The 20 Best Things to Do in Dallas, August 5-11

Monday, August 5

Museum of Memories
One would imagine the newest pop-up art interactive museum to be some sort of Freudian imaginarium, but the Museum of Memories appeals to the nostalgia belonging to a specific age group: the millennial generation. Practically a BuzzFeed quiz come to life, with a photo op in every corner, the space’s installations include quotes from '90s classics like Clueless and a cereal-and-cartoons room. Entrance to the museum, at 4428 Main St., costs $25 and visitors are allowed one hour to roam around and get the perfect Instagram shot. Timed tickets, until Aug. 31, must be reserved in advance at museumofmemories.art. Eva Raggio

Tuesday, August 6

Pour Yourself Into History
Raise a glass and wish Dallas' Hilton Anatole a happy 40th when the Dallas Historical Society holds its Pour Yourself Into History happy hour at the hotel 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Built by Trammell Crow and called the Loews Anatole when it opened in 1979, the hotel was headquarters for Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush during the 1984 national GOP convention, which Dallas hosted. Have drinks, snacks and hear more about the hotel's history during the happy hour. You pay for the drinks and food; the history lesson is free for those who register at eventbrite.com. The hotel is located at 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway. Patrick Williams

The Free Loaders
If a movie was made about The Free Man, a Deep Ellum Cajun restaurant and live music venue, the soundtrack would consist of songs by one band: The Free Loaders. Luckily, a three-piece variation of the band plays at the venue every Tuesday, so there, you don’t have to wait for the movie to come out to hear its killer soundtrack. Just hop over to The Free Man on a Tuesday evening, order a po' boy and listen to frontman and venue owner John Jay Myers slam on his drums and bark into the microphone with keys and stand-up bass behind him. The free show takes place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge, 2626-2630 Commerce St. Jacob Vaughn

Wednesday, August 7

Fiddler On the Roof
Dallas Summer Musicals is bringing the wildly successful, revamped Broadway production of Fiddler On the Roof to DFW. Directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher with choreography by Hofesh Shechter, this updated rendition of the timeless favorite adds a fresh new veneer to the work’s unforgettable music and rich, intricate dance numbers. Fiddler On the Roof opens in Dallas at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, and runs through Sunday, Aug 18, at the Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave. Tickets start at $30. Find them on ticketmaster.com. Jonathan Patrick

Thursday, August 8

Broadway or Bust
Pegasus Theatre’s latest musical comedy (by Paul Kalburgi, directed by Bruce R. Coleman) features a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Plush Pile Players rehearsing for a production. Misfortune happens when the director trips and breaks her ankle, leaving the cast with the question: What now? Then to the rescue appears a so-called bona fide director, but is he really on the up and up? Opening night is fast approaching and they must unite to save the show and the theater. Join this merry romp of Broadway or Bust at Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive, through Aug. 24. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Call 214-821-6005 for tickets, $25-$30. Don’t forget to visit the back veranda and watch the sun setting over White Rock Lake. Reba Liner

August Dollar Days
It may be the height of summer in North Texas, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at the gardens at the venerable Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road. Within those walls, you’ll find a fantasy oasis of lush green grass, beautiful shade trees and hardy blooms, despite the temperatures. No, it’s not natural and we don’t even want to think about the water consumption, but it is a nice escape from the brown lawns and radiating concrete of the cityscape — particularly when it’s about $13 per person cheaper than usual. Slather on your sunscreen, hydrate and bring an umbrella for shade: you’ll be all set for Dallas Arboretum’s Dollar Days now through Saturday, Aug. 31. This special deal includes $2 general admission, $2 admission to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, $5 parking, $1 drinks and ice pops, and $2 root beer floats and hotdogs. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at dallasarboretum.org. Jennifer Davis-Lamm


Bone Thugs N Harmony
Long before Young Thug, Kid Cudi and other new-wavers were fusing melodic singing to legitimate raps, Cleveland rap outfit Bone Thugs N Harmony were doing it better than anyone ever would. Admittedly past their heyday, with several lineup changes since the group began touring primarily as a nostalgia act, the band's chops remain acutely intact. As evidenced by their continued features on top-charting hip-hop albums, the members of Bone Thugs N Harmony can still lay it down faster and smoother than just about anyone going. Mindful lyricism, velvety deliveries and machine-gun cadences make for the kind of visceral poetry that simply never goes out of style. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, at House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. Tickets are $30 at livenation.com. Jonathan Patrick

