For Mom

Experiential outings are how we're gifting quality time this Mother's Day

The Ascendants XVIII (She Is Here And So Are You), 2021. Wangari Mathenge. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Fund, 2022.27. © Wangari Mathenge.

Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles and Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London

Here's your official warning: Mother's Day is less than a month away. You won't want to leave her gift(s) until the last minute — Mom deserves the best — so book that brunch reservation now and then start shopping for an experience you can enjoy together.

We have a few ideas to get you started:

Dallas Museum of Art
Give mom the gift of art with tickets to the DMA, which start at only $10. Whether the mom in your life is into the classics or prefers something on the contemporary side, the DMA has something special for everyone. Current exhibitions include:

"When You See Me: Visibility in Contemporary Art/History," an exhibition that breaks away from traditional storytelling and visual strategies to amplify the voices of the silenced. From abstract expressions to vivid figurations, this exhibition explores themes of invisibility, hypervisibility, the desire to be seen, and the right to be private. See how artists navigate the intricate nuances of visibility, allowing for richer representations of those who have been traditionally excluded or erased.

"The Impressionist Revolution from Monet to Matisse": Why give her a bouquet of flowers when you can have Monet’s full garden instead? This exhibition presents iconic artists that we all know and love — think Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Paul Gauguin — against the backdrop of their revolutionary innovations in art.

"He Said/She Said: Contemporary Women Artists Interject" celebrates the power of womanhood by showcasing female artists from the 1970s to today who use their art to question the myth of the sole male genius.

Make a day of it by grabbing a bite at the DMA Cafe, shopping art-inspired treasures at the DMA Store, or strolling through the galleries during your visit. The DMA’s free permanent collection showcases over 5,000 years of stunning works by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí, and Jeffrey Gibson.

When you see me, 2019. Deborah Roberts. Mixed media and collage on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Fund, 2020.20. © Deborah Roberts. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and New York

Broadway Dallas
You can’t stop the beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, is back on tour and in Dallas June 18-30 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show.

Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring a beloved score that includes the hit songs “Welcome to the ’60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat, ” this all-new touring production of Hairspray is sure to charm a new generation of theater audiences.

Broadway Dallas presents the all-new national tour of Hairspray. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Dallas Comedy Club
Ivan Decker is an award-winning comedian that has been seen on Conan, Netflix, and more. His sharp, polished, and multi-layered observational comedy makes for a show your mom will love. Get 2-for-1 tickets to either of his Friday, May 10, shows at 7:30 pm or 9:30 pm by using code LOVEMOM at checkout.

Let Ivan Decker charm both you and Mom.Photo by Jon Mark Photo

Cyndi Lauper at Turtle Creek Chorale's Rhapsody gala
Wanna experience a full, live-band concert by the iconic Cyndi Lauper, all in an intimate setting with 600 of your closest friends? Then this is your personal invitation to experience Rhapsody, Turtle Creek Chorale's premier fundraising gala.

This black-tie event is a grand affair with an elegant reception, sumptuous dinner, luxury live auction, and an intimate and unforgettable concert. Then, dance the night away with DJ Rockstar Aaron.

Not only is Rhapsody a highlight on the social calendar, but it also serves as the primary source of funding for TCC's mission to make their concerts and the arts accessible to all. Rhapsody is Saturday, June 1, at Omni Dallas Hotel. Tickets start at $600.

Cyndi Lauper headlines the Rhapsody gala.Photo courtesy of Turtle Creek Chorale

Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts
Get tickets to An Evening with Lee Asher on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 8 pm, presented by the Eisemann Center. Lee is an animal rescue advocate, content creator, motivational speaker, and star of the Animal Planet series My Pack Life who documents his rescue missions and daily life around The Asher House Sanctuary, a registered nonprofit sanctuary in Estacada, Oregon, that rescues animals that have been discarded or unwanted.

After quitting his day job in 2017 to pursue his passion for rescuing animals and helping people, Lee and his dogs hit the road in a converted school bus, working with shelters across the nation to host meet-and-greets and adoption events. Along the way, Lee learned to harness the power of social media to inspire positivity, laughter, and happy tears among his 8 million-plus followers.

Tickets are $40-$50, or go one step further and buy Mom a VIP meet-and-greet (only available to ticket purchasers).

Meet animal rescue advocate Lee Asher.Photo courtesy of Eisemann Center Presents

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Big Tex Wrap-Up

State Fair of Texas bounces back with 2.1 million attendees in 2026

Crowds around Big Tex at 2026 State Fair of Texas

Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas

Almost 2.1 people attended the 2026 State Fair of Texas, up from 2025.

After experiencing its lowest total attendance numbers in seven years in 2025, the State Fair of Texas bounced back in 2026, welcoming nearly 2.1 million visitors, according to an official release.

That represents a slight bump up from the 2,020,064 that came through the gates in 2025. Both numbers are still down significantly from the highs of 2019 and 2022, when more than 2.5 million people attended the State Fair.

The uptick in attendance could be attributed to the concerted effort to make the Fair more affordable this year, including lowering ticket prices, making games and rides cheaper, expanding days for free student tickets, and offering a free day of parking.

As usual, the busiest day of the State Fair was Saturday, October 10, the date of the annual Texas-Oklahoma football game, with more than 203,000 fairgoers in attendance, including the 92,100 fans in the Cotton Bowl.

The average attendance for the other 23 days of the fair was around 82,500.

“We are grateful to every fairgoer who joined us this year, as well as the team members, vendors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this season possible," said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber in a statement. "As a nonprofit organization, a successful Fair helps fuel our work throughout the year, and we are proud of the impact we continue to make through agriculture, education, and community.”

Other notable numbers from the 2026 State Fair of Texas include:

An all-new look for Big Tex, standing 55 feet tall, sporting a 95-gallon Resistol cowboy hat, a Cavender’s shirt measuring 245 by 192 inches, Levi’s 501 jeans measuring 380 inches wide by 290 inches long, size 96 Lucchese boots, and a Shiner belt buckle.
The unveiling of an official State of Texas Historical Marker from the Texas Historical Commission for Big Tex, honoring his enduring legacy as a beloved Texas icon and symbol of State Fair tradition.
An estimated 110,655 pounds of food were collected and donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
More than 28,600 members of the military and their families visited the Fair over 24 days, utilizing the special discount offer in gratitude for their service.
Approximately 500,000 prizes, valued at an estimated $1.8 million, were won at the State Fair Midway, enough stuffed animals and prizes to fill approximately 90 semi-trucks.
Approximately 450,000 Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs were enjoyed by fairgoers.
The State Fair of Texas is estimated to generate more than $600 million in economic activity each year, serving as one of the most impactful annual events in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

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