Slide the City Dallas will take place on Hampton Road in West Dallas on August 22.
Slide the City/Facebook
This weekend's events in and around Fort Worth highlight the full breadth of what the city has to offer. They include a concert on the river, a new art exhibit, a theater production from an under-appreciated company, and an event that is emblematic of the essence of Cowtown.
Rockin' the River: Parker McCollum with Chance Anderson There are only a few more opportunities this summer to take in a concert on the river at Panther Island Pavilion. This week, Parker McCollum plays on the Coors Waterfront Stage, then, on the Southshore Stage, Chance Anderson keeps playing right up to the nightly fireworks show. Grab your tube or blanket and prepare for an evening of great music.
Drake in concert with Future Drake's latest album, Views, has once again set the pop culture world on fire, thanks to songs like "Hotline Bling" and Drake's innate meme-ability. He's joined at this concert at American Airlines Center by fellow rapper Future, who can't seem to get enough of Dallas, having also been the headliner at the JMBLYA Festival in May.
Friday, July 22
National Cowgirl Museum presents No Turning Back: The Art of Veryl Goodnight The National Cowgirl Museum presents No Turning Back: The Art of Veryl Goodnight, which features 17 sculptures and 11 paintings that focus on Western women, horses, and wildlife. This is a different kind of exhibit for Goodnight, as it will include both sculpture and paintings together, and it shows a broad array of her work. The exhibit is on display through October 30.
Magnolia at the Modern presents Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words The music of Frank Zappa, the out-there artist who died in 1993, may or may not be your cup of tea, but his life is one of the more fascinating ones in music history. In Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words, rare archival footage reveals a provocative 20th-century musical genius whose worldview reverberates into the present day and beyond. There are six screenings at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth through Sunday.
Artes de la Rosa presents Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Artes de la Rosa presents Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, a delirious, deranged comedy about women who love men, love revenge, and love shoes. It shows them on the verge of losing their voice, will, and mind as they sing and dance through the streets of 1980s Madrid. Based on the 1988 Pedro Almodóvar film, the production is performed entirely in English and features fantastic singing and Latin ballroom dancing. It runs through August 7.
Improv Arlington presents Shawn Wayans You can't stop the Wayans brothers, you can only hope to contain them. Keenen, Damon, Marlon, and Shawn Wayans have been at the forefront of the comedy scene since the late 1980s, when they starred on In Living Color together. Shawn has gone on to star in The Wayans Bros. and many of the Wayans' spoof movies, but it'll be his stand-up comedy on display at Improv Arlington, with five performances through Sunday.
Travis Tritt in concert During the country music boom of the 1990s, Travis Tritt stood tall among his fellow singers. His first five albums all reached the top 10 on the Billboard country charts, and he scored No. 1 hits with "Help Me Hold On," "Anymore," "Can I Trust You with My Heart," and "Foolish Pride." His career has been up and down since then, but he still knows how to bring it. He's performing at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, July 23
Slide the City Hulen Street is being transformed into the biggest block party of the summer when Slide the City arrives in Fort Worth. Participants can take a break from the heat by speeding through three city blocks on inner tubes, which will be on sale if you don't already have one. The community event also includes food, music, local vendors, and street entertainers.
National Day of the American Cowboy Saddle up for the Fort Worth Stockyards' National Day of the American Cowboy, a day dedicated to the cowboy and lots of fun. There's a parade at 11:30 am, immediately following the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive. There's also a variety of contests open to visitors, including cow-chip throwing, watermelon eating, and a rib-eating contest at Riscky's Barbeque.
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Artes de la Rosa presents Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, playing through August 7.
Photo courtesy of Artes de la Rosa
Artes de la Rosa presents Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, playing through August 7.
The Bedford YMCA's Outdoor Water Park is open to members and non-members alike.
