Weekend Event Planner

These are the 19 best things to do in Dallas this weekend

Usually we here at CultureMap limit the weekend event roundup to anywhere between 10-15 events so as not to overwhelm you, dear reader. But there are some weekends that are so jam-packed that such a limitation is impossible. With multiple festivals, a big golf tournament, bold-name concerts, and a plethora of local theater productions, we're breaking with form and listing events by category instead of date this week.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Sports

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
We don't focus much on sports here at CultureMap, but when the PGA Tour makes its lone stop of the year in the Dallas area, we make an exception. The 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson will feature defending champion Jason Day, hometown hero Jordan Spieth, Aaron Baddeley, Stewart Cink, Charley Hoffman, Zach Johnson, Kevin Kisner, Adam Scott, and a slew of other top PGA golfers. It will take place through Thursday through Sunday at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney.

Music

Neil Young + Crazy Horse in concert
Legendary singer Neil Young just passed his 55th anniversary as a recording musician, and it was just one year after his solo debut album that he started his association with the band Crazy Horse. Since 1969, they have released 16 albums together, including the new Dume, released this past February. They also recently put out the live album, Fu##in’ Up, featuring performances of songs from their 1990 album, Ragged Glory. They'll play at Dos Equis Pavilion on Thursday. (UPDATE: This concert has been postponed to September 14 due to severe weather.)

Bad Bunny in concert
Proclaimed the most listened-to artist in the world for the third consecutive year by Spotify, Bad Bunny has had quite the rise since his debut album in 2018. Each of his five albums has finished higher on the Billboard 200 charts than the last, culminating with the No. 1 Un Verano Sin Ti in 2022. The Puerto Rican superstar will perform on both Friday and Saturday at American Airlines Center as part of his "Most Wanted Tour" in support of his latest album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Ring Cycle concerts
Richard Wagner composed four German-language epic music dramas, known as The Ring Cycle, and this week the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will start their effort to play all of them, starting with the first two. Das Rheingold, performed on Saturday, sets the mighty saga in motion and prepares the audience for what is to come: the conflict between love and power, and, ultimately, redemption through love. Die Walküre, with performances on Thursday and Sunday, traces the story of the king of the gods Wotan’s mortal children and the warrior-maid Brünnhilde. Both concerts will take place at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Theatre

Undermain Theatre presents The Persians
Considered the oldest surviving play in theater history, The Persians is unique among extant ancient Greek tragedies in that it dramatizes recent history rather than events from the distant age of mythical heroes. It concentrates on the demise of the Persian empire, lamented by the Persian queen Atossa, by the folly of her son Xerxes which caused the empire’s downfall. The play also includes the appearance of the ghost of Xerxes’ father, Darius, who declaims the ruin of his once-great empire. The production will open on Thursday, running at Undermain Theatre through May 26.

Theatre Three presents Misery
Romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While being forced to re-write his latest book at the favor of his captor, Paul realizes that he’s writing as if his life depends on it… and it does. Performances, taking place in the Theatre Too space at Theatre Three, will start on Thursday and run through June 2.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center presents Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer
Actor Liz Mikel returns to Dallas after a year performing on Broadway to play the legendary 1960s civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in this regional premiere, co-produced by Bishop Arts Theatre Center and Dallas Theater Center. The one-woman show follows Hamer from her humble origins as the daughter of a Mississippi sharecropper to co-founding the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and demanding recognition at the National Democratic Convention. The production will open on Thursday, running at Bishop Arts Theatre Center through May 18.

Uptown Players presents Broadway Our Way
Uptown Players' annual one-weekend fundraiser, Broadway Our Way, showcases the versatility and artistry of Uptown Players' ensemble. With a fresh and contemporary twist, the cast will breathe new life into show tunes, infusing them with their own unique interpretations, vocal styles, and personal flair. Familiar and not-so-familiar songs are reimagined, inviting audiences to see them in a fresh and exciting way. There will be performances Thursday through Sunday at Kalita Humphreys Theater.

Ochre House Theater presents Patti & Theo
In this dark comedy, Patti and Theo are struggling artists in Brooklyn. They are big boozers, and time will tell if the Drinking Religion outlives them. Audiences can wade into the wild and boozy waters of Patti and Theo’s nightmarish world, and bear witness to the unraveling of their lives as they try one last time to love each other. The production runs through May 18 at Ochre House Theater.

Theatre Arlington presents Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias is the heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and resilience in a small Southern town featuring a group of women as they gather in a charming beauty salon and share their joys and sorrows, reminding us that the bonds of friendship are unbreakable. The production will open on Friday, running through May 19 at Theatre Arlington.

Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas presents On Golden Pond
On Golden Pond tells the story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who return to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. Their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. The boy quickly becomes the “grandchild” the elderly couple have longed for, and as Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness - and slang - in return. The production will open on Friday, running through May 18 at Irving Arts Center.

