What: Day Out With Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 9:00AM
Where: Grapevine Vintage Railroad
709 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for Day Out With Thomas, presented by Fisher-Price. If your little ones love Thomas the Tank Engine, bring the entire family to enjoy this special opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine at regional heritage railroads across the country. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. trains departing every 45 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. The last train departs at 5:15 p.m. on Fridays and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
What: Dallas Art Fair
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 11:00AM
Where: Fashion Industry Gallery
1807 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: The Preview Gala on Thursday, April 6, benefits the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center and Dallas Contemporary, and offers art patrons and Dallas’ top collectors the opportunity to preview and purchase exhibited works prior to the public opening of the fair. Gala tickets start at $300. View painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, video, and installation by modern and contemporary artists exhibited by prominent national and international art dealers and galleries. Single-day and three-day tickets are available, with discounts for seniors and students.
What: 23rd Annual Deep Ellum Arts Festival
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 11:00AM – 11:00PM
Where: Deep Ellum
Main St. and South Malcolm X Blvd., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: The Deep Ellum Arts Festival is proud to celebrate its 23rd anniversary this year with 3 days of art work, live music, and great food. Voted “Best Festival in Dallas” by local polls and ranked by participating artists as among the top 50 arts festivals in the nation, the free-to-attend street fest takes place on Main Street in the heart of Deep Ellum, between Malcolm X Blvd. and Exposition. Festival highlights include 200 top-notch decorative and visual artists, 150 original bands and singer/songwriters performing on multiple stages, a Pet Parade on Sunday, and enticing foods and drinks. The festival opens for lunch on Friday at 11 a.m., offering downtown office workers a special opportunity to preview the festival during their lunch break. New this year are two indoor stages inside the iconic Sons of Hermann Hall. The adult-oriented festival (there are no activities geared toward children or teenagers) will also feature street performers, jugglers and other whimsical characters throughout the weekend, along with Poetry Slam’s open mic.
What: Cars 3: Road to the Races
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 12:00PM
Where: Texas Motor Speedway
3545 Lone Star Circle, Ft. Worth, TX 76117
Why: Road to the Races, a nationwide tour inviting fans of #95 to gear up for the upcoming big-screen release of Disney Pixar’s “Cars 3.” Fans will take part in a host of activities and get a sneak peek of the movie. Life-size, character look-alikes of five-time Piston-Cup champion Lightning McQueen, tech-savvy Cruz Ramirez and the sleek next-gen racer Jackson Storm will be rolling into town to celebrate “Cars 3” with local fans.
What: Equest Tolkien Experience
When: Fri. Apr. 7th & Sat. Apr. 8th @ 1:00PM (Fri) and 11:00AM (Sat)
Where: The Shire at Preston Hollow
4668 Meadowood Rd., Dallas, TX 75220
Why: Tour the enchanted Shire of Preston Hollow, a Tolkien-inspired Hobbit House cottage and grounds, at this event benefiting Equest. In addition to the magical tour, guests can browse couture fashions, accessories and luxury items from Lily of the West, Hari Jewels and Origins of Santa Fe. The experience includes drinks, bites and live Celtic music (on 4/6 & 4/8). Wear shoes appropriate for crossing drawbridges and moats. 21+
The event is free, but a $20 minimum donation to Equest is suggested. RSVP online. Equest provides Therapeutic Horsemanship activities and therapies to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities.
What: Flea Style Spring Show Dallas
When: Fri. Apr. 7th & Sat. Apr. 8th @ 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Where: Automobile Building at Fair Park
1001 First Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: Flea Style (formerly The Dallas Flea) takes over 100,000 square feet at Fair Park to showcase the best of the best handmade, vintage and one-of-a-kind wares from Texas artisans and small businesses. Expect more than 200 vendors offering art, furniture, paper goods, fashion, jewelry, dog gear and more. In addition to shopping unique goods, shoppers will enjoy incredible giveaways, live DJ spins, food trucks and adult beverages during the fun daylong event.
What: Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 6:00PM (Fri) and 9:00AM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Downtown Ennis
101 N. Main St. W., Ennis, TX 75119
Why: Photo ops abound along Ennis’ Bluebonnet Trails, more than 40 miles of beautiful wildflowers on a route that is officially open April 1-30. The annual Bluebonnet Trails Festival is a celebration of the state flower of Texas and includes three days of arts and crafts, food, Friday night street dance, a wine stroll, kids activities, and plenty of bluebonnet-themed souvenirs. Live music by the Acoustic Sound Hounds and the Studebakers on Friday, and the Quebe Sisters on Saturday.
What: Kinky Boots
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 7:30PM
Where: Music Hall at Fair Park
1001 First Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: KINKY BOOTS is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of six Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony-winning score by CYNDI LAUPER, direction and Tony-winning choreography by JERRY MITCHELL and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner HARVEY FIERSTEIN. Come join the sold-out audiences who’ve discovered why – sometimes – the best way to fit in is to stand out!
