We made it to the weekend. And I hope the man attempting to walk to the Park Lane Whole Foods from the corner of Cole and Lemmon Wednesday evening made it there alive.
Guy: “Is there a gourmet grocery nearby?”
Me: “Well, there’s an Albertsons.” And there’s an iPhone in your hand.
Guy, making a disgusted face: “How far is the Whole Foods, again?”
Me: “Pretty far, on foot.”
Guy: “How far is the highway from here? Give me plus or minus.”
Me: “Less than 10 minutes.”
Guy: “Cool. I’m staying at The Stoneleigh. It’s my first night in Dallas.”
Was this guy going to thumb a ride? Also, his first night in Dallas could have been his last if he planned on perambulating down 75. But I did kind of want to thank him for being the first quotable weirdo I’ve met in months. So, thanks, grocery snob!
Friday
In a nefarious plot to convince people to never venture beyond the Arts District, there’s a ridiculous amount going on down here tonight happening under the umbrella of Friday Night Arts. Which is not quite as hot as Friday Night Lights, because Tim Riggins isn’t involved, but still. There’s the free “plazacast” of Lucia di Lammermoor, the Dallas Opera’s season opener about a lady who trades true love for familial duty. It ends tragically, of course. Bring a picnic and a blanket to spread out on the lawn outside the Winspear. There’s also a pay-what-you-can performance of DTC’s To Kill a Mockingbird, if you feel like continuing the catharsis (just typing the words, “Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passing,” makes me tear up), plus late night activities at the Nasher (including a preview party for the new exhibit, Sightings: Diana Al-Hadid), the DMA (featuring a performance by Darktown Strutters, one of this weekend’s recommended concerts), and the Crow. Whew.
Saturday
Up for a half-marathon? Awesome. Because the 13.1 series officially hits Dallas Saturday morning, with a route that will take runners all around town. The first place prize is a cool $1,000, and there’s free beer at the finish line–which happens to be the Winspear Opera House.
Exercise not your thing? There’s Go Oak Cliff’s Blues, Bandits, and BBQ over at Lake Cliff Park. As grating as emails with variations on the phrase “perfect fit for Things To Do” are, I can’t deny a fun-sounding event that I’d already planned to write about just because I feel like being contrary (No. 54). So, yes. There will be 16 different teams of barbecue wizards manning the grill, making brisket, chicken, sausage–basically everything your little meat-loving heart desires, plus beer, kick ball, and live blues. If you don’t eat animal flesh, you’ll just have to hang in there until tomorrow.
Sunday
Attention, corn dog craving veggies and vegans (I almost linked the Rick Perry photo, but decided to spare everyone). It’s the Texas State Veggie Fair, where you, too, can eat like you’re one funnel cake away from a heart attack. At this alternative state fair, you’ll find carnival games, live music, and all the deep-fried vegan treats you can stomach. If you want to hit the real, PETA-less State Fair, Sunday is your last chance. Check out our final guide to all the activities.
If you’re looking for Halloween activities, zombie lurch yourself over here. For more to do this weekend, if you’re not just flat out exhausted already, go here.
