony Center, as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Patriotic Pops. Principal Pops conductor Jeff Tyzik brings the United States Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club to town to perform patriotic favorites in celebration of those who have served.
Loretta Lynn in concert
When most living legends come to town, they do so as a way to look back on their past successes. While Loretta Lynn's appearance at Majestic Theatre will undoubtedly be partly about that, the 84-year-old is very much in the here-and-now, having released Full Circle, her first new album in 10 years, in March 2016, and her second-ever Christmas album, White Christmas Blue, in October.
Saturday, November 12
TEDxSMU 2016
The annual TEDxSMU, taking place at the Bomb Factory, features a day-long lineup of speakers, performers, and musicians riffing on this year’s theme of “Illuminate.” Among the speakers are Jason Roberts, founding director of Better Block; Paige Chenault, founder of the Birthday Party Project; Douglas Newby, owner and founder of Architecturally Significant Homes; and Garnette Cadogan, author of Walking While Black.
2016 Untapped Festival Dallas
The annual Untapped Festival once again sets up at Fair Park in Dallas, where guests can enjoy a full day of live music while sampling over 400 unique craft beers and snacking on delicious food from local restaurants. Performers include TV On the Radio, Gogol Bordello, Kaleo, Bishop Briggs, Adia Victoria, Bassh, and more.
Sunday, November 13
Knife at Highland Dallas presents Sunday Cinema Series: Wes Anderson WesFest
The final event in Knife's Wes Anderson WesFest, which started way back in May, takes place on Sunday with a screening of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Along with the movie comes themed gourmet bites by Knife chef John Tesar and craft beer from Four Corners Brewing Company.
Louis C.K. performs at the Music Hall at Fair Park on November 10.
This underwater shot was taken in San Marcos.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers
Amazing cinematography was a hallmark of the original film, and the sequel offers more beautiful shots.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers
Some unexpected guests in the Rio Grande.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers