If you're a sports fan in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, these are some dark times. The Cowboys missed the playoffs again, the Mavericks and Stars are both near the bottom of the standings, and the Rangers have had a dismal offseason, with Nelson Cruz being the latest casualty.

But that doesn't mean sports can't still be a worthy diversion, as evidenced by this week's events. 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, January 31

Gojira in concert with Devin Townsend Project and The Atlas Moth
Film buffs know the name Gojira as the original Japanese title for Godzilla, and they can count this French metal band among their ranks, as they took their name from that classic movie. So it's only appropriate that the Granada Theater, a former movie theater, is hosting the concert, because it might have shown Godzilla a few times. Fellow metal bands Devin Townsend Project and The Atlas Moth serve as openers.

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Drumline Live!
Anybody who's gone to the annual Grambling State-Prairie View A&M game at the Cotton Bowl is familiar with drumline battles. Drumline Live takes the marching band tradition from the football field to the stage of the Winspear Opera House, and then ups the ante considerably, putting on an energetic and athletic demonstration that's second-to-none.

Friday, February 1

The Residents in concert
To say that The Residents are unique is almost a disservice. For 40 years, they've been pioneers in experimental music and multimedia projects. Their eccentricity is most evident during their live shows, as they preserve their anonymity with elaborate costumes, usually in the form of eyeball helmets. They display their quirkiness in two shows — one Friday and one Saturday — at The Kessler.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Nobu Plays Tchaikovsky
If there's anyone close to rock star status in the classical music scene, it's Nobuyuki Tsujii. The blind Japanese pianist won the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and has been in demand around the world ever since. He returns to Fort Worth to play three shows Friday through Sunday with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at Bass Performance Hall.

Saturday, February 2

American Airlines Center presents Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters have been basketball icons for 85 years, mostly due to an impressive display of basketball skills that serve more to entertain than to showcase a competitive game. In a return to American Airlines Center, the team introduces a new twist to the proceedings — the crowd gets a vote that could affect how the game ends. They play two separate games on Saturday.

Mike Epps in concert with Doug E. Fresh and Dominique
Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, which is primarily a music venue, gets turned into a comedy club for a night when Mike Epps, beatboxer Doug E. Fresh and Dominique take the stage. With a thriving movie career, Epps is the rightful headliner. He stars in the upcoming The Hangover Part III, in addition to his slate of stand-up shows.

Sunday, February 3

2013 Too Cold to Hold race
With lows in the 40s, it may not be as cold as the organizers of Too Cold to Hold were anticipating, but the annual race around White Rock Lake, starting at Norbuck Park, should still be a lot of fun for those who are so inclined. Runners can enjoy live music and a beer garden after their 5K, 5 mile or 10 mile jaunts.

Granada Theater presents Super Bowl Watch Party
Sure, you could sit at home or go to a bar to watch the San Francisco 49ers take on the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl, but why would you? The Granada is offering not just free admission but the biggest screen in all of Dallas on which to watch the game and commercials. The end of the football season deserves to be sent out in style.