What: Bruises: Animal vs Machine
When: Fri. Apr. 7th – Sun. Apr. 9th @ 7:30PM
Where: Oak Cliff Cultural Center
223 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, TX 75208
Why: With the help of a $10,000 grant from the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, PrismCo Movement Theatre brings a nearly wordless 2016 play to communities in the Dallas area with low access to the arts. The tour starts with 6 performances at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, with more venues to be announced. “Bruises” is the story of two women competing for glory in the ring. The staged MMA fight includes visuals, dance and aerial silk. Admission is free with RSVP.
What: 42nd Annual Nash Farm East Egg Hunt
When: Sat. Apr. 8th @ 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Where: Nash Farm
626 Ball St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: Take a trip to the farm this spring for our annual egg hunt. Mr. Bunny will be hiding thousands of eggs at Nash Farm for a hopping good time. Special prize eggs will be hidden in each age division. Let our face painters turn you into a bunny and enjoy other activities such as a petting zoo, wagon rides and more! There will be five different hunts by age group. Bring your camera for a myriad of great photo opportunities.
What: Citywide Egg Hunt
When: Sat. Apr. 8th @ 10:00AM
Where: Irving Heritage Park
217 Main St., Irving, TX 75060
Why: The City of Irving offers area families a fun, free experience with the Citywide Egg Hunt! Take part in egg hunts for children ages 3-10, with thousands of toy-filled and candy-filled eggs, as well as a petting zoo and craft activities. Bring a camera to take a free photo with the Easter Bunny. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the listed egg hunt time for your child’s age group, as all hunts will start on-time. Adults are not permitted to assist children in the egg hunts, and are encouraged to watch and enjoy from the viewing areas alongside the egg hunt field.
What: Earth Day 2017
When: Sat. Apr. 8th @ 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Where: River Legacy Living Science Center
703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006
Why: Earth Day fest at River Legacy Living Science Center includes nature walks, story times, crafts, activities, demonstrations & more.
What: Colorpalooza
When: Sat. Apr. 8th @ 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: Old Town Lewisville
West Church St. and Charles St., Lewisville, TX 75057
Why: During this spring celebration, the sidewalk serves as the canvas for cool creations from professional and amateur chalk artists. Expect to see artists at work in a variety of media. Kids can get creative at arts-and-crafts stations and play on inflatables. – From staff reports
What: Scarborough Renaissance Festival
When: Sat. Apr. 8th – Mon. Apr. 29th @ 7:30PM
Where: Scarborough Renaissance Festival Grounds
2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167
Why: Renaissance themed festival set in a re-created 16th Century English village celebrates the mirth and merriment, sights, sounds and tastes of the days of King Henry VIII. Set on 35 acres, the “village” of Scarborough offers continuous entertainment for 8 weekends. Visitors will encounter colorful characters such as knights, villagers, fire jugglers, jousters, sword fighters and turtle racers. Eat a giant turkey leg, buy a longbow or some jewelry at the shops, watch a village artisan at work, stop in the Elkhorn Tavern or Dirty Duck Pub, or simply take in the sights.
What: Steve Martin and Martin Short
When: Sat. Apr. 8th @ 8:00PM
Where: Verizon Theatre
1001 Performance Pl., Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Why: Longtime comedians and friends Steve Martin and Martin Short will play a One Night Only Show! The show, “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life,” includes stand-up, film clips, musical numbers and conversations about their lives in show business. Martin and Short will also be joined by the Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers, the bluegrass band with which Martin frequently performs.
What: Vino Palooza WIne & Music Festival
When: Sun. Apr. 9th @ 1:00PM
Where: Happiest Hour
2616 Olive St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Vino-Palooza is a wine & music festival, presented by platinum recording artist Ryan Cabrera, offering complimentary tastings from more than 20 boutique wineries, as well as samples of local craft beers, spirits, and small bites. It will include intimate unplugged performances Cabrera, Castro, Ryan Key of Yellowcard, Son of Stand, and more. The event will benefit Roof Angels.
What: Easter Pup-A-Palooza
When: Sun. Apr. 9th @ 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Where: Herfuth Park
4601 Centennial Dr., Rowlett, TX 75088
Why: Dogs of all sizes are invited to hunt for eggs filled with doggie treats and special prize eggs. There will be fun games, too. $10 per dog. Remember to bring your Easter basket, leash and proof of rabies vaccination. Call the Rowlett Community Centre at 972-412-6170 to register your pup for this event.
What: Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Tour
When: Sun. Apr. 9th @ 7:30PM
Where: American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Why: Ariana Grande Dangerous Woman Tour.
