Tag Archives: things to do in dallas

Free Outdoor Spring Concert Series at Mockingbird Station

3 Mar

Finally a Free Concert series is coming to Mockingbird Station! This is their first time doing it and it’s bound to go well. The location is just right and the weather is warming up so why not bring some live music to Mockingbird Lane? The 2012 Spring Outdoor Concert Series kicks off March 1st and will be every 1st and 3rd Thursday until July 5th. Sounds of a variety of local artists will ring throughout the hip shopping spot found right off Hwy 75 (North Central Expressway). It’ll all be coming from the Mezzanine Level in front of the Angelika Dallas Film Center.

    Dates: Every 3rd Thursday of the Month in Spring
    (Mar 1, Mar 15, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 5)
    Time: 6pm – 9pm
    Location: Mockingbird Station in front of the Angelika Theatre
    (5307 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas)

The Concerts will be held right in front of the Angelika

Check out the Lineup!

March 1: Club Wood

March 15: Devin Leigh

April 5: Greg Reichel

April 19: The O’s

May 3: Aaron Woods Band

May 17: Mockingbyrd Station

June 7: SouthWestern Playboys

June 21: Achachay!

July 5: The Carters

Although this is a “Spring” concert series, the shows will go well into early summer. Plus spring is short-lived in North Texas, if it occurs at all, so bring a lawn chair and cool drink or find something to cool off with from a nearby eatery (i.e. Vapianos, Cold Stone Creamery, Rockfish, Café Express, Urban Taco or Starbucks). You’ve sat in traffic most of the evening anyways so why not ring in the weekend (on Thursday nights) with Mockingbird Station’s Free spring concerts? The DART stops right there at Mockingbird Lane too!

Keep an eye on Mockingbird Station this year. They seem to be adding a nice list of fun activities and events to their calendar. If you don’t hear it from us first, you’ll hear it from them.

*Parking is Free around the stores, and the garage is also be available for complimentary parking.

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North Texas Irish Festival | NTIF 2012 at Fair Park Dallas

1 Mar

This year the North Texas Irish Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary! It all started back in March of 1983 and has grown into this major Celtic Celebration at Fair Park in Dallas. The 2012 theme is “Harps & Fiddles” because these two instruments are played more than any others for Irish music. You can spend up to 3 days celebrating the Irish Culture with other North Texans since NTIF is March 2-4. It may be a little ahead of St. Patty’s Day but it’s the right time of year so make it a green day and embrace that fighting Irish inside.

Features:

Tickets
Anyone who arrives in line at or before 7:00pm on Friday is allowed in FREE! After 7pm on Friday it will be $10. Say “Happy 30th!” at the gate and get in for $5 or less. There are also 50% discount available in the local newspapers.

Tickets on Saturday cost $20 and on Sunday they are $15.

Learn more about how to get your tickets to the Irish Festival here.

Interested in Volunteering? Click here to find out all the opportunities in volunteering and how to apply.

The North Texas Irish Festival is way bigger than this article can describe. You just have to follow your nose to the lucky charms and see it for yourself. The year I went I was amazed. So many vendors and so much culture! They might as well dye the fountains green (if they haven’t)! This year is the year to go also since NTIF is celebrating their big 3-0! The Irish party almost all night long so check the schedule below for dates and times when the park will be open.

-NTIF 2012 Weekend Schedule-

Friday, March 2nd
6:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday, March 3rd
10:30am – 11:30pm
Sunday, March 4th
11:30am – 7:30pm

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11th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival

3 Nov

The South Dallas Dance Festival returns November 11th-13th for its 11th year! Join The South Dallas Cultural Center and the ARGA Nova Dance Company as they celebrate performances surrounding the year’s theme: “Forging Ahead”. The festival includes all genres’ dance performances, a master class with Lela Bell, a dance film screening, a praise dance showcase (on Sunday), the dancer of the year award and a reception. The 2011 South Dallas Dance Festival takes place for three whole days at the South Dallas Cultural Center. General Admission to this dance festival is only $10 while Star System members, the Dance Council of North Texas, seniors, students only pay $5.

