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It’s finally time for that three-day weekend you’ve been eying on the calendar all month, so it’s time to buy steaks for the grill, beer for the fridge and tickets to the best events this Memorial Day weekend.
If you haven’t made plans yet, have no fear because we’re here to help you plan your weekend adventure, starting first with a visit to the Arlington Improv to see Rob Schneider perform one of his just-announced shows tonight. That’s right, everyone’s favorite gigolo and Adam Sandler buddy is in town for the weekend, and he’s performing tonight at 8:30 and 10 p.m. If you can’t make tonight’s shows, you can catch Schneider at 8:30 and 10 p.m. tomorrow night and 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 and available on improv.com.
High gas prices have forced some people to stay home this holiday weekend, but it’s worth the price to head an hour south to Ennis for three days of tradition, dance and competitive eating. The 45th Annual National Polka Festival kicks off tonight at Sokol Hall and continues at multiple Czech halls through Sunday. Grab your partner and some extra petticoats because 13 bands will perform polka favorites, and there will even be a kolache eating competition tomorrow. Ticket prices vary from $7 to $12 per day. Details about festival activities and participating venues are available at nationalpolkafestival.com.
See the rest of The Master List after the jump…
Party at the Park with Kraig Parker
Friday, May 27, at Lone Star Park
You’ll be all shook up and nothing but a hound dog if you don’t see Kraig Parker at Party at the Park tonight. The Elvis impersonator extraordinaire is performing tonight at Lone Star Park during live thoroughbred racing starting at 7 p.m. If you can’t viva Las Vegas, at least spend the evening with Parker. Did we mention select beers are $1? We think you’re convinced now. General admission is $5. Visit lonestarpark.com for tickets.
CityArts Festival
Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29 at Fair Park
Perfect for the extended family, the CityArts Festival includes craft projects for the kids, wine tastings and art exhibits for the adults and something for every age in between. Highlights include a special outdoor screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s tonight and a concert and fireworks show tomorrow night. You can also enjoy free admission to the Museum of Nature & Science, Children’s Aquarium and other Fair Park attractions during select times this weekend. Best of all, admission to the festival is free. Visit cityartsfestival.org for the complete schedule of events.
Shooting Star
Friday, May 27 through Sunday, June 26 at WaterTower Theatre
Ever wonder what it would be like to run into your college school sweetheart decades later? That’s exactly what happens to Reed and Elena 25 years after their last encounter, but their reunion comes while they’re stranded at an airport. Catch preview performances of Shooting Star tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. Monday’s opening night performance at 7:30 will be free for veterans, and take advantage of this weekend’s special 2 for 1 ticket deal when you purchase tickets at watertowertheatre.org (Sunday’s performance is pay-what-you-can).
Carry the Load
Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30 at White Rock Lake
You can walk for 20 minutes or the whole 20 hours and 11 minutes during this annual 5K at White Rock Lake. Participants are encouraged to carry a literal load, a backpack, to show support for troops and veterans of war. Opening ceremonies start at 3:30 p.m. Sunday with a military parachute jump over the lake, followed by a 21-gun salute. The walk begins at 4 p.m. and continues through 12:11 p.m. Monday. Proceeds from Carry the Load benefit Heroes on the Water, White Rock Lake Conservancy and five other charitable organizations. $50 for an individual, $45 per individual in a registered team. Visit carrytheload.org to make a donation or to register.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30 at the festival grounds in Waxahachie
Hear ye, hear ye! The Scarborough Renaissance Festival is celebrating its last weekend, and there’s no better time than an extended weekend to enjoy the court dances, knife throwing and giant turkey legs. On Memorial Day, the festival will close, but not before offering a special discount to attendees. Tickets are $22 for adults ($9 for children), but pay just $12 for adult admission after 2:30 p.m. Monday. Visit srfestival.com for tickets and more information. Guess we’ll have to retire our suits of armor after this weekend.