Uji
The nomadic electronic producer and multi-instrumentalist Uji is headed to Texas for a performance at The Wild Detectives. Uji, aka Luis Maurette, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was raised all around Latin America and eventually helped form the experimental, electronic-folk duo Lulacruza with Alejandra Ortiz in 2005. Over the years, the group has released five albums, a feature film and has toured the world. In June 2018, Uji released his debut solo album Alborada with ZZK Records, based in Argentina. Along with all the synths, percussion, vocals and strings, Uji's field recordings are layered throughout the album. His show Thursday will be an otherworldly experience. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, at The Wild Detectives, 314 W. 8th St. Tickets are $8 at eventbrite.com. Jacob Vaughn

Friday, August 9

Let’s Play Gaming Expo
Gaming conventions are useless if you can't actually play the games that companies are presenting to the masses. The annual Let's Play Gaming Expo prides itself on filling its space with games of all sorts that every attendee can play, handle, hold or fondle. The expo runs from Aug. 9-11 at the Irving Convention Center, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. Guests can peruse an old-fashioned video game arcade with all of the machines set to free play, test their mettle on pretty much every classic home console ever released, test some newer games from indie developers, see live concerts and even go head to head with the creators of some of gaming history's best titles. This year will also feature a "Wizard"-style video game tournament in honor of the film's 30th anniversary on Friday followed by a screening of The Wizard at the Alamo Drafthouse Las Colinas. Tickets are $20 for a Friday or Sunday pass, $25 for a Saturday pass and $35 for a full-weekend pass. Tickets to concerts are $10 each. VIP passes are also available. Visit letsplaygamingexpo.com for tickets or more information. Danny Gallagher

LeakyCon
Leaky Con is the closest we’ll get to attending our school of choice, the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and there’s no need to get to the 9 ¾ platform to get there. The Harry Potter convention is coming to Dallas for a weekend-long meeting for fans of the series, who’ll get a chance to cosplay as their favorite characters and attend panels and performances, among other magic. With the wave of your wand (and by paying an extra $100-125) you’ll get to take a photo with cast members such as Tom Felton, aka bleach blond brat Draco Malfoy. The convention takes place Friday through Sunday at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St.  Day passes start at $59 at leakycon.com. Eva Raggio

Texas Shootout
Austinite punks The Butts and the hell-raising, western, indie-rock band Dead Horse Creek are headed to North Texas for a good ol'-fashioned shootout with local bands Top Hat Ted and Madaline. The Butts released their latest EP Nightmare at Area 51 a couple of months ago and have been hitting Texas roads hard, performing all around Austin ever since. Now the band is Denton-bound with Dead Horse Creek for an epic mashup of traveling and local musicians. The show takes place at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio, 411 E. Sycamore St., Denton. Tickets are $5 at the door. Jacob Vaughn

Air Review
Local Rock band Air Review is hitting the stage at Club Dada this Friday for its first Dallas performance in four years. It will be a momentous occasion, celebrating the release of the band's new album How We Got By. Since the release of Air Review's 2013 album Low Wishes the band has been taking a long break from putting out new material. How We Got By, Air Review's third album, is the first thing the band has released in six years. After months of recording at The Echo Lab, the band finally released the album on June 21. Joining Air Review onstage will be other local heavy-hitters E.B. The Younger and Gollay. It starts at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Club Dada, 2720 Elm St. Tickets are $15 at prekindle.com. Jacob Vaughn

Levees
A recent University of Texas at Dallas graduate, Justin Mills, aka Levees, has turned a fascination with the banjo into one of the coolest local acts in town. Named for the water-bearing embankments along the Trinity River, Levees is set to release his second full-length album, Vultures, on the night in question. With a Buddy Holly brow line, alternating between guitar and his distinctive extra-long necked banjo, Mills has already showcased a level of confidence and flair in his playing that far exceeds his years. Far from being a rehash of early 2000s Americana music or a highbrow showcase of pure technicality one might expect from a bow-tied professor, what Mills packs in spades is spirit. Covering themes like suburban drudgery and the American West, Mills has a way of convincing audiences his tales are true by the mere power of his voice, rising high and harmonious before crunching down amidst the clawhammer clatter of his banjo. Levees does its best to hold back a torrent of emotion, yet Mills still seems to have a knack for flooding ears. The show starts at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at Opening Bell Coffee, 1409 S. Lamar St. Tickets are $10 at openingbellcoffee.com. Nicholas Bostick

Saturday, August 10

The Boho Market
The only way to attract a crowd to an outdoors shopping event in the cruel Texas heat, is first with the promise of artisanal ice cream, and second, the chance to support local business. Let your Etsy wishlist dreams materialize at The Boho Market, which features over 50 local vendors offering vintage and handcrafted goods. To make your life easier, entrance and parking for the event are free, and it’s kid- and pet-friendly. So get yourself some local honey for your seasonal allergies. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S. Harwood St. Eva Raggio

