Fun Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend

An R&B circus, Erykah Badu’s birthday concert, and more fun things to do in Dallas this weekend.

UniverSoul Circus
Photo courtesy of UniverSoul Circus

Congratulations, you survived both Mardi Gras and National Margarita Day this week! Of the two indulgent celebrations, the one devoted to tequila-and-lime concoctions definitely has a bigger presence around these parts. So in case you’re still not feeling 100 after all that boozing, this weekend’s guide focuses on a variety of events that have nothing to do with alcohol. Well, except maybe the doggie event at a local brewery. And even there you can pretend it’s Dry January again if you really need the break. We also have an R&B-fueled circus, an Effing burlesque show, the opening weekend of Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum, and a birthday celebration for hometown superstar Erykah Badu. Read on for eight fabulously fun things to do in Dallas this weekend.

UniverSoul Circus
Photo courtesy of UniverSoul Circus

Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26
South Dallas
If you love Cirque du Soleil and a good beat then you’re going to really love UniverSoul Circus. The event runs under the big top until March 19, but head over during opening weekend for your fill of acrobatics, heart-stopping stunts, fire breathers, and stilt dancers from all over the globe.
Cost: Tickets are $24 - $55.

Friday, February 24
Allen
Part of the Casual Classics series, this performance brings together the Allen Philharmonic and the Allen Symphony Chorus for an ocean-themed concert. Climb aboard for songs from South Pacific, The Little Mermaid, and a sea shanty or two.
Cost: Tickets are $10 - $20.

Friday, February 24
Deep Ellum
Cherry Antoinette, Dirty Diane, Northern Joy, Lucille Bombay, Sylvia Topley, and Ruby Montana headline the Effing Burlesque Show with prizes and drink specials thrown in for good measure.
Cost: Tickets are $20.

Friday, February 24
Deep Ellum
Four-time Grammy winner Erykah Badu (a.k.a. The Queen of Neo-Soul) celebrates her birthday with a present to her fans—an annual concert that fills The Factory in Deep Ellum with her smooth mix of jazz, hip-hop, and soul.
Cost: $65 - $350.

Tulips
Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Saturday, February 25
White Rock Lake
From Saturday through April 16, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden gets even more beautiful than normal with the return of 500,000 spring blooms bursting with color and fragrance. On various days throughout the six-week event, guests can enjoy special features including live music, book signings, wine pairings, and cooking classes.
Cost: Tickets are $20 per adult.

Saturday, February 25
South Dallas
Home chefs will tout their best dishes for the chance to win cash prizes at the Taste of Soul cook-off. More of an eater? You’ll also get the chance to taste some of the entries, participate in raffles and dance to live entertainment.
Cost: Tickets are $2 per adult.

Saturday, February 25
Garland
More than a dozen pet-themed vendors take over Lakewood Brewing at Lakewoof Round 2, a dog-friendly event that also includes a doggie costume contest, food, beer, and adoptable pups from Cody’s Friends Rescue.
Cost: This event is free to attend.

Friday, February 24–Sunday, February 26
Oak Cliff
Bishop Arts Theatre Center presents the closing weekend of The 1619 Project: One-Act Festival. Named after the year enslaved peoples first arrived in the United States colonies, the festival features nine one-act plays commissioned by both local and national writers for a powerful evening of deep examination into our country’s past. For more Black History Month celebrations and events, take a look at our guide of can’t-miss events here.
Cost: Tickets are $18 - $50.

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Steven Lindsey is a contributor to Thrillist.