This weekend in and around Dallas will have a nice variety of events, with a range of performances to enjoy. They include three comedians, an acrobatic circus, two local theater productions, two symphonic concerts offering vastly different music, two St. Patrick's Day celebrations, a rock concert, an influencer, an iconic radio host, and a dance production.
The annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival takes place along Greenville Avenue on March 15.
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.
Thursday, March 13
Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live!
Adam Ray has been a working comedian/actor since 2007, with roles in a wide variety of TV shows and movies. But he hit upon a great gimmick in 2019 when he began impersonating Dr. Phil in his stand-up routines, something he's been doing almost full-time since 2023. He'll perform at Majestic Theatre with Dr. Phil Live!, a heightened version of the daytime talk show in which Ray talks to fellow comedians.
Friday, March 14
Circus Vazquez
Circus Vazquez features an all-star assemblage of performers who have graced the stages of circus festivals around the world. They include Ringmaster Memo Vazquez; Russia’s award-winning clown, Boris Nikishkin; French trapeze artist Alexander Lichner; China’s Kung Fu Boys, who combine traditional martial arts with high level acrobatics; Ethiopia’s Gondor Troupe, showing off strength and dexterity in a high-energy acrobatic display; and more. The circus will be at Riders Field through March 30.
North Texas Performing Arts Repertory Theatre presents Into the Woods
The Tony-Award winning Into the Woods follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later. The production runs at North Texas Performing Arts in Plano through March 23.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents "Brahms and Schumann"
Two beloved Romantic works grace this concert program from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed French pianist Hélène Grimaud solos in Robert Schumann’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. The concert, conducted by Fabio Luisi and featuring vocalist Siphokazi Molteno, also includes Brahms' Symphony No. 4 and Julia Perry’s Stabat mater. There will be three performances through Sunday at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Improv Addison presents D.L. Hughley
Known for being politically savvy in true comedian-style, D.L. Hughley dives head first into hot-button controversial topics with insightfully sharp observations and his signature rapid-fire jokes. He's also known for his sitcom, The Hughleys, as host of his own late night talk show on CNN, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, and as one of the Original Kings of Comedy. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Addison.
Pegasus Theatre presents Mystery at the Old Cafe
Mystery at the Old Cafe is an all-new adventure in Pegasus Theatre's Harry Hunsacker series … but with a trio of tomatoes on the case instead of Hunsacker and his pals. Bubbles La Tour is heartbroken that her fiancé, Lt. Foster, will miss their wedding date. Her best gal pals and fellow dancers do their best to console her. But soon a series of murders at the old cafe take all of their attention. The production, a simulation of a live radio broadcast from the 1930s in Pegasus Theatre's trademarked RadioVizion(tm) style, runs through March 29 at Bath House Cultural Center.
Candlelight presents The Rock Orchestra
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is a 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic rock and metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy. In an ethereal candlelit setting, the band of 14 classical musicians will perform the music of iconic bands such as Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Guns N Roses, The Cranberries, and more. The concert will be at Winspear Opera House.
Saturday, March 15
Lower Greenville St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
The annual Lower Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Block Party will feature a full day of music, beer, and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day cheer. A tradition on Lower Greenville for over 30 years, it includes three music stages near the area's many participating bars, including Stan’s Blue Note, The Dubliner, Terilli’s, Dodie’s Reef, Halcyon, Christie’s Sports Bar, Sister, and Goodwins. Speaking of St. Patrick's Day...
Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
The annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival is the largest St. Patrick’s Parade in the Southwest. Starting at Greenville Avenue and Blackwell Street and ending at SMU Blvd. and Central Expressway, the parade draws upwards of 125,000 people along the two-mile route to see more than 90 floats, 1,700 participants, bands, and more. The parade is preceded by the St. Paddy's Day Dash 5K. (For more St. Patrick's Day celebrations, check out these two lists.)
Deftones in concert
Alt-metal band Deftones is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, 1995's Adrenaline. That first album wasn't initially successful, but it set up an influential career that has featured eight more albums, only two of which didn't make the top 10 on the Billboard 200. A reported 10th album has yet to be released, but fans will get to enjoy all the band's hits and more at this concert at American Airlines Center.
Trisha Paytas: The Eras of Trish Tour
Trisha Paytas is an American personality, entrepreneur, and author who was one of the first to bubble off of YouTube. Embracing life milestones including sobriety, marriage, and motherhood, she has cultivated a newfound sense of purpose. From lifestyle vlogs and ASMR content to cosplay videos, Paytas has demonstrated her versatility and creativity. She also hosts the podcast, JustTrish. She'll perform at Majestic Theatre.
AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Seven Things I've Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass
Ira Glass is the creator, producer, and host of This American Life, the iconic weekly public radio program. Using audio clips, music, and video, Glass will deliver a unique talk, sharing lessons from his life and career in storytelling. During his presentation, Glass will mix stories live onstage and help the audience better follow his creative process. The event will be at Winspear Opera House.
Taylor Tomlinson: The Save Me Tour
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson is the host of the CBS late night show After Midnight. She premiered her third hour-long comedy special, Have It All, in 2024 on Netflix, and also co-hosts Self-Helpless along with Delanie Fischer and Kelsey Cook, a podcast that combines hilarious send-ups of self-help books, trends, and more. She'll perform at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Sunday, March 16
World Ballet Company presents The Great Gatsby
World Ballet Company will present the world premiere of The Great Gatsby, a production that features the glitz, glamour, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel. Featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, hand-crafted costumes, and groundbreaking sets, the production will be at Majestic Theatre.
Vila Brazil is beefing up its DFW locations. Photo courtesy of Vila Brazil