Alien Drag, a Barbie-Inspired Dive, and More Fun Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend
How to spend your weekend on full blast like your AC.
There’s always something going down in the Big D. A look at the city’s offerings might leave you dizzy: record shops, vintage shops, museums, bar arcades, nerdy bookstores, restaurants, bars, brunches, sports aplenty, and a thriving music and arts scene.
Dallas, when you seek it out, has wonderful natural landscapes, too. Hiking, running paths, swimming—there’s a little something for everyone. And if you want to get out of town, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore.
With the sheer selection of things to do, we’re here to help guide you on your weekend adventures. This weekend guide will steer you in an always-fun direction, be it dancing to live music or cozying up for a film fest. Check back here each week for something new to explore (and subscribe to our newsletter for recommendations and the week’s top stories).
Live Music in Dallas
August 11, 7 pm
Dos Equis Pavilion, $29+
Whether it’s your actual first time or simply “Feels like the First Time,” the ’80s superband returns to Dallas for their Historic Farewell Tour. Expect one greatest hit after another and hope that when they sing “Cold as Ice” it’ll provide a little mind-over-matter relief from the heat.
August 13, 6:30 pm
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, $59+
The jazz stylings of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue collide with the reggae skills of Ziggy Marley for an unforgettable night of music under the stars.
August 16, 8 pm
Southside Ballroom, $35
Pronounced “Jake,” the emo-pop singer brings his viral, TikTok-friendly hits to the intimate Southside Ballroom. Joined by Maisy Kay and HARIZ, the standing-room-only venue gives fans the chance to get up-close-and-personal with the performers.
Nightlife in Dallas
August 10–13
Hôtel Swexan, Free
The Harwood District’s first (and recently opened) hotel debuts its hideaway nightclub this weekend. Complete with a dance floor, intimate nooks, and a library-set speakeasy in the back (should you want to catch up on Proust while yelling, “Prost!” over the music), it promises to be the new, dark-and-cozy late-night scene you’ve been waiting for all summer.
Through September 2, 9 pm
Happiest Hour, Free with RSVP
Head to the Harwood District for Happiest Hour’s 21-and-over summer DJ series every Saturday night through Labor Day Weekend. This week’s tunes come courtesy of Los Angeles-based sister duo, Deux Twins. Elevate your dance party experience with VIP Bottle service and a reserved spot on the rooftop, indoors or out.
Advertiser Content From
The sun is out so it’s time to make a splash. Whether you’re traveling to Dallas or are looking for a fun staycation, Hilton Anatole has you covered. Located minutes from downtown Dallas, Hilton Anatole has everything you need to relax into a worthwhile summer retreat. Enjoy the game-filled JadeArcade or sip on a cocktail while relaxing poolside. The JadeWaters Resort Pool Complex also includes a leisure cove pool with a swim-up bar, a 630-foot-long lazy river that twists and turns past waterfalls, and two 180-foot slides. So no matter your age, there is something for everyone. Book your next vacation for this summer today.
Sporting Events in Dallas
Through August 12
College Park Center, Arlington, $30–$97
Our local WNBA team returns to their home court for three games against the Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces, and Connecticut Sun. The team currently holds the #2 spot in the Western Conference, so now’s your chance to see this winning women’s team in action as they continue to rack up victories.
August 12, 8 pm
AT&T Stadium, $25+
The Dallas Cowboys take to their home field for their first outing of the season, facing off against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The pre-season NFL game sets the stage for how America’s Team will perform on the road to the Super Bowl, so football fans won’t want to miss this matchup.
Performances in Dallas
August 10–12
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, Free Table Reservations
All Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar locations in North Texas celebrate Elvis Week starting Thursday, August 10. For three nights, the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s music dominates the set list along with a dance competition that could win you an Elvis-worthy prize of a beer schooner and a dozen donuts.
August 10–13
Kalita Humphreys Theater, $45–$65
When a funeral brings out a life’s worth of secrets for many people in attendance, things get a little crazy and a whole lot funny. The regional premiere of the play by Douglas Lyons concludes its short run this weekend at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed theater.
August 13, 7 pm
House of Blues Dallas, $23–$73
For a little out-of-this-world comedy, book a short voyage to English “alien drag queen” Juno Burch’s House of Blues show. The outrageous one-woman show features puppets, slapstick comedy, and “dancing”—emphasis on the air quotes.
Food & Drink in Dallas
August 10–September 30
The Whippersnapper, Free
The East Dallas dive bar known for its thematic pop-ups returns with a fuchsia-filled Dream House edition that will be more than Kenough to create a wildly memorable evening. Doll yourself up, think pink, and head over to a joyous alternate universe. Seating is first-come, first-served, but if you make a reservation and agree to a minimum spend, you can guarantee a spot in your little corner of this billion-dollar universe.
August 15, 6:30 pm
Eataly Dallas, $95
Shanghai meets Sicily as local Chinese favorite Fortune House takes over the Italian kitchen upstairs at Eataly Dallas for a four-course, three-cocktail fusion event. Enjoy dishes including Agnolotti Soup Dumplings and Braised Pork Belly with Bok Choy and Mushrooms. This dinner will sell out soon, so snag a seat while you can.
Plan Ahead in Dallas
Food & Drink
August 20, Noon & 3 pm
Virgin Hotels Dallas, $85
Book ahead before Sunday brunch on August 20 sells out as the Design District hotel celebrates three years of lip-syncing and lox. Join hostess Jenni P. for bottomless mimosas, a tasty brunch buffet spread, and one of the most wildly entertaining shows in town.
August 23, 6 pm
Roots Southern Table, $150 per person
Plan ahead for Wednesday dinner in a couple of weeks as chef Kenny Gilbert works his magic in chef Tiffany Derry’s kitchen. The multi-course dinner features wine or zero-proof cocktail pairings. If you can’t make it, perhaps a dinner party featuring one of Derry’s Moveable Feasts will satisfy your craving for Southern staples.
August 25–27
Meyerson Symphony Center, $50–$200
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s annual Wine & Food returns later in August, but you can secure a spot now in the Summer Wine Dinner and Bubbles & Brunch Bites events because they always sell out quickly. While you’re at it, go ahead and purchase tickets to the main event, the Symphony of Flavors Grand Tasting. Enjoy tastings from 15-plus Dallas-area restaurants and more than 40 wines, beers, and spirits.
Dance
Now through August 26, 6–10 pm
Vitruvian Park, Free
Every Saturday in August the Addison air will be filled with the seductive sounds of salsa music. Arrive before 6:30 pm to learn some new moves with free salsa dancing lessons. Then kick back, enjoy the live bands, DJs, and food trucks as the sun sets and the rhythm takes over.
Recreation
Through December 24
White Rock Lake, $40-$45
Board the Spirit of Dallas sailboat at the dock near Big Thicket and embark on a leisurely cruise of White Rock Lake. Pack a picnic to enjoy onboard while experiencing a gorgeous Texas sunset from an entirely different perspective.