SDDF takes place at the South Dallas Cultural Center

The South Dallas Cultural Center provides “classes for the education-minded to finger-poppin’ jazz jams for the young and the old hipsters”. Locatedjust outside the Fair Park complex, this community resource for south Dallas residents offers a wide variety of programs inspired by the vibrancy and diversity of the African Diaspora. The SDCC seeks to educate and inspire through the visual, media, literary and performing arts. Check out some of the programs they currently offer.

ARGA Nova Dance is the official name of the organization known as Beckles Dancing Company whose major focus is the development of artists and repertory. The South Dallas Dance Festival is only one of two of their important undertakings as it aims to promote pride, sharing and nurturing of the artform in the area. Founded in 1997, ARGA stands for the Andre R. George Association. It was started to promote dance and related Art and issues. Through dance companies, festivals and lectures ARGA builds community and understanding. ARGA is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Andre R. George who was a gifted dancer, teacher, choreographer and founder of the Nova Dancing Company. ARGA Nova Dance also edits the Black Dance Review.

As you await Alvin Ailey’s arrival in February find your way down to Fitzhugh for the 11th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival Nov 11-13! They’ll be plenty of South Dallas Swag..

The South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 South Fitzhugh
Dallas TX 75210

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Wine Fest 2011 – Addison

2 Nov

The 9th Annual Wine Fest is November 5th at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison. From 6:30pm to 11pm attendees can enjoy an intimate wine and food tasting event that benefits the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The 2011 Wine Fest is sponsored by The 500 Inc.

With the help of its sponsor The 500 Inc, Wine Fest is working to help raise funds and awareness for the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The Five Hundred Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who work together in carrying out their mission of a healthy Arts Community. They have supported more than 35 local arts organizations for over 40 years. Click here to find out more information on becoming a member of The Five Hundred Inc.

The 500 Inc’s Wine Fest is one fo the premier opportunities for North Texans to taste and discover wines from around the country. Check out the list of Vinters at Wine Fest this year.

Mmmm just imagine that grape flavor lol

This is a 21 and over party so leave the kids at home. It’ll only be about 2 hours or so long, God willing your sampling doesn’t become O.D. Wine Fest begins at 6:30pm and ends at 10:00pm. Included in your $35 ticket ($40 at the door) you’ll get wine tastings from all participating wineries and vinters along with samplings from participating restaurants. I’m no wine connoisseur so I’m probably most excited about the restaurants because Addison is filled with tons of great eateries! You’ve got Blue Mesa Grill, Einstein Bros, Cantina Laredo, Chow Thai, Clay Pit, Houlihans, Sambucca 360, Paciugo, Grand Luxe Café, Fish City Grill, Taco Diner, The Ranch at Las Colinas and Sweet Tomatoes to name a few. You also receive access to a large Silent Auction. There will be Live music playing throughout the evening as well in case you want to ‘wine’ up ya body! Valet parking is available for a nominal fee, but self parking isn’t available due to the limited space.

Wine Fest is being held at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum

If this is your first Wine Fest and you’re wondering what to wear, you can come comfortable but dressed smart! Some people will wear business casual as a few may be coming from work anyways, but if you choose to wear jeans just jazz it up a bit. There are ladies who will be in cocktail dresses and gents who may decide to sport a blazer.

Wine ya body down to the Flight Museum for some grown up fun!

Why not Make it a Date!




Wine Fest Location:
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
4572 Claire Chennault Street
Addison, TX 75001

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West Plano Family-pa-looza Benefiting Minnie’s Food Pantry

16 Oct

October 30th brings a FREE event that will benefit Minnie’s Food Pantry and give the family something fun to do for about 3 hours. West Plano Family-pa-looza is like Double Dare meets Fall Festival. Enjoy bounce houses, obstacle courses, carnival games, interactive games, rock wall, slides, face painting, crafts vendors and other outdoor entertainment from 3pm to 6pm on Sunday, Oct. 30th. West Plano Family-pa-looza will take place in the fields located between Gulledge Elementary and Robinson Middle School. Click here to see the entire list of activities you can expect.

The event’s beneficiary, Minnie’s Food Pantry, is a nonprofit organization that provides free quality food to feed families in need. Minnie’s Food Pantry distributes protein sources like meat (frozen or canned) peanut butter, fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and non-perishable items to clients. Eligibility to receive food is determined by the federal income guidelines which base a person’s need on their income. Every two weeks Minnie’s Food Pantry provides a free supply of emergency groceries per household for residents who do not have enough food because of their lack of resources to purchase it. Five dollars and forty cents can feed a family of four for a week. Non-perishable food items will be accepted at Familypalooza but monetary donations can go even further. Support Minnie’s Food Pantry at West Plano Family-pa-looza (Sunday, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) and ‘Just Feed One, while having some fun’!

*Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase soon. All proceeds from West Plano Family-pa-looza go to Minnie’s Food Pantry.

If you can’t make the festival,
you can still donate to Minnie’s Food Pantry online.

Location:
(Between Gulledge Elementary and Robinson Middle School)
6800 Preston Meadow Drive
Plano 75024

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Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market Dallas – Fridays in October

5 Oct

You’re about to have another reason to #TGIF! Every Friday in the month of October the Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market will be open for business! What IS that you might ask!? It’s a weekly market located in Downtown Dallas that will have live music, fresh produce, handmade crafts and other cool stuff, all at the fingertips of downtown employees and YOU if you dare to venture downtown on a Friday. Teaming up to sponsor this weekly outdoor October special, if you will, is The Deep Ellum Outdoor Market and Downtown Dallas Inc. If you didn’t know already, Pegasus Plaza is located at the corner of Main Street and Akard. To apply be a participating vendor at this market click here. The main purpose of the Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market is giving downtown workers an exciting alternative to the normal lunchtime experience. I personally think they’re trying to push people outside of their cubes, into the fresh “fall” air and expose them to the Central Business District. They’re doing this between the hours of 11am and 3pm, just in time for that 3 o’clock slump. Yeah you know how that goes. We’ll see who’s taking extra long lunch breaks every Friday this month. When it comes time to point the finger, blame Downtown Dallas Inc. and Deep Ellum Outdoor Market for the afternoon distractions.

Pegasus Outdoor Market is sponsored by DEOM & Downtown Dallas Inc

Not only is the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market trying to bring people to the streets of their neighborhood, they’re also making an effort to give exposure to their local artists and businesses. How’s that for cultivating an artistic booming community? Deep Ellum is such a unique community itself that it needs the support of people throughout the Metroplex who also share the desire for an alternative to DFW’s mainstream. Here’s some instruction on how to get your own booth and become a vendor.

The Dates for the Pegasus Plaza Outdoor Market are October 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th. It looks like the Outdoor Market will be back in November & December as well. Check here for future Market Dates.

Now try saying “Pegasus Plaza” 8 times fast! Orrr just head downtown on your lunch break (unless you work in Arlington or Grapevine or something) and enjoy the closest thing we have to our own little “New York City” before you become too tongue tied. I swear, if Dallas doesn’t stop trying to become more downtown busy-city-like…Our New Years Eve celebration is already getting bigger and bigger each year filling the streets of Victory Park. What will they come up with next?! Talking pigeons with New England accents like on Bolt?! Stay tuned….because at this rate, it’s definitely possible.

Stay clicked in for the next market Oct 15th at Indiana Boulevard. Deep Ellum Outdoor Markets will be every 3rd Saturday of the month for the rest of the year!

*Wanna become a DEOM Volunteer?? Click here!

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2011 Dallas Green Festival at Texas Discovery Gardens – Sept 24

23 Sep

You'll never know til you try

You may not be a fan of Green Eggs & Ham, but what about a Green Fair Park? This weekend Dallas is turning Green, but not with envy! Texas Discovery Gardens will host the 2011 Dallas Green Festival on September 24th at Fair Park. The Dallas Green Festival celebrates environmentally positive living. Even after the Festival is over the Green Exhibit will go into the State Fair the following weekend.

At the Dallas Green Festival one will enjoy whole lifestyle demos, green-living vendors, natural and organic food for sale, face painting, a mobile farm and recycled arts and crafts. You can even do your part by dropping off electronics for recycling through Goodwill Industries of Dallas. Here is a list of acceptable items. Texas Discovery Gardens’ Green Festival only lasts one day and happens to be during Texas Pollution Prevention Awareness month. By recognizing this month the message is reiterated that we can live sustainable and with a minimal environmental footprint each and every day of the year. One will also find kids activity area, classes and get access to environmental products as well as some healthy refreshments. In fact, one of my favorite brunch spots in North Dallas, Blue Mesa, will be serving their delicious street version of food.

Learn more on water and energy conservation with the demonstrations and classes; Sign up for a rain barrel making class (compliments of Texas AgriLife Extension); or Check out the Nissan Leaf’s electric car charging station. The Recycled Fashion Show will leave a permanent memory as local design students use vintage fabric and other recycled materials for the attire.

Make your mark, but make it Green

The Dallas Green Festival is a FREE event!! It will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday. For a discount of $3 attendees can also go in the Texas Discovery Garden’s Butterfly House and Insectarium. (Regular admission for adults is $8) and don’t forget about the Green Exhibit going on throughout the State Fair of Texas, open daily from 10am-6pm. Every day at 10:30am and 12:30pm there will be butterfly releases inside the tropical butterfly house. If you missed Ecofest a week ago, then here’s your opportunity to brush up on being “green” or more eco-friendly. Discover a whole new lifestyle that benefits our earth and how you can be a part of the movement this weekend at the 2011 Dallas Green Festival.

Texas Discovery Gardens

3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dallas 75210
**Gate 6 at Fair Park**

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Naturally Isis presents The Natural Hair Parade & Festival sponsored by Erykah Badu

31 Aug

This Labor Day Weekend don’t call Tyrone, but instead hit up his bare-all boo Erykah Badu and her good friend Isis Brantly owner of Naturally Isis who are presenting the 2011 Natural Hair Parade and Festival! On September 3rd Dallas native Erykah Badu won’t be strolling down Dealey Plaza naked this time but Illinois to Beckley in her “normal” natural state rather. Badu (as well as the Institute of Ancestal Braiding) is sponsoring this Free event which is a celebration of both natural hair and African economic power. Isis Brantley is the first entrepreneur to own a natural braiding salon in the DFW area and she continue advocating economic empowerment and pride within the African American community of North Texas. Isis is the brains behind The Natural Hair Parade and Festival set to take place on September 3rd at the Wynnewood Shopping Center located at 655 W. Illinois Ave. The parade will continue on down to the Naturally Isis Beckley location found at 2642 S. Beckley.

The parade and festival will include: Happy Hair Village, vendors, Grooming and natural hair demonstration, a hair show and other fun activities for the community!

Natural Hair & Parade Festival Schedule

8:30am – Parade Assembles at Wynnewood Shopping Center
10:30am – Parade Commences
12:00pm – Festival Begins (Naturally Isis and Beckley Saner Park)
5:00pm – Festival Ends

Isis’ Window-Seat supporter has put her frequent flyer miles on hold for a couple days and challenged her friend to get 400 people to march and participate in the parade. She will be speaking at the event as well. Let’s hope they’ll ALL be fully clothed, but we can certainly expect some eccentric natural hair styles to compliment the streets of Oak Cliff/Dallas. Isis says they chose September 3rd as the date of The Natural Hair Parade and Festival because “it is a labor of love”. Tell your friends and loved ones about this unique Labor Day Weekend event and when Tweeting about it mention the hashtags: #NaturalHair and #LaborofLove. If you’d like more information on sponsorship and exhibitors click here, as The Natural Parade and Festival is still open to more. Late registration is $150, and you can also donate or make payment here.To volunteer contact Naturallyisis@yahoo.com or call 214-329-3820.

About $38 million is spent monthly on natural hair care & hair care products

<This past June we had the NBA Championship parade through downtown, but now Dallas is Pleased to host the Nation’s First World Natural Hair Parade and Festival September 3rd starting at 10am!

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Dallas Arboretum 2011 Fall Concerts Sept 4 – Oct 27

25 Aug

Summer is very slowly coming to a close but the Dallas Arboretum’s Fall Concert series are just revving up. Sometimes even after we’ve changed seasons, it still feels summer-like in North Texas, but what better time to attend more outdoor concerts than in the fall when the temperatures are just right. Concerts at the Arboretum ran through spring and summer months, and now after a few weeks to break, the return in September with the 2011 Line-up. All throughout September and October Concerts at the Arboretum will take place on a weekly bases from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. So in addition to being the perfect park setting with the array of flowers, trees and even the nearby lake, the Dallas Arboretum is providing you with Live music by various bands. These are Free concerts, but will be worth your money for the entire family to attend and maybe even picnic together. The typical ticket prices for non-members are: $17 for kids (ages 3-13) and $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online, and all tickets are checked upon entry to the gardens. Season passes and Genre passes are also available. The Fall Thursdays Season pass gets you into 7 performances at $105 (non-members) or $42 for members.

Concerts at the Aboretum start back up Sept 4

The fall version of Concerts at the Arboretum will kick off with a Labor Day weekend Concert (& Picnic) at 7pm featuring the “kings of Texas swing” Asleep at the Wheel. Sunday September 4th it all begins at the Dallas Arboretum. After that the concerts will be every Thursday, throughout the months of September and October. Gates open at 6pm so you can grab your spots early and get all set up with your mats, blankets, picnic items, etc. The Dallas Arboretum is located at: 8528 Garland Road, Dallas 75218.

FALL SCHEDULE

September
Sunday, 9/4…..…Asleep at the Wheel (Swing music)
Thurs, 9/15…….Hard Night’s Day (Beatles Tribute)
Thur, 9/22…….Dallas Unlimited (Top Hits of the Decades)
Thur, 9/29……..Max Stalling (Country Singer/Songwriter)

October
Thur, 10/6………Blaze of Glory (Bon Jovi Tribute)
Thur, 10/13.…….4 Way Street (CSNY Tribute)
Thur, 10/20…….Signed, Sealed Delivered (Party and Dance Hits)
Thur, 10/27………Micky & the Motorcars (Texas Country)

During one of my shoots earlier this year at the Arboretum

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Uptown Village’s Back-To-School Kid’s Fest & Concert

17 Aug

It’s that time of year again! Time to find new backpacks, lunchbags, wide ruled paper and take advantage of the annual Tax Free weekend! In Cedar Hill, it’s time to celebrate Uptown Village’s first ever Back-To-School Kid’s Fest & Concert August 20th! It’s still pretty hot outside in Texas so this Back-To-School Fest will only last about 4 hours. Throughout the entire Saturday event Two-Wins Foundation will be accepting $25 donations to help provide local underprivileged children with school supplies.

Expect exciting Drumline performances

During the first two hours (4-6pm) of Back-to-School KID’S FEST Stacia’s School of Dance, the Duncanville Cheerleaders and DeSoto High School’s Drill Team will give dance performances. Attendees will also get the opportunity to meet the 2011 Cedar Hill High School football team.

Meet this year's CHHS Fball team

Face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, crafts and other fun activities will keep attendees engaged.

The Back-to-School Concert will take place from 6:00 – 8:00pm. The concert will feature local party and dance band Top with drumline performances during intermission. Between JAM to Give, Wine Walks, Family Movie Nights and great shopping, Uptown Village is quickly becoming the place to go! Now as the summer comes to an end, the Village Green events don’t stop. Support Two-Wins Foundation August 20th as we come together to make the schoolyear a little better for those who have less than what’s needed.

Donations will go towards school supplies for local underprivileged students

So as some of us gear up for school again let the rhythms of Soul II Soul get you back in the mode of homework, sack lunches & good ole’ PTA meetings!

Back to Life…Back to Reality…

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