It's going to take some hearty souls to go out and about this weekend, as the temperatures are predicted to drop close to or below the freezing mark, with sleet and snow to boot.
But with the line-up in the next five days, it'll be worth the effort. There's even a special bonus on Monday that we couldn't resist.
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Monday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, December 5
How the Edge Stole Christmas 2013
Rock station 102.1 The Edge has been presenting this annual holiday blowout for years, and this year's line-up is as strong as ever. Among the bands performing at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie are Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Blue October, Panic! At the Disco, Capital Cities and New Politics.
Uptown Players presents The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
There are lots of traditional holiday theater productions around the area, and then there's the offering from Uptown Players, which puts the troupe's typical humorous spin on assorted tales from the Bible, from Adam and Eve to the Nativity scene. The play runs at Kalita Humphreys Theater through December 15.
Friday, December 6
Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2013 (Rescheduled for Friday, December 13)
The first of several outdoor events this weekend, this one in Sammons Park at AT&T Performing Arts Center features entertainment from country singer Jack Ingram, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet and characters from the Dallas Theater Center’s production of A Christmas Carol. But the showcase is the official lighting of the six-and-a-half miles of lights lining the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre and surrounding trees. The night is capped by a fireworks show.
Kanye West in concert with Kendrick Lamar
Hardly any other performer thinks more highly of himself than Kanye West, and the media's adulation of his relationship with fiancee Kim Kardashian and their baby North only heightens that egotism. But his music will be front and center at American Airlines Center, as the rapper makes his first solo appearance in Dallas in five years. Kendrick Lamar opens.
Saturday, December 7
2013 Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade (CANCELED)
If you enjoyed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Dallas' version should be equally as fun. Running mostly down Commerce Street before making a few twists and turns to end up at Dallas City Hall, the annual parade features the expected array of floats, balloons and performers. Although there are some free spots to watch, your best bet is to buy a ticket for one of the grandstands, especially given how cold it will be that morning.
U.S. Olympic Committee presents Road to Sochi Tour (CANCELED)
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, are a mere two months away, and to get people excited about the U.S. athletes' push for gold, the U.S. Olympic Committee is bringing select athletes and sport demonstrations to Klyde Warren Park. On both Saturday and Sunday, you can sit in a bobsled, try your hand at curling, and meet people like ice dancers Maia and Alex Shibutani and speedskating champion Chad Hedrick.
Bob Newhart in concert
Bob Newhart has been a television icon for so long that it's easy to forget he first came to prominence as a stand-up comedian. The 84-year-old has a patented deadpan style that's far removed from the in-your-face delivery favored by many modern stand-ups, but he can still bring down the house. He shows how in this performance at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth.
Sunday, December 8
2013 MetroPCS Dallas Marathon (CANCELED)
Even if you're not competing, the annual White Rock Dallas Marathon is sure to affect anyone going out in Dallas on Sunday morning. Starting and finishing in downtown Dallas, the full course is a rough circle that takes runners across Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge through Uptown, Oak Lawn and Highland Park before heading east to go around White Rock Lake. Runners can always use encouragement, especially toward the end, so get out and cheer if you have the chance.
Monday, December 9
Beyoncé in concert
Yep, this isn't the weekend, but when a star of Beyoncé's caliber makes her second stop of 2013 at American Airlines Center, it deserves some recognition. Although her last album, 4, came out more than two years ago, her fifth album is rumored to almost be finished, so fans are likely to get previews of some songs at this concert.
The ever-brooding Kanye West brings his Yeezus act to town on December 6 at American Airlines Center.
