Weekend Event Planner

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

The lineup of events in and around Dallas this weekend is so jam-packed this weekend that we're going to break with form and present them by categories instead of dates. With festivals, theater, music, and dance filling up every day, there's no way you can say there's nothing to do.

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

Fall festivals

37th Annual GrapeFest
The 37th Annual GrapeFest features a variety of events over four days, including the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, live music from headliners David Lee Murphy and Carnie and Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips fame, vendors, artisans, a Kid Zone, Carnival Midway, pickleball, and more. The festival takes place Thursday-Sunday at Historic Downtown Grapevine.

PARK(ing) Day Dallas
PARK(ing) Day is an annual global celebration during which metered parking spaces are converted into temporary public installations called "parklets." Main Street in Downtown Dallas will serve as the epicenter of the event, while nearby Pegasus Plaza will have live music and entertainment throughout the day on Thursday.

Addison Oktoberfest
At Addison Oktoberfest, visitors can enjoy a taste of the original Bavarian celebration with a purely Texan twist. It will feature four days of revelry in German culture, food, and bier. Guests can also experience the sound of polka bands and other traditional entertainers on multiple stages, and participate in special games. The festival takes place Thursday-Sunday at Addison Circle Park.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Autumn at the Arboretum
The 18th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, with the theme of "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will feature themed pumpkin houses in the Pumpkin Village, a hay bale maze, and plenty of special events. The festival features 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash hailing from the pumpkin capital of Texas, Floydada, and 150,000 beautiful fall blooming plants throughout the garden. The event, which opens on Saturday, takes place daily through November 5.

Performing arts productions

Echo Theatre and Soul Rep Theatre Company presents Cadillac Crew
On the day of a much-anticipated speech by Rosa Parks during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, four activists working in a Virginia civil rights office wonder whether the proclamation of equality amongst mankind includes women. Cadillac Crew reclaims the stories of the forgotten leaders who blazed the trail for desegregation and women’s rights and asks: when will the world be ready to embrace women in all their capacity? A regional premiere co-produced by Echo Theatre and Soul Rep Theatre Company, the production runs through September 30 at Bath House Cultural Center.

The Firehouse Theatre presents The Addams Family
The Addams Family is a musical comedy which depicts a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre. In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. The production runs through October 1 at The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Banch.

Shakespeare Dallas presents Shakespeare in the Park: King Lear
Depicting a once-great ruler's descent into madness, King Lear is one of the most powerful tragedies ever staged. King Lear has ruled for many years. As age overtakes him, he divides his kingdom amongst his children. Misjudging their loyalty, he soon finds himself stripped of all the trappings of state, wealth, and power that had defined him. Lear is faced with the harsh reality that the daughter he has banished is the only one that can save him and his kingdom from destruction. The production runs through October 15 at Samuell-Grand Amphitheater.

Repertory Company Theatre presents Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None
Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins and one by one they are brutally murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme. The production, which starts on Friday, runs through September 24 at Repertory Company Theatre in Richardson.

Texas Ballet Theater presents Dracula
For the premiere production of its 2023-2024 season, Texas Ballet Theater will enter the terrifying domain of the legendary vampire, whose insatiable bloodlust wrecks horror and destruction on his unwitting victims. The production, which is suitable for mature audiences, will have four performances, Friday through Sunday, at Winspear Opera House.

Music

Tenacious D in concert
Over the past 20 years, Jack Black has led two lives. In one, he's the actor known for movies like High Fidelity, School of Rock, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In the other, he's part of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D with fellow actor Kyle Gass. While they've never reached the heights of someone like "Weird Al" Yankovic, they've maintained a loyal following that's allowed them to release four albums, including 2018's Post-Apocalypto. They'll play at Texas Trust CU Theatre on Thursday as part of their Spicy Meatball Tour.

Drake in concert with 21 Savage
You can't get much bigger than rapper Drake. After coming to fame as a TV star in his native Canada, he switched gears to a music career in late 2000s. Thanks to a series of acclaimed mixtapes, his 2010 debut album, Thank Me Later, went to No. 1 in both Canada and the United States, a position he hasn't given up through seven subsequent albums. That includes Her Loss, a 2022 collaborative album with 21 Savage, with whom he'll perform in two concerts at American Airlines Center on Thursday and Friday.

Lila Downs in Concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Lila Downs, one of the most influential artists in Latin America, joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to showcase her unique voice. Her own compositions combine genres and rhythms as diverse as Mexican rancheras and corridos, boleros, jazz standards, hip-hop, cumbia, and popular American music. Frequently, her lyrics focus on justice, immigration and issues unique to women. There will be performances on both Friday and Saturday at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Dwight Yoakam in concert
Country singer Dwight Yoakam didn't hit it big until he was 30, but the success he's had in the past 30+ years made up for the lack in the first half of his life. He's released 17 albums in his career, most recently 2016's Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars, and only a handful of those failed to reach the top 10 on the country charts. He'll go through his long list of hits in this concert on Friday at Texas Trust CU Theatre.

