There are some weekends in Dallas-Fort Worth that you can let wash over you, grabbing an event here or there, knowing that good ones will just keep on coming. Not so this weekend, which is more front-loaded than most.

Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday, and that doesn't even include cool stuff we've already previewed, including Craig Gass at Winspear Opera House or the Hypnotic Donut Dash at Fair Park. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, January 24

Lyric Stage presents Pleasures & Palaces
Although musicals abound on the calendars of Dallas-Fort Worth's many theater groups, no company is more committed to the art of theatrical singing than Lyric Stage. The group's latest find is this little-known musical from composer Frank Loesser, who's best known for Guys and Dolls. This one takes a lighthearted look at historical political intrigue and romantic entanglements involving John Paul Jones and Catherine the Great. You have to act quickly, though — it only plays at Irving Arts Center through Sunday.

Mike Dillon and Earl Harvin in concert
The Kessler has played host to some wild and wooly concerts through the years, and the teaming of Mike Dillon and Earl Harvin is sure to rank highly on that particular list. They played a memorable set at the Kessler a couple of years ago, and because they've shown a willingness to tackle all manner of styles and genres, it'd be surprising if this performance wasn't equally as impressive.

Friday, January 25

ZestFest 2013
If you have a weak heart and/or stomach, you might want to steer clear of the Irving Convention Center this weekend. For those who like their food spicy, however, ZestFest could just be heaven on earth. The convention, going on Friday-Sunday, features every type of hot food imaginable — and probably some you can't imagine. Expect eating competitions, cooking demonstrations and much more.

Zappa plays Zappa in concert
No, this isn't some sort of weird self-reflective concert. This is Dweezil Zappa, son of the late great Frank Zappa, paying homage to his father with possibly the world's only tribute band to include progeny of the original. As such, this concert at the House of Blues Dallas is bound to have the eccentric feel of any good Zappa show, possibly including an appearance by Frank via video screen.

Daughtry in concert with 3 Doors Down and Aranda
For a fourth-place finisher on American Idol, Chris Daughtry sure has made the most of his opportunity. He's one of only a handful of contestants to become an unqualified success after the show, racking up multiple No. 1 songs and albums. Considering his band is headlining a show at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie seven years after his appearance on AI, it's safe to say he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Oz with Orchestra
The Wizard of Oz never went out of style. But it's particularly hot around these parts this year, with The Great and Powerful Oz opening in theaters in March and Wicked once again coming to Dallas in April. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to the original with a trio of concerts, one each Friday-Sunday at Bass Performance Hall, where the orchestra performs music live while the movie plays out on screens behind them.

Saturday, January 26

House of Blues Dallas presents Jack Hanna
If you want to get up close and personal with wild animals, you'd normally go to zoos in Dallas or Fort Worth. But the House of Blues Dallas is offering the unique opportunity to not only see a variety of creatures in an enclosed space, but also to have Jack Hanna, one of the world's foremost wildlife experts, explain their features and habits to you. Hanna puts on both an early and late show on Saturday.

Air Supply in concert
It's too bad that Air Supply couldn't have waited a few weeks to play in Dallas. Valentine's Day really is the perfect time of year to appreciate a group that seems to know love so well. For Pete's sake, the group's 2003 greatest hits album was called Forever Love. But manufactured holiday or not, when Air Supply plays songs like "All Out of Love" or "Making Love Out of Nothing at All" at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, romance will be in the air.

Sunday, January 27

Enchantment Theatre Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit
The Velveteen Rabbit has been a cherished children's classic for more than 90 years thanks to its themes of love and devotion. Now the story comes to life on stage, with the help of life-size puppets, masks and a little bit of theatrical magic. Enchantment Theatre Company puts on two separate performances at Winspear Opera House on Sunday.

Daughtry will play at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on Friday night.

  

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Daughtry will play at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on Friday night.