Dallas-Fort Worth is blushing with excitement for Barbie, the Greta Gerwig film that has people everywhere obsessed with a movie they haven't seen yet.
Is it the relentless hype (wait, no) amazing PR, the escapism, or the nostalgia for a childhood toy? Whatever the reason, Barbie is a cause for celebration, and people seem to want that right now.
On July 21, pink-clad audiences will descend on movie theaters across the country. But it's looking like things will be especially exciting around here: According to Google Trends, Texas was the third-most interested state in the search query "Barbie."
Not that fans need any help in this department, but these parties, spectacles, and offers will help DFW get in the mood for this exciting film, and a more fantastic life in plastic going forward.
Klyde Warren Park Goes Pink
July 17-21
Dallas' Klyde Warren Park is painting the town pink all week all week. Lights in trees around the park are illuminating with pink hues at night, and vinyl signs around the grounds advertise Barbie's arrival to the big screen.
Even the trees are lit up pink at Klyde Warren Park this week.Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park
Early screenings (multiple theaters)
Get ahead of the crowd and see the movie early. “Barbie Blowout Party” early access screenings are taking place at 7 pm Wednesday, July 19 at the Angelika Dallas and at Movie Taverns in Fort Worth (Hulen and West 7th), Bedford, and Denton. Remaining tickets are limited. There's also an early screening event at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, Victory Park Dallas, beginning 6:30 pm July 20.
"Destination: Barbie Land" at EVO Entertainment Southlake
July 19-23
The Southlake movie theater and entertainment venue will host an immersive pop-up Barbie party that lasts the whole long opening weekend of the film. It is free and open to the public, whether you have tickets to see the movie or not. Highlights will include: walking the pink carpet into Barbie dreamscape vignettes; Barbie Glam Boutique, including a glam station and larger-than-life photo installation; Barbie Beach Club, a playful beach oasis outfitted with palm trees, light-up chairs, and photo-op installations; andBarbie Disco Dance Floor, a disco-club filled with shimmering lights, groovy beats, and a pulsating dance floor. For more information, check out this story.
Pink Power Rooftop Market at The Worthington
July 20
The downtown Fort Worth hotel hosts a Shop & Sip event, and in time for the new Barbie movie, its theme is “pink power.” All vendors will be women-owned businesses who’ll showcase clothing, décor, gifts, and permanent jewelry. The pop-up will take place on the rooftop at The Worthington’s Rooftop Cinema Club just before a movie screening of Clueless. Guests can take advantage of half-price beer and cocktails and discounted tacos while they shop, and admission is free from 5:45-7:45 pm. Tickets must be purchased for Clueless, which starts at 7:45 pm.
Dreamland Dollhouse Party at Sweet Tooth Hotel
July 21, 7-10 pm
The interactive art experience Sweet Tooth Hotel is hosting a party in Barbie’s Dreamhouse in downtown Dallas. Tickets ($25-$35) include access to the Dreamland pop-up art exhibit, DJ Barbie-Q in the Calirosa Cocktail Lounge, Barbie-themed cocktail, and Barbie-themed jewelry and clothes from local vendors.
Barbie Skate Night at Galleria Dallas
July 22, 6-8 pm
Guests of all ages can lace up skates and glide around the ice rink to a Barbiecore playlist (think “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Fun, Fun, Fun”). Tickets can be purchased onsite for $12, plus $5 to rent skates.
Barbie Pool Party at The Westin Stonebriar
July 22, 11 am-7 pm
The luxe Frisco hotel, golf resort, and spa is turning the pink pool lights on for an all-ages Barbie party. It'll include a DJ spinning tunes from 12-4 pm, foam cannon fun from 1-3 pm, and photo opps throughout. Tickets are $50 for adults, $20 for children, and infants (under 1 year) get to join the party for free; secure them by ordering a "day pass" online.
Barbie Pool Party at The Westin Irving
July 22-23, 12-6 pm
Don your prettiest pink bathing suit for Barbie-themed pool parties by the pool. Highlights include live DJ entertainment, interactive Barbie-themed games, and a Barbie look-alike contest at 5 pm. Tickets (pool day passes) are $30, and the event is for adults 21+.
Barbie-themed brunch at La Neta Cocina y Lounge
July 23, 12-4 pm
The Dallas restaurant and lounge hosts a special Barbie-themed brunch with a guest appearance by LeeAnne Locken, an ex-Real Housewife of Dallas. It'll transform into a real-life dream house with glamorous pink decor, accessories, drinks, and desserts. View the full menu here. Reservations are full, but call 469-397-0937 inquire about the wait list.
Barbie's everywhere, including an art show in Dallas this month.