Dallas Comic Show Fantasy Festival
The Dallas Comic Show Fantasy Festival prides itself on the fact that it’s the most affordable of comic book and anime conventions, and they’re not wrong — two-day general admission passes are only $20 for adults, $5 for children, with VIP passes at $59.99, which includes early entrance, special merch and a chance to cut lines, leaving you more cash for your costume. This year’s guests include Marvel artists and writers and Back to the Future cast members like Claudia Wells, the original Jennifer Parker before the trilogy inexplicably switched actresses with Elisabeth Shue. Great Scott. The convention is Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. at 1165 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville. For tickets and more info, visit dallascomicshow.com. Eva Raggio

The Growlers
Over the last several years, fans and critics alike have taken the "Is rock dead?" argument to exhausting heights. These discussions, though amusing, often critically miss citing emerging artists' contributions to the genre. There are many bands, after all, cranking out guitar/bass/drum tunes that certainly wave the rock music flag. The Growlers are one such band worthy of mention in this discussion. Hailing from Southern California, they play self-described "beach goth," a sound that brings to mind some of the more sinister aspects of that golden California dream. With work produced by Julian Casablancas and some supporting gigs with the likes of The Black Keys and Jonathan Richman, they've gotten plenty of notice. See for yourself if they can be one of those rock torchbearers when they hit up The Granada on Saturday night. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at The Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave. Tickets are $33 at prekindle.com. Jeff Strowe

Wanz Dover & The Dotz
Dotz sets are always memorable, but Saturday night's show promises to be an unforgettable visual and sonic performance as it marks the first electronic set by Wanz Dover & The Dotz without a live drummer, so it will combine the Dotz's normal post-punk musings with Dover’s other electronic tendencies further merged with a full-on multimedia show with video by VJ S (Eye). Expect to hear reworked Dotz songs, as well as some tracks off Dover’s solo album, The Work, which is due Sept. 24. The Work is Dover’s first proper full-length techno album released under his own name, and the tracks tap into his noise, shoegaze and industrial roots. Denton’s experimental and industrial act Filth opens, which is Rob Buttrum (of House of Tinnitus) and his impressive tower of analog and electronic devices he utilizes during his sets. Expect a DJ set by Bon Spengler from Proton Radio's weekly "Bedroom Bedlam," which is the online electronic music station’s Friday night underground demo mix show. The show starts at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Double Wide, 3510 Commerce St. Tickets are $5 at prekindle.com. Daniel Rodrigue

Brave Combo
Continuing to celebrate 40 years of nuclear polka, LSA Burger Co. is hosting a 40th anniversary hometown performance by Brave Combo on the restaurant’s rooftop stage, which offers a scenic backdrop view that overlooks Denton’s historic square. Brave Combo formed near the end of the spring 1979 semester by a group of North Texas State University (now UNT) students. After the combo gigged hard all summer and started seeing growing support from fans in North Texas, Carl Finch, Tim Walsh, Dave Cameron and Lyle Atkinson decided to pursue Brave Combo as a full-time gig. Saturday night’s early show offers fans of all ages a chance to help Brave Combo celebrate 40 years with the two-time Grammy-winning combo’s brand of polka and other dance-able styles of world music as the group’s set is likely to include a wild mix of danceable genres such as polka, rock, ska, salsa, zydeco, cha-cha-chá, cumbia, merengue and other styles. In Brave Combo’s July newsletter, Carl Finch wrote: “Rumor has it, BC alumnus, Robert Hokamp, will be joining us for part of the night. He’s bringing his guitar.” The free show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at LSA Burger Co., 113 W. Hickory St., Denton. Daniel Rodrigue

Revelers Hall Band
The Revelers Hall Band makes a not-so-subtle stop at their home venue. The six-piece brass band packs a punch that is near impossible to stand still against. The band embodies what Revelers Hall co-owner Jason Roberts and music director Kevin Butler want to get out of all the performers at the venue. It's acoustic, and they play real pianos and upright basses, instead of electric. Even if the power goes out, the Revelers Hall Band will keep the show going. The band can also be heard accompanying other acts booked at the venue throughout the week. The free show starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Revelers Hall, 412 N. Bishop Ave., every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Jacob Vaughn

Sunday, August 11

The Dude Perfect Pound It Noggin Tour
Dude Perfect is a group of five bros from Frisco who first gained fame after posting a video where they made a “perfect” 500-foot basketball shot from Reunion Tower. Since then, their sports-related pranks have earned them over 70 million followers and an immeasurable amount of views. The quintet, a jock-like version of the Impractical Jokers, is touring with a variety act in which they perform several stunts and let audience members join in on their antics. The show will be at 7 p.m. at the Allen Event Center, 200 East Stacy Road. General admission tickets start at $75 at ticketmaster.com. Eva Raggio