Comedy

Hyena's presents Bobcat Goldthwait
Bobcat Goldthwait's career dates back to the 1980s, when he had one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. He's ditched that unusual way of speaking, but his stand-up still features hilarious riffs on politics, divorce, going broke, and his career as a writer and director of film. He'll perform twice on Friday at Hyena's at Mockingbird Station in Dallas.

Hyena's presents Tim Meadows
The big weekend at Hyena's continues on Saturday when actor, comedian, and writer Tim Meadows will also perform twice. Meadows was one of the longest-running cast members on Saturday Night Live, where he appeared for 10 seasons from 1991 to 2000. He's gone on to be a reliable character actor in both movies and TV.

Majestic Theatre presents Hannah Berner
The 32-year-old Hannah Berner may not be as well-known as the other comedians in town this weekend, but she's established a growing fanbase thanks to her two podcasts, Giggly Squad and Berning In Hell, serving as a cohost on Bravo’s Chat Room, and as a member of Bravo’s Summer House for three seasons. She'll perform at Majestic Theatre on Saturday.

Iliza Shlesinger: Hard Feelings World Tour
Comedian Iliza Shlesinger is known for her high energy shows that deliver laughs wrapped up in poignant, thought-provoking ideas. Over the last decade, she has released six Netflix stand up specials, including Hot Forever (2022), Unveiled (2019), Elder Millennial (2018), Confirmed Kills (2016), Freezing Hot (2015), and War Paint (2013). She'll bring her Hard Feelings World Tour to Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie on Saturday.

American Airlines Center presents Jo Koy
Comedian Jo Koy comes to Dallas fresh off a big 2022, when he released both a film, Easter Sunday, and his new Netflix special, Jo Koy: Live From The Los Angeles Forum. As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, he has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house. He'll follow the Drake concerts, performing at American Airlines Center on Saturday.

Majestic Theatre presents Marlon Wayans
Actor, producer, comedian, writer, and director Marlon Wayans has had an enviably long career, with much of it thanks to collaborations with other members of the Wayans family. He premiered his first-ever comedy special, Woke-ish, on Netflix in 2018, hosted a week's worth of shows for The Daily Show earlier this year, and had a cameo in the Matt Damon/Ben Affleck movie, Air. He'll perform at Majestic Theatre on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Drake

Drake will perform at American Airlines Center on September 14 and 15.

festivals music nature theater dance concerts comedy event-planner

ACMs in DFW

A country music fan's 10 top takeaways from 2025 ACM Awards in Frisco

Photo courtesy ACM Awards

"It girl" Ella Langley led ACM nominations with eight nods

For the third year in a row, the Academy of Country Music Awards took place at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. Held on Thursday, May 8, the 60th edition of the star-studded event – considered the granddaddy country music awards – was hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire and featured performances by 26 artists, including Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top.

The show was broadcast live on Prime Video in 240-plus countries (and is still available for streaming).

Locally, it drew 13,000 spectators, and for the first time, I got to be one of them. A longtime country music fan, I threw on my best awards show outfit made "black tie country" (the recommended attire) with tall white boots and trekked from Fort Worth to Frisco for the chance to be part of action.

Before we get to the winners in 15 categories, here are some "insidery" observations and notable takeaways from experiencing the big event in person.

1. Classic country is making a comeback
There’s no doubt about it: Country music fans are craving classic country music. After years of “bro country” dominating the airways with its hip-hop influenced, party-focused lyrics, a new appreciation of '80s, '90s, and early 2000s country sounds have emerged, as evidenced by the excitement for numerous performances and appearances by big acts from those eras.

The show opened with a 12-minute all-star set featuring ACM Songs of the Year from past decades, including Reba McEntire singing “Okie from Muskogee,” Clint Black singing “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Wynonna Judd singing “Why Not Me," and Garland native LeAnn Rimes singing her 1996 hit "Blue."

Zach Top, a 27 year-old newcomer touted for his authentic (and unapologetic) '90s country sound, won New Male Artist of the Year. And '90s country icons Brooks & Dunn, whose last two album releases were simply reboots of their classic hits with new artist collaborations, won Duo of the Year.

Garland native LeAnn Rimes sings "Blue" as part of the opening of the 2025 ACM Awards in Frisco.Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

2. Jelly Roll is the new Ryan Seacrest
With several recent chart-topping hits, including “Need a Favor,” “Son of a Sinner,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” and his duet with Lainey Wilson, “Save Me,” the former rapper from Tennessee has found a home in the country music scene. ACM Awards nominations for Jelly Roll included Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Artist of the Year.

Radio personality Bobby Bones, who hosted backstage interviews with artists during ACM Awards show breaks, gave the rising country music star a new title.

“You’re like the tattooed faced Ryan Seacrest at this point,” said Bones. “You’re everywhere.”

He’s also everywhere in Dallas-Fort Worth right now.