Facebook/Daum Gallery
"Barbie in a Blender" Art Show at Daum Gallery
July 27, 5-9 pm and July 29, 5-10 pm
A 1999 lawsuit by Mattel against artist and photographer Tom Forsythe over a photo of a Barbie in a blender spawned an annual Barbie in a Blender Day celebration. This event, while equally thought provoking, has a less malevolent theme, with photographs and art installations that acknowledge the doll's cultural significance. Gallery owner Taylor Daum is joined by Robert Fernandez and Lea Ellermeier for the show, and their art just might point you to a take on Barbie you haven't seen yet. The events, which include Barbie-inspired snacks and cocktails, are free. Thursday is sold out, but reserve a spot here for Saturday.
VIP Barbie Market at Main Street Garden
July 29, 5-10 pm
More than two dozen local and shop-small vendors will be on hand for this Barbie-themed outdoor market, at 1902 Main St. Dallas. It's free, family-friendly, pet-friendly, and will include live music and activations. The first 50 attendees dressed in their Barbie-best will receive free Barbie totes. Find more information on their Facebook page.
Animal Cracker Cake from Loft22 Cakes (vanilla cake with animal cracker crumbs layered with signature mouse and topped with pink vanilla buttercream and sprinkles).Facebook/Loft22 Cakes
Barbie Week at Loft22 Cakes
July 18-22
The Fort Worth custom bakery is rolling out fun new pink treats and sweets (like Animal Cracker Cake, above) each day of the week. Take your pick and order from their selection online. They'll then host a special pop-up on Friday, July 21 from 10 am-4 pm, with signature mocktails crafted by Rose 32 Craft Coffee & Mocktail Bar, including Strawberry Rose Lemon Spritz and Grapefruit Julep. There'll be activities, prizes, and more - don't forget to dress up in pink.
Barbie Cakes by SusieCakes
SusieCakes is making Barbie-themed cakes with Barbie dolls and choice of cake flavor from vanilla, vanilla confetti, chocolate, or red velvet; and choice of icing from SusiePink, SusieBlue, white vanilla, or chocolate buttercream. They're in Dallas at 6100 Luther Ln. or 6441 E. Mockingbird Ln. # 150, and Fort Worth at 1621 River Run. Margot Robbie reportedly celebrated her birthday with one of these cakes — that's Barbie-approved. Order 48 hours in advance at susiecakes.com.
The Barbie Collection of Macarons at Savor Patisserie
A pretty pink collection of gluten-free macarons includes the following flavors: two vanilla printed with Barbie and Ken; two pink champagne; two pink lemonade; two strawberry shortcake; and two raspberry printed with the Barbie logo and the iconic Barbie silhouette. The whole sweet box is $28, available online and in store for a limited time at Casa Linda and McKinney locations.
Exclusive Barbie jewelry by Kendra Scott
Famous Texas jewelry designer Kendra Scott has done one Barbie collab in the past, and now she's ready with another. This time, choose between three necklaces, two bracelets, and four pairs of earrings. Some styles are covert, with pink accents, while others are all gold and say "Barbie." Others combine the two with the iconic cameo logo. Twenty percent of sales benefit the Barbie Dream Gap Project.
Now, we can all be Barbie girls when we go see the film.
Courtesy Kendra Scott
Barbie Bar Crawl in Bishop Arts
2-7 pm August 5
Dallasites101 hosts a crawl through the Bishop Arts neighborhood, featuring more than 10 local businesses. It will include food & drink specials, Barbie pink cocktails, live music from a local DJ, photo ops, swag items, and more. Tickets are $20 for the 21+ up event.
Barbiecore Mani and Pedi at Bellacures
Go Barbiecore from head to toenails. Luxury nail salon Bellacures in Dallas' Preston Center has launched a special pink-themed Barbiecore Mani and Pedi service in time for the movie's premiere. The service includes a Pink Himalayan Salt Softening Soak with Rose Petals, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Scrub, Pink Himalayan Salt Buttercream, and a Pink Polish of your choice. Cost is $55 for a mani and $65 for a pedi. In addition, they're offering fun Barbiecore-inspired nail designs such as metallic pink drip ombre, pink polka dots, a pink striped French and more.
Barbie drinks at Bar Louie
Bar Louie is getting fans into the Barbie spirit(s) with perfectly pink concoctions, including a Diva Martini featuring SKYY Pineapple Vodka and Pama Liqueur. Available at the Bar Louie locations in South Arlington, Park Lane, Allen, and Music Factory - all less than a mile away from a nearby theater, they note. All signature martinis are $7 during happy hour from 4-7 pm, Monday-Friday.
Barbie-themed cocktails at Bulla Gastrobar
The Spanish-style restaurant in Plano's Legacy West is serving an entire menu of Barbie- and Ken-themed cocktails through August 31. They include Pretty in Pink (vodka, elderflower, hibiscus ginger syrup); Barbieland Sangria (made with rosé sparkling wine); Malibu Barbie Mojito (rum, ginger beer, and mint), and ‘He’s Just Ken’ (A smoked Old Fashioned). The specialty drinks run $12.50-$19.
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Brianna Caleri contributed to this report.