Summer camp's over, the family vacation budget's spent, and it's not quite time to go school-supply shopping. There are a few weeks left before the new school year starts in Fort Worth on August 13 - plenty of time to fit in some end-of-summer fun. This epic list has 25 new and under-the-radar amusements, special events, concerts, theater shows, and more for kids of all ages. Buckle in and race go-karts, make a splash at a new waterpark, or step right up to the Greatest Show on Earth. Kids will have plenty of fodder for their "what I did on summer break" essays.
Amusements, parks & playful events
XP League Arlington The largest youth esports league in North America has come to Arlington. XP League offers a pro-level experience for gamers ages 8-17, with professional coaching, tournaments, and more. They'll celebrate the grand opening of their new gaming center at 3 pm July 20. Families can drop in to learn what XP League and esports is all about, try out the games offered (including Apex Legends, Fortnite, Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch and Minecraft), and take advantage of special promotions; they're offering a lifetime founding family discount for the first 60 sign ups. Regular hours of operation will be 6-10 pm Monday -Friday, 11 am-8 pm Saturday, closed Sundays Saturday. Find XP League at 3610 West Pioneer Parkway, unit 201, Pantego.
Rogue Brick Builders' Lounge, Fort Worth Not entirely new, but still off-the-radar for many families with LEGO-loving kids, this venue calls itself "One part specialty retail, one part all-ages buildspace." Think: Half Price Books for LEGO, where kids can buy/sell/trade, and play. They maintain a well-edited inventory of LEGO products, ranging from minifigs to bricks in bulk to limited edition sets, they say. There are also several day camps and special events happening until school starts. Hours are 11 am-7 pm Wednesday-Friday, 10 am-7 pm Saturday, and 1-5 pm Sunday; closed Monday-Tuesday. Find it at 5509 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth.
Benbrook Par 3 Golf Course This beloved local golf course is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, but it's a new discovery for the many new families who've moved to the Fort Worth area in recent years. It gives kids a chance to explore the game of golf (beyond putt-putt) since it's a short nine-hole par 3 course; distances range from 62-177 yards. There's also a driving range, 18-hole mini golf course, and batting cages. Every area is well-lit and open until 10 pm nightly. Prices vary depending on day and time. It's at 1801 Winscott Rd., Benbrook.
Bedford Center YMCA Outdoor Water Park In lieu of a big, expensive waterpark, families can look to this mid-cities YMCA attraction, which made a splash when it opened late last summer. It has two fun slides, a lazy river, multiple pools and splash area with buckets and cannons, plus a lap pool and volleyball net. They also sell concessions such as hot dogs, pizza, and snow cones, but allow small coolers to be brought in for water bottles. Members of the Bedford YMCA have free access to the waterpark. Non-members (over the age of 3) can purchase a daypass for $12 and Bedford residents pay $8. It's open daily, 12-8 pm, at The Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games The new entertainment venue with a famous name has opened in Grand Prairie, at 3750 SH-161, just east of the DFW Airport near Belt Line Road. (There's also a location in The Colony, and one on the way in Fort Worth.) It features high-speed electric Superkarts on a multi-level track, plus state-of-the-art arcade games, Hologate and Hyperdeck virtual reality experiences, a two-story laser tag arena, interactive bowling, and a 7D Xperience motion theater. Hours of operation vary by day, and there are various ticket packages available (starting at $12.95); they offer memberships, too.
Six Flags Over Texas' new rides There are two new family-friendly rides at Six Flags Over Texas, the perennial summer destination theme park in Arlington, both with a cartoon theme: Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters and Sylvester and Tweety Pounce and Bounce. Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters is a wet one. It's family water ride featuring teacup-style circular buckets, which spin around in both directions. Sylvester and Tweety Pounce and Bounce is a drop tower that features a sequence of drops and rises from 41-foot tower. The rides are located within the Bugs Bunny Boomtown section of the theme park, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment-themed offerings, and join recent additions to Six Flags Over Texas like the new-and-improved El Rio Leno log flume ride and Aquaman Power Wave. Check the website for daily hours and pricing.
