There's still plenty of summer left, so now's the time to unstick your sweaty butt from the couch and get festive. Whether you're searching for the perfect prom dress or in need of craft beer, culture or Jesus, August is full of cool (indoor) stuff to do. We've rounded up the highlights.
August 1-4
QuakeCon Since 1996 nerds have been flocking to Dallas for QuakeCon. Gamers from around the globe will compete in an epic online tournament that will be streamed live. Attendees will have access to dozens of exhibits, showcases and previews of new games ; check out Elder Scrolls Online debuting Friday August 2. John Carmack, keynote speaker, will address audiences Thursday and Friday. The event is free to the public and will be held at the Hilton Anatole. Pre-register here.
August 4
Quinceanera and Prom Expo From 12 - 5 p.m. the Dallas Market Hall will be transformed into a world full of taffeta, hair spray and glitter. For $10 you can have access to videographers, choreographers, decorators, caterers and more. Smile pretty because Quinceaneras Magazine will be having open casting calls for its next cover girl.
August 16-18
Highland Village Balloon Festival Up, up and away to Unity Park where the Lions Club will be hosting its 26th annual Highland Village Balloon Festival. It will be a fun few days for the whole family featuring live music, arts and crafts, a car show and food court. The first ever hot air 5k starts at 8:30 a.m on Saturday. The event is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged and all proceeds benefit the Lions Club and local charities.
August 16-24
North Texas State Fair The Texas State Fair is months away, but don't worry because Denton has you covered. The North Texas State Fair kicks off Friday the 16th, and the party goes on for nine days. There will be rodeoing, fried-food eating, shopping and carnival activities. Dozens of bands will be playing music throughout the fair, including Josh Abbott Band and Jack Ingram. Check out the full list of events here. Adult tickets are $15 per day, $40 for a four-day pass or $90 for a season pass.
August 17 - 18
Vampire Diaries Convention It's post-Twilight and your hunger for pale angsty vampires need to be filled. Look no further than the official Vampire Diaries Convention. Stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley will be in attendance along with some of the supporting cast. There will be trivia contests, plenty of merch and a Vampire Diaries themed ball on Saturday. Events will be at Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport Hotel. Click here for tickets.
August 23-25
From Russia with Love Be transported back to a time when classical music ruled Russia instead of shirtless, seal-hunting Vladimir Putin. In a three-concert series, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be playing the master works of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Miguel Harth-Bedoya will be conducting and several Cliburn medalists will be playing. Tickets on sale now.
August 24
Dallas Observer's BrewFest The Observer's BrewFest is happening in August and it will be awesome. You can trust us on this. We are not biased at all, because THERE WILL BE BEER, BEER, BEER. Also live music, food and, in case we forgot to mention it, BEER. For beer's sake, what are you waiting for? Buy tickets, because beeeeeeeeer.
August 25
Oddball and Curiosity Festival Funny or Die presents the Oddball and Curiosity Festival featuring headliners Dave Chappelle and Flight of the Conchords. Several other comedians will be standing up including Daily Show correspondent Al Madrigal. Laughs will cost between $30 and $90. The event will be at Gexa Energy Pavilion.
August 29-31
MegaFest T.D.'s Jake ministries will be taking over the American Airlines Center for MegaFest, a religious festival that draws crowds of 100,000. There will be lively music, workshops and educational activities. Jesus will not be attending so Oprah will be filling in as a guest speaker. Purchase tickets here.
August 30-September 1
Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival It doesn't get much better than gnawing on deliciously cooked slabs of meat set to a bluesy soundtrack. Thank Bedford for providing prime meets and music for Labor Day weekend. There will be more than 70 different BBQ pits to choose from, and blues legend Buddy Guy will be performing in addition to several other talented musicians. Purchase tickets here.
