Between the Dallas International Film Festival, a major awards show and the usual hustle and bustle, it's going to be a busy week in Dallas, folks. If you're not in the know and don't have any plans, though, you shouldn't use the inevitable traffic as an excuse to stay at home and pray that the Rangers are going to get better.
You should still pray, but you can do it at one of the dozens of arts and culture events in Dallas and beyond this week. Everything on this list will cost you less than the cost of a couple of drinks, and you can fight back against all those claims that you're a dumb, uncultured millennial on the cheap at one of these events. Make your cocktails at home before you go -- no one likes the guy who doesn't pregame appropriately.
Booker T. Washington Shorts Tuesday, April 14 Dallas Museum of Art Free with DIFF Badge
If you don't have the attention span for sitting in a two-hour film, you might enjoy this collection of shorts created by students at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and presented as part of the Dallas International Film Festival. Fifteen short films created by students at the Dallas Independent School District magnet school will give you a chance to tell your film-buff friends "I was there then" when one of these students make it big.
Dixie's Tupperware Party Bass Performance Hall Until Sunday, May 3 $30-40
If you're from the South, you should know all about the humor that goes along with being a "Tupperware Lady." These brightly colored plastic containers have somehow taken a place in the American lexicon, along with the always-chipper Southern ladies who shake you down to buy more crap for your kitchen. Dixie's Tupperware Party is a well-reviewed Off-Broadway show that is touring the country, complete with hilarious anecdotes and free giveaways. If you need something to put all those leftovers in, Dixie Longate can help you out.
Cara Mia Theatre Presents Lydia Wyly Theatre Until Sunday, April 19 $11-26
In this magical play by Octavio Solis, Lydia is an undocumented maid from Mexico who moves in with a Chicano family to take care of their daughter, who was disabled on the eve of her quinceanera. Cara Mia's presentation of Lydia is "an unflinching and deeply emotional portrait of a Chicano family caught in a web of dark secrets." If you're not already encouraged by the intrigue, appearances from some of Dallas' best Latino actors should persuade you.
10 Minute Comedies Rover Dramawerks Until Friday, April 17 $12
In describing what they do as "theatre off the beaten path," Rover Dramawerks has nailed their approach to the stage. Every year, the quirky theater company hosts a 10-minute play competition, and this year's competition was focused on the best quick comedies around. Throughout the month of April, Rover Dramawerks will showcase the winners of this year's competition and one bonus play, all for less than the cost of a good cocktail.
2015 Festival of Chariots Kalachandji's Saturday, April 18 Free
If you've never been to this Hare Krishna temple in East Dallas, you're missing out on incredible food in one of the most beautiful enviroments in the city. On Saturday, Kalachandji's takes the party to the streets for the 2015 Festival of Chariots, or Ratha-Yatra. A beautiful and colorful parade will kick off the day, and once that's over, you can get your face painted or get a henna tattoo or practice some chill Asana yoga. Most important, though, Kalachandji's food will also be on offer.