Dance

Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance
Dancer Derek Hough will present an all-new Symphony of Dance, a live dance show that is Hough's first-ever solo tour. Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music, as Hough explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hop-hop and everything in between, featuring choreography by Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, aka NappyTabs. The performance will be on Thursday at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie.

Avant Chamber Ballet presents Snow White
Snow White features magic mirrors, malicious queens, and one of the most famous stories of all time. Audiences will journey with these classic characters as they prove that real beauty comes from within and celebrate the power of friendship and love with this family-friendly ballet. The production features a Tchaikovsky score and charming sets and costumes. There will be one performance Friday and two on Saturday at Moody Performance Hall.

Texas Ballet Theater presents Beauty & the Beast
Hearts will melt as a hideous beast and a young maiden discover that love transcends and ultimately transforms outward appearances in this much beloved fairy tale. All Dallas performances will have live orchestration from The Dallas Opera Orchestra, conducted by Michael Moricz. There will be four performances, Friday through Sunday, at Winspear Opera House.

Comedy

Patton Oswalt: Effervescent
A comedian, actor, and writer, Patton Oswalt has had award-winning comedy specials, memorable film roles, and guest appearances on TV shows like Parks and Recreation. He recently starred on the NBC comedy A.P. Bio, and voices the titular character on the hit SYFY series Happy!. He'll perform on Friday at Majestic Theatre.

Randy Rainbow: The Randy Rainbow for President Tour
Singer, comedian, and author Randy Rainbow will take on the hottest topics and skewer politicos of the day as only he can, bringing his most viral video song parodies to life onstage. Featuring live accompaniment by Broadway musicians, the show will also include live audience interaction and original songs written by Rainbow with Marc Shaiman and Alan Menken. He'll perform on Saturday at Majestic Theatre.

Festivals

Dallas International Guitar Festival
The Dallas International Guitar Festival is the largest and oldest guitar show in the world, blending musicians, fans, collectors and celebrities together into one huge musical extravaganza. Visitors can buy, sell, trade, or just browse among the thousands of music-related items, or enjoy performances by a variety of singers and bands, including headliners Frank Hannon, George Lynch, Sonny Landreth, Greg Koch, Ally Venable, and Andy Wood. The festival takes place Friday through Sunday at Dallas Market Hall.

Cottonwood Art Festival
The Cottonwood Art Festival is a semi-annual event that features works from the nation's top visual artists. It features over 240 artists to exhibit their work in 14 categories, including Mixed Media, Ceramics, Jewelry, Painting, and Wood. There will also features be performances by a variety of local bands. The festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.

Tacos & Tequila Festival
The Tacos & Tequila Festival will feature some of Dallas-Fort Worth’s best taco chefs and restaurants, handcrafted margaritas, Lucha Libre wrestling, and more. In addition, there will be a live music showcase with performances by 2 Chainz, Juvenile, DJ Skribble, and Travis Porter. The festival takes place on Sunday at Riders Field in Frisco.

Jordan Spieth/Facebook

Jordan Spieth and other top golfers will compete in The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, taking place May 2-5 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney.

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Weekend Event Planner

These are the 16 best things to do in Dallas this weekend

Photo courtesy of The Light Park

The Light Park, which has locations in Mesquite, Frisco, and Arlington, opens to the public on November 6.

For many, the calendar flip to November marks the start of winter's holiday season. The sentiment shows in this weekend's event roundup, which includes the first of many holiday events to come. Not inundated exclusively in yuletide affairs just yet, other options around Dallas include a well-known comedian, six theater productions, two concerts, an aviation festival, two dance productions, a visit from a noted humorist, a symphony concert, and a music festival.

Photo courtesy of The Light Park

The Light Park, which has locations in Mesquite, Frisco, and Arlington, opens to the public on November 6.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. For more options, check out our calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, November 5

Hyena's presents David Koechner
Actor, writer and producer David Koechner is an alumnus of Chicago’s Second City Theater. He got his first break as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and since has become an instantly recognizable face, appearing in more than 120 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles as Todd Packer on The Office and Champ Kind from Anchorman and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. He'll perform five times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub.

Broadway Dallas presents Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club steps into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. Here, the real sound of Havana is born and one woman discovers the music that will change her life forever. Inspired by true events, the musical brings the Grammy Award-winning album to life, telling the story of the legends who lived it. The production runs through November 15 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Steve Lacy in concert
Singer-songwriter Steve Lacy is a performer who seems to not be defined by genres. Starting with his time with the band The Internets and continuing through his solo work, Lacy has made music that's a little bit R&B, soul, and funk, as well as his own unique sound. Fans have responded, giving him two top 15 albums on the Billboard 200, including the new Oh Yeah?. He'll play at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.

Rover Dramawerks presents Making God Laugh
Ruthie and Bill’s grown children — a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former football star — all return home for Thanksgiving in 1980, where we learn of their plans and dreams as they embark on their adult lives. The empty-nester parents contend with their own changes, too, as old family rituals are trotted out and ancient tensions flare up. As time passes, this typical American family discovers that, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. The production runs through November 22 at Cox Playhouse in Plano.

Friday, November 6

Aviation Discovery Fest
Hosted by the Commemorative Air Force, Aviation Discovery Fest gives visitors rare access to some of the world's most iconic historic military aircraft. Visitors can explore legendary warbirds up close, tour aircraft cockpits, meet the pilots and volunteers who keep the flying treasures in the air, and even experience the thrill of a ride aboard select historic aircraft. The festival takes place on Friday and Saturday at Dallas Executive Airport.

The Light Park
Featuring millions of LED lights synchronized to holiday music, The Light Park invites families to immerse themselves in a mile-long light show. From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, each night promises a spectacle of sound and color designed to delight all ages. There are three locations around Dallas to enjoy: At Samuell Farm in Mesquite, Riders Field in Frisco, and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Genesis
Dallas Black Dance Theatre will present Genesis, a performance where the audience can experience where it all started with the iconic works that laid the foundation for the company. Choreographers showcased include Darryl B. Sneed, Talley Beatty, Ben Stevenson, David Parsons, and Bruce Wood. There will be performances on both Friday and Saturday at Wyly Theatre.

DMA Arts & Letters Live: David Sedaris
On the heels of his new New York Times bestselling collection of essays, The Land and Its People, David Sedaris returns to Arts & Letters Live to read from all-new and unpublished material, answer questions from the audience, and sign books. In The Land and Its People, Sedaris reflects on what it means to be a foreigner, a brother, a lifelong friend. The event takes place at Majestic Theatre.

Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
In Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, a young woman dreams of a better life after being forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother and self-centered stepsisters. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella is transformed into a princess and finds true love with the kingdom's prince. The production runs through November 22 at Irving Arts Center.

Teatro Dallas and Echo Theatre present Eva Luna
Inspired by Isabel Allende’s award-winning novel, Eva Luna tells the story of a young woman who refuses to disappear. Born into poverty and loss, Eva Luna survives through the force of her imagination, transforming hardship into story and invisibility into voice. As she moves from servitude into the margins of a politically volatile city, she encounters revolutionaries, sex workers, artists, and exiles, all navigating a world shaped by repression and desire. The co-production between Teatro Dallas and Echo Theatre runs through November 22 at Latino Cultural Center.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents "Ellington, Strayhorn & Gershwin"
The 30-year collaboration between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn bore some of the best jazz music of all time and helped shape the sound and spirit of modern jazz as we know it today. Joined by pianist Lara Downes, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Ellington’s and Strayhorn’s virtuosic compositions, as well as some favorite Gershwin overtures. There will be three performances through Sunday at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Theatre Frisco presents The Cottage
In The Cottage, the true meaning of fate, identity, and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in a ridiculous - potentially murderous - uncharacteristically feminist, 1923 British tale of sex, betrayal, and, oh yes, love. The production runs through November 15 at Frisco Discovery Center.

TITAS / Dance Unbound presents Pilobolus
Pilobolus will blast off into the multiverse with Trips, a seamless journey through gravity-defying feats and emotional landscapes. Each piece flows seamlessly into the next, featuring explosive athleticism, physical poetry, and sly humor that will transport audiences on a journey to infinite realities. There will be performances on Friday and Saturday at Moody Performance Hall.

Saturday, November 7

The City of Carrollton presents Festival at the Switchyard
The City of Carrollton's 16th annual Festival at the Switchyard will feature performances by headliner Toad the Wet Sprocket, as well as Eve 6, Wheatus, HeartByrne, Bri Bagwell, Midtown 10, Elias Y Su Orquesta, and Bird Brains. In addition to free concerts, the festival features free rides and games, front-of-stage community performances, free face painting and balloon twisting, a beer garden, food vendors, and shopping with craft vendors and Downtown businesses.

Ye in concert
The ever-controversial Ye — aka Kanye West — will make a rare appearance in Dallas-Fort Worth on his latest tour, which has visited nine different countries, including lesser-traveled spots like Georgia, Albania, and Kazakhstan. The tour, in support of his new album, Bully, features the rapper performing atop a spherical stage with visuals of the Earth and moon projected onto it. Ye will perform at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Uptown Players presents Road To Carnegie: Me, Judy & Myself
As part of Uptown Players' 25th Anniversary Season, acclaimed performer Janelle Farias Sando returns in Road to Carnegie: Me, Judy & Myself. The intimate theatrical event features beloved Judy Garland classics, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable performances. There will be performances on Saturday and Sunday at Kalita Humphreys Theater.

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