Down to Play indoor playground A new locally-owned playground in Dallas' Medallion Center (6464 E Northwest Hwy. #138) has a special focus on being a safe place for special needs kids. The 5,200-square-foot indoor playground is the first of its kind in the area with a focus on cleanliness, friendliness, and being a fun place for every kid. It includes dedicated toddler and baby areas ensuring safe and appropriate play for younger children. A main playground offers climbing, sliding, and zip-lining. The toddler area features climbing and sliding elements, a ball pit, and a ball maze, while the baby area includes toys that encourage rocking, spinning, and exploration. Open play is available daily from 9 am-7 pm at $20 per child. The indoor playground features a snack bar with light snacks and coffee; there's also high-speed Wi-Fi, a private party room, and a special Sensory Room for kids who need to take a break.
WorldSprings, The Colony The newest attraction at Grandscape in The Colony is WorldSprings, a nine-acre outdoor mineral springs experience for the whole family. Among the 45 outdoor soaking pools are The Family Pool, the Dead Sea Float Pool, and South Pacific Region mineral pools for all ages. Parents and teens might want to visit the saunas or enjoy a treatment at the spa. Guests can also order food and drinks, poolside, from the WorldSprings Cafe. Reservations are for three-hour soaks; children ages 3-17 are $45; adults are $55, but be sure to read the FAQ about which areas of the park little ones can access.
Jared's Epic Blaster Battle 9, August 3 AT&T Stadium Jared's Epic Blaster Battle returns to Dallas for the 9th year. The event is the current Guinness World Record Holder for "Largest Toy Pistol Fight" since 2016. The event will feature dozens of inflatable bunkers, live DJ, special guests, and special battles. Admission includes an entry to participate in a four-hour series of more than 15 themed foam-flinging battles. It also includes free access to AT&T Stadium Self-Guided Tour, a photo op with the Guinness World Record, access to more than 50,000 free foam darts to take home, a chance to meet some Toy Blaster YouTube Celebrities, and more. $28-$125.
Circuses & cowboys
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth July 26-28at American Airlines Center in Dallas&August 2-4 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth is an immersive, live, family entertainment experience filled with acts that push the limits of human potential. The reimagined circus, which no longer features animals, is an action-packed production with modernized acts, acrobatic displays, and comedic acts from a globally diverse cast. It'll also feature a local-boy-made-good: Alex "Stix" Stickels from Arlington is leading the way as Show Guide (they no longer call them ring masters). Stickels attended Lamar High School in Arlington and Texas Christian University. $31 and up.
National Day of the American Cowboy, July 27 Fort Worth Stockyards Station The National Day of the American Cowboy celebrates the history and heritage of the American cowboy. Activities include a Cowboy Celebration parade, matinee rodeo, Old West comedy gunfight shows, a chance to see the expansion of John Wayne: An American Experience museum, a fiddlers showcase, cow milking, live music, cowboy poetry, armadillo races, and more. Admission is free.
35th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo, July 27 Fair Park Coliseum The annual Texas Black Invitational Rodeo features Black cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes. It also includes on-field kids activities, trick lasso performances, concessions, music and more. New this year is an intermission performance featuring Southern soul singer and TikTok sensation Chocolit Tye, a Dallas resident who recently released the hit, “Haters.” The rodeo also provides guests with a glimpse of the historical contributions that African Americans made in settling the Western United States. $19 and up.
UniverSoul Circus, daily through August 11 The Shops At RedBird, Dallas The show-stopping cultural extravaganza 30 years strong brings together big names from five continents all backed by the infectious beat of world music, including sounds and dance styles spanning the African diaspora. The circus features combination of circus arts, theater, and music that spans genres, including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel. The audience is part of the show, whether it's playing “Simon Says,” showing off their Swag Surf dance moves, or singing in the “Soul Karaoke” spotlight. $25 and up.
Concerts & special shows
Danny Go! is coming to town.Photo courtesy of Danny Go!
