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The DMA, Nasher and Crow stay open late on Friday night for the annual Dallas Arts District Summer Block Party. We’ve looked at the evening’s itinerary and found exactly one million different things to do — either with your friends or your family. We’ve opted to guide you through the night by picking 26 of the best.
Let’s do this, from A to Z.
Art Collectives
Starting at 7 p.m., the Good/Bad art collective will ascend upon the DMA with a performance piece. Later, the four women of Toxic Shock will talk about their groundbreaking art in the 1980s and their thoughts on the present Dallas art scene. Join the party at 9 p.m. in the Horchow Auditorium.
Bed Time Stories
Pack your PJs and pillows. Ann Marie Newman will be telling bedtime stories for the kiddos starting at 7:30 in C3 theater.
Creativity Challenge
Think you can replicate Hunt Hill bridge or Reunion Tower? Sign up at the C3 entrance at 9:30. The first 10 artistic teams get to compete in reproducing well-known Dallas sites.
Durty Laundry Truck
They’ll be selling merchandise, giving away free prizes, and providing the soundtrack to the evening’s events. Last year Durty was responsible for the formation of a 60-person conga line. So, you know, bring your dancing shoes.
Electric Freestyle Fantasy
After a 15-year hiatus, EEF makes their return to the DMA sculpture garden. The band aims to entertain and has previously performed inside a 50-foot inflatable money bag and a hollowed out fiberglass cow. Prepare to be intrigued.
Face Painting
Don’t just enjoy the art — become it. Enchanted Face will be painting from 6 to 8 at the Crow.
Girl in a Coma
Joan Jett signed this San Antonio indie-alt rock band, which will be playing at 10 p.m. in the DMA Atrium. They’ve toured with Morrisey, Sia and the Pogues and have four albums, with Exits & All the Rest being their most recent.
Hashtags
There will be a lot of contests and events going on via twitter and vine. Be up to date on what and when to hashtag. #DMAsixsecondsofart #DMAnights #ArtInstaHunt
Instagram challenge
Dallas Arts District buffs can pick up an Instagram Challenge checklist at the D.A.D. info table or at the DMA Visitor Services Desk. Snap Instagram photo answers to the announced questions (don’t forget to tag ’em #ArtInstaHunt) and you could win a prize from one or all of the three institutions.
Jackelope
Take a look into the mid 1970s Texas art scene in this 1975 documentary by filmmaker Ken Harrison. Artists James Surls, George Green, and Bob Wade are the focus in this hour long film. Show starts at 10:30 p.m. in Horchow Auditorium.
Karaoke
DJ Mark Ridlen will be emceeing this multi-lingual sing-fest taking place inside the Crow’s grand gallery. If you dare, try singing in mandarin: you could win a prize.
Lawn Games
Klyde Warren Park hosts outdoor games from 7 to10 p.m. so grab a croquet mallet or badminton racket. Games like Kubb (knocking down wooden blocks with batons), petanque (similar to bocce ball) and cornhole will all be available, weather permitting.
Moonrise Kingdom
The Nasher will be screening Wes Anderson’s young love story outside.
Nasher
For free! Come see all exhibits and events, sans payment.
Oink ‘n Moo BBQ
They’ll be serving up wings, brisket, ribs and more in their indicatively designed BBQ-esque food truck. If you favor the meatless fare, not to worry. There will be over a dozen other food trucks to choose from like Trailercakes, What’s Da Coop, Little Greek, and more.
Progressive Museum Tour
Prepare for a crash course in all things artsy. Staff from the DMA, Crow and Nasher will give a tour of each museum’s highlights. Starts at 9 p.m., meet at the admissions desk.
Quizzes
No studying required. Take a quiz to find out which famous artist you’re most like. You’ll receive a button with that artist’s name, then find your fellow Picassos or Salvador Dalis and see what ya’ll have in common.
Ruthie’s Rollin’ Cafe
Get your gourmet grilled cheese on. Choose from artisan breads, fine cheeses and tasty toppings from yet another delicious food truck.
Salim Nourallah & the Treefort 5
Salim Nourallah is a Texas-based singer-songwriter-producer, see him and his band the Treefort 5, live at the Nasher
Undershirt
Wear one, guys. They catch the sweat. It’s better that way.
Village Cremation in Bali
For the Balinese, cremation ceremonies are an elaborate rite of passage for the deceased. Learn more by watching the film Releasing the Spirits: A Village Cremation in Bali, screening at 8 p.m. at the Crow.
Wayang Kulit
Wayang kuilt is an elaborately staged performance-puppet art native to Central and East Java. Made of more than socks, these puppets are flat, intricately-carved and cast elaborate shadows. A variety of materials will be on hand to create your very own.
Exhibitions
Each museum has new and exciting exhibits to freely enjoy. The DMA is currently showing Hotel Texas commemorating the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination and DallasSITES, which charts North Texan contemporary art from 1963 to present. Katharina Grosse’s show Wunderblock and Sightings by Nathan Mabry are currently on display at the Nasher. Head to the Crow to see art from Java and Bali, and fresh perspectives on Asian bronzes.
Yoga
Instructor Becky Hines will help you rejuvenate and relax via downward facing dog and warrior pose. Kids are welcome.
Zumba
The Dallas YMCA will teach you how to salsa and shake it at 5:30 at Klyde Warren Park.
