As I was explaining to friends a couple days ago, I don’t like any one thing enough to get a tattoo of it, except potentially the TV show Veronica Mars, and I’m not a total dummy. That said, there’s going to be a lot of tattoo-happy folks running around Deep Ellum this weekend.
Friday (the 13th, dun dun dun)
The Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival, the artist Oliver Peck’s yearly tattoo convention, doubles as a quest for a world record for most tattoos by a single artist in a 24 hour period. But even if you don’t feel like getting inked, there will be music across three venues—Wits End, Three Links, and Trees—and tonight’s headliner is the Reverend Horton Heat at Trees. Ishi goes on at midnight at Three Links, but lately that has been past my bedtime. You can still get tickets for everything online.
For those not adverse to a jaunt over to Grapevine, there’s Grapefest, another yearly event. Wine-inspired activities are happening through Sunday, but if you show up today before 5 p.m. today, you can get in free. Once there, you’ll find tastings, food pairings, live music, and carnival rides for kids. Plus, I can think of worse ways to work through some anger than taking part in the daily grape-stomping contest.
Saturday
Hola, Dia de los Toadies. Technically, this starts Friday, too, but the main event—the full Toadie, if you will—is Saturday. Head to Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, where the Toadies and their many pals will play music all day across two different stages. You can float the river (slathered in sunscreen, of course), drink copious amounts of beer, and try the gluten-free delights of Good Karma Kitchen. Other food trucks, such as Nammi, Doughboys Pizza, and Bombay Chopsticks will also be in attendance. You can see the full line up here.
Also on Saturday, local comedian Paul Varghese is ready to make you laugh at the Kessler Theater. It’s just ten bucks. In the Arts District, New York-based dance troupe Jessica Lang Dance has a one-night-only performance at the Winspear Opera House. I chatted with choreographer Jessica Lang about what you can expect, and that conversation will be up on FrontRow shortly. Lang’s pieces are collaborative affairs that incorporate visual art and music, including the work of Japanese photographer Shinichi Maruyama as well as the interior design firm Molo.
Sunday
The Dallas Pride