Texas Trust CU Theatre presents Danny Go!, July 24 Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie Danny Go!, a live-action educational children’s show filled with music, movement and silliness, comes to Grand Prairie to put on a live performance. Created in 2019 by three childhood friends in Charlotte, the show inspires learning and off-the-couch exercise for kids ages 3 to 7. The trio is producing some of the most engaging and educational children’s content on the internet today, all from their humble production studio in North Carolina. $34 and up.
Vienna Light Orchestra presents “The Greatest Showman Tribute," July 27 Ridglea Theater, Fort Worth Vienna Light Orchestra presents a tribute to the 2017 film musical, The Greatest Showman, which was based upon the story and life of P.T. Barnum, who was a famous showman and entertainer. The music centers around his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its star attractions. The audience is encouraged to sing along. Recommended for kids ages 5 and up. $35-$125.
Ateez in concert, July 28 Globe Life Field, Arlington K-Pop group Ateez comes to Arlington in support of their 2023 album, The World EP.Fin: Will. $45 and up.
Garland Public Library Presents A Taylor Swift Tribute, August 2 Downtown Garland Square The ultimate summer "End Game" is happening in Garland, featuring RED, a Taylor Swift Tribute artist. In addition to singing along and dancing to favorite Taylor tunes, Swifties can enjoy themed photo ops, swap friendship bracelets at special swap stations, and take part in other fun activities around the Square. Attendees should bring your blankets, lawn chairs, water, and snacks; food will also be available for purchase from local eateries. The event is free for all ages.
Niall Horan in concert, August 2 Dos Equis Pavilion Niall Horan comes to Dallas in support of his 2023 album, The Show. $44 and up.
Theater
Dallas Theater Center presents Disney's The Little Mermaid, July 12-August 4 at Wyly Theatre.
Photo courtesy of Dallas Theater Center
Disney's The Little Mermaid Dallas Theater Center, July 12-August 4 This large-scale Public Works version of Disney's classic musical is a production uniquely created for the people of Dallas, with the people of Dallas, and by the people of Dallas. 200 community members of all ages, many appearing onstage for the first time, will come together with DTC’s professional artists to retell the beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.
Mary Poppins WaterTower Theatre, July 17-28 Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins is a delight for both grown-ups and children — everyone can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it." Mary Poppins is a mixture of an irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft with flying effects by ZFX.
Shrek the Musical Broadway at the Center, July 18-20 “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. McKinney native Casey Lamont, who had a memorable turn in the short-lived musical His Story, is part of the cast.
Junior Players presents Much Ado About Nothing Samuell-Grand Amphitheater, July 30-August 4 In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, power defies legacy. Throughout the show, audiences will see greed, jealousy, and deception make a valiant effort to foil the love of young courtship. The comedic play unfolds as Leonato, leader of Spain, awaits the arrival of Don Pedro of Aragon and his victorious army of Portuguese soldados (soldiers). The cast is made up of talented young actors, presented outdoors, and admission is free/donation only.
Art & museums
Art Quest participants will have the chance to win a sculpture created by Jessica Bell from her series “Family.”
Jessica Bell
Art Quest July 20 at Jubilee Park & Community Center & July 31 at Bachman Lake Together Family Center Art Quest is an annual community program in Dallas of scavenger hunt-style events that uses the mobility of technology to create accessible cultural experiences and connect diverse communities with regional artists. Before the quest begins in South Dallas, there will be a community celebration event with opportunities to network with cultural organizations, learn more about community resources, and participate in fun activities for all ages. Participation is free.
Frontiers of Flight Museum presents Moon Day, July 20 In celebration of the 55th Anniversary of National Moon Day, the Frontiers of Flight Museum will host its 16th Annual Moon Day event. It will be a day of space exploration featuring interactive activities, one-of-a-kind exhibits, and space-themed presentations. Attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to view "Legends of Space Innovation: David Clark Company,” which will feature two rare prototype space suits and headsets. The event is included with museum admission.