For many students, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to kick off summer vacation as school is off this year. The calendar of events in and around Dallas is a little slimmer, but there’s still some fun to be had: a special music event, two symphony concerts, a new local play, three concerts, two music festivals, and a march honoring the military.
Here are some great ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Luckily, we have a longer list of the city’s best events.
Thursday, May 23
Announced by the Emerg Coalition evergreen [to grow]
evergreen [to grow] A musical experience through Caroline Shaw’s traditional concerts. ever green It has become a cultural crisis, impacting our daily lives. This interdisciplinary project brings together art and science to create a new collaborative experience and raise awareness of climate change in Dallas. The work is part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Elevator Project and will run for three performances through Saturday at the Wyly Theater.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs “Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2”
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform “Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2” with conductor Vasily Petrenko, pianist Denis Kozhukin and the Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus for the final concert of its 2023-2024 season. Selections include Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Walton’s Symphony No. 1. Three performances will run through Sunday at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Friday, May 24
Presented by Rowlett Performers Company Fiddler on the Roof
The story is set in the small village of Anatevka. Fiddler on the Roof The play revolves around Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. Faced with changing social mores and rising anti-Semitism in Tsarist Russia, Tevye enlists the help of a colorful, close-knit Jewish community to protect his daughters and instill traditional values. The play runs through June 2 at the Garland’s Plaza Theatre.
Diljit Dosanjh in concert
Throughout music history, Indian singers have had limited crossover appeal, but Diljit Dosanjh is proving to be an exception. The pop/hip-hop artist has been popular in India since his debut in 2002, and has used that appeal to launch an acting career. His last three albums have begun to garner attention in the Western Hemisphere, and in 2023 he performed at Coachella. He will be performing at the American Airlines Center to promote his 2023 album, Diljit Dosanjh. Ghost.
Gunna in concert
Despite the recent feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, Gunna can claim himself as one of the best rappers working today. Since his debut in 2019, he’s been on a hot streak, releasing five albums in six years, each of which has reached #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop and Rap charts and #3 or higher on the overall Billboard 200 chart. He’ll be performing at The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory in Irving to promote his 2023 album, “The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory.” Gifts and curses.
Saturday, May 25
Together Land
TwoGether Land is a new urban music festival featuring over 20 artists including Lil Wayne, Summer Walker, Ratt and Gucci Mane. Plus, a stage curated by radio personality Bey Bey will feature Big Tuck, Erica Banks, Yella Beezy, Chally Boy and Do-Low. The festival will take place Saturday and Sunday at Fair Park.
Exodus Music & Arts Festival
Iconic gospel artist Kirk Franklin and Live Nation Urban present Exodus Music & Arts Festival, the preeminent festival of gospel music and culture. The festival will spotlight the genre’s superstars and develop the next generation of pioneers. Saturday will feature Kierra Siard, Naomi Raine, Collin Hawthorne, Todd Galbers, Transformation Worship, Halvey and Isaac Curry, while Sunday will feature Franklin, Fred Hammond, Le’Andria Johnson, DaTrues, Anthony Brown and Madison Ryan Ward. The festival will take place at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
Sunday, May 26
Carry the Load Announces Dallas Memorial March
Carry The Load is a nonprofit organization that provides a positive way for Americans to connect with the sacrifices our military, veterans, first responders and their families make every day. Whether visitors choose to join in and walk the relay or simply want to show their support, these community events are a great way to connect with others who share the same mission. Held at Reverchon Park on Sunday and Monday, the event invites visitors to join in a day of memorializing, uniting and supporting our military, veterans, first responders and their families.
Neil Young + Crazy Horse in concert
Legendary singer Neil Young will give it a second go with a concert at the Dos Equis Pavilion after abandoning it earlier this month due to fears of possible bad weather. Young has just celebrated his 55th anniversary as a recording musician, beginning his association with the band Crazy Horse just one year after his solo debut album. Since 1969, they have released 16 albums together, including the new one. Dumewas released in February of this year. They also recently released a live album. debt##in’UpThey performed songs from their 1990 album. Tattered Glory. (Updated 5/24/2024: Due to an unknown illness, this concert has been postponed again. A new date will be announced soon.)
Monday, May 27
Dallas Symphony Orchestra holds “Flagpole Hill” Parks Concert
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will kick off the Parks Concert Series with its annual Memorial Day Concert at Flag Pole Hill. The program will feature patriotic tunes from the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the Highland Park United Methodist Church Choir, and country music star Craig Morgan. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
