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

shopping mothers day holidays families promoted concerts galas

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen