We’ve got a three-day weekend ahead and that means there’s a bounty of entertainment options available.
Whether you’re looking for ways to remember our fallen heroes or wanting to check out a festival or two, there’s plenty going on around North Texas this weekend.
Here are just a few events.
MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCES
Where: Allen Public Library – 300 N. Allen Dr., Allen
When: Friday, May 24 at 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join the Allen Public Library in honoring those lost in military circumstances and battles both at home and abroad with a special Memorial Day concert featuring the New Horizons Band. The group with perform The Black Horse Troop March by John Philip Sousa, Grant Them Rest by Barbara Buehlman, Texas Star March by David Lovrien and many other patriotic favorites.
Where: Reverchon Park – 3505 Maple Ave., Dallas
When: Sunday, May 26 from noon to 7:30 p.m. & May 27, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join this walk on the Katy Trail in Dallas to honor and remember our nation’s heroes. The event also includes a storyboard procession, entertainment, inspirational speeches and a kid’s zone.
Where: Flag Pole Hill – 8015 Doran Circle – Dallas
When: Monday, May 27 at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes tonight with a free concert complete with fireworks at Flag Pole Hill in Dallas. The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and The U.S. Army Chorus from Washington, DC, perform light classics and patriotic favorites.
FIREWORKS
Where: Oak Grove Park – 2520 Oak Grove Loop S, Grapevine
When: Friday, May 25 at sunset
Cost: Free
Memorial Day is the official first day of summer, so start the season off with a bang with a good old-fashion fireworks display. Head to Lake Grapevine Friday night for the weekly fireworks show. The weekly 12-minute show runs Friday nights until the end of August and can be viewed from the as parks around Lake Grapevine.
FESTIVALS
Where: Downtown Ennis – 119 N. Dallas St., Ennis
When: May 24 - 26
Cost: Free-$14
It’s Polka-palooza this weekend in downtown Ennis. Kick up your heels at an opening dance with polka music and a King and Queen dance contest where everyone is encouraged to wear traditional Czech costumes. Other weekend festivities include a Kolache eating contest, a parade and, of course, lots of polka music.
Where: Fair Park – 1121 1st Ave., Dallas
When: May 25 & 26 from noon to 11 p.m.
Cost: See website for ticket prices
ONE MusicFest was hit in Atlanta, so organizers are bringing the celebration of hip-hop music to Fair Park with TwoGether Land. The new multi-stage music festival hosts hip-hop legends like Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Jeezy and Three 6 Mafia. Fans can also experience a podcast stage, a roller rink and performances from local talent on a curated stage hosted by radio personality Bay Bay.
Where: Panther Island Pavilion – 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth
When: May 25 & 26 at 3 p.m.
Cost: See website for ticket prices
Take a voyage on an out of this world experience when the Ubbi Dubbi Festival returns to Panther Island Pavilion for its 2024 edition. Alison Wonderland, Elderbrook, TVBoo, Wooli, Svdden Death and Wuki are just some of the artists on the bill at this 2-day electronic dance music festival.
35th ANNUAL NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY CELEBRATION
Where: Arts Fifth Avenue – 1628 5th Ave., Fort Worth
When: May 25 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join Arts Fifth Avenue for the 35th anniversary of National Tap-Dancing Day. The big show starts at 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage and features performances from the A5A Tap Dancers, the Dancing Dames from Taps ‘n Tunes and North Texas tappers of all ages. The festival’s special guest is Broadway veteran, Ron Young, Be sure to get there early for music, concessions and t-shirts for sale.
Where: Palace Arts Center – 300 S. Main St., - Grapevine
When: May 24-26
Cost: $40-$390
Put on your blue suede shoes for this celebration of the life and music of Elvis Presley. The 3-day festival showcases the talents of musicians, singers and world-renowned Elvis tribute artists who will recreate the excitement and emotions the King generated on stage.
THEATER
Where: Winspear Opera House – 2403 Flora St., Dallas
When: Through June 9
Cost: $39-$229
The blockbuster Broadway musical returns to Dallas. In case you didn’t know, it’s the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton that’s told through rap music and lyrics. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, the revolutionary musical has won Grammy, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
A TWISTY INTERGALACTIC SPECTACLE
Where: Hip Pocket Theatre – 1950 Silver Creek Rd., Fort Worth
When: Through June 1
Cost: $10-$25
Hip Pocket Theatre kicks off summer and its 48th season with a one-of-a-kind intergalactic experience. The show features puppetry, direction, and scenic design by internationally acclaimed artist Basil Twist.
NATURE
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM
Where: Dallas Arboretum – 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas
When: May 25-27
Cost: $10-$16
For those wanting a tranquil garden experience this Memorial Day weekend there’s no better place than the Dallas Arboretum. Stroll through the garden featuring 65,000 new, vibrant and colorful summer plantings including elephant ears, birds of paradise, and bromeliads. Enjoy peaceful piano performances at Jeanne’s Pavilion or bring a picnic and listen to music at the Martin Rutchik Concert Lawn and Stage. For kids, there’s the Country Critters petting zoo, and entry to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is free with paid general garden admission.
Visit Go See DFW to find more Memorial Day events.
The Go See DFW calendar is a partnership between KERA and The Dallas Morning News.
Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.
This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, Communities Foundation of Texas, The University of Texas at Dallas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access’ journalism.