Thousands descended on Billy Bob’s Texas on Tuesday, May 6 (myself included) for Jelly Roll & Friends, a benefit concert held ahead of the ACM Awards that benefited ACM Lifting Lives. He performed “Amen” at the ACMs with Shaboozy and a 16-member choir and is also scheduled to perform with Post Malone at AT&T Stadium on Friday, May 9.

Jelly Roll performs onstage during Jelly Roll & Friends at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth on May 6.Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

3. Alan Jackson is the GOAT
If there was a tear-jerking moment during the ACM Awards, it was Alan Jackson’s performance of 2003 hit, “Remember When.” Written by Jackson himself, the love song recounts decades of memories with his wife, Denise. The relatable lyrics (“Remember when, thirty seemed so old, now looking back, it's just a stepping stone”) coupled with close-ups of Jackson’s authentically tender facial expressions resulted in not one dry eye in The Ford Center.

The ACMs debuted the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of Jackson’s achievements and enduring legacy in country music. He’s sold more than 75 million records worldwide, has more than 50 Top 10 hits, and 35 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country charts. (He also sold out Fort Worth's Dickies Arena back in February with opener Zach Top. I was there, too.)

Jackson was the first recipient of the new award, which will continue to recognize an iconic artist, duo, or group that has achieved national and international prominence through concert performances, philanthropy, record sales, streaming numbers, and public representation.

4. Girl power was big
It was a night for the ladies at the 60th ACM Awards, with females taking the crown for numerous coveted categories. (See below.) The award for Female Artist of the Year went to Lainey Wilson and was presented by five past winners of the category including Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, and Wynonna Judd.

Electrifying female performances included New Female Artist of the Year Winner Ella Langley, and Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson, who together sang their upcoming track, “Trailblazer,” for the first time exclusively on the ACM stage.

Lainey Wilson, ACM Awards Lainey Wilson, winner of the Entertainer of the Year and several other ACM Awards.Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images

5. Morgan Wallen was a no-show, again
For a guy who’s arguably the biggest superstar in country music right now (he sold out back-to-back shows at AT&T Stadium last year), Morgan Wallen has made clear he’s not a fan of awards shows. Despite being up for seven nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, the 31 year-old Tennessee native was notably absent at the 60^th ACM Awards.

He also skipped last year’s awards, along with the 2025 Grammy Awards. He was apparently hanging with Tom Brady instead. Just before those ACM Awards were set to begin, Wallen posted a photo of himself and the legendary NFL quarterback tossing a football on a golf course reportedly in Ireland. Two years ago, he was set to star in an ACM Lifting Lives fundraiser and withdrew the night before.

6. Brooks & Dunn can get a crowd out of their seat
Further proving fans are nostalgic for classic country hits, perhaps the most energetic performance of the evening was the collaboration between Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson for Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road.” Stars and spectators alike danced out of their seats during the 2003 hit. No wonder they get asked back, again and again, to red-hot DFW events like Cattle Baron's Ball and the Texas Rangers' Tex Gala.

Brooks & Dunn, ACM Awards Kix Brooks (right) and Ronnie Dunn, winners of the Duo Of The Year Award, pose in the press room during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images

7. Jerry Jones arrived via helicopter
Decked-out fans walking into The Ford Center before the ACM Awards were greeted big the loud arrival (and later, takeoff) of Jerry Jones’ helicopter. The Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager is known to make flamboyant entrances via his preferred method of transportation around town. The Ford Center is the official practice center of the Dallas Cowboys, and it’s through a partnership with Jones that the ACM Awards have been hosted there since 2023.

8. The ACM Awards have a signature drink
Attendees of the 60^th ACM Awards could order a specialty cocktail called the Boot & Berry Fizz. Made with Western Son Strawberry Vodka, the fruity concoction included elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda.

9. Ella Langley is the new country music “It” girl
With five big wins, including Single of the Year for her duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” Alabama native Ella Langley shined at the ACM Awards. She had two performances during the event and was also the most nominated with eight nods. At 26 years old, Langley’s just getting started.

10. Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts are the duo we didn’t know we needed
In an over-the-top finale complete with fireworks and ticker tape, the ACM Awards ended with a surprising collab between '90s boy band icons Backstreet Boys and the recently reunited Rascal Flatts. The two groups meshed performances that included “What Hurts the Most,” “I Dare You,” “Larger Than Life,” and “Life is a Highway." The jam-packed set kept the crowd dancing until the very last second - including myself, despite my plans to beat the rush.

Here is full list of winners in the 15 categories voted on by Academy members:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Chris Stapleton

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ella Langley

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zach Top

NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Red Clay Strays

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
“you look like you love me” - Ella Langley, Riley Green

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
“You Look Like You Love Me” - Ella Langley, Riley Green

Photo courtesy ACM Awards

"It girl" Ella Langley led ACM nominations with eight nods

acm awards country music country music awards ford center jerry jones lainey wilson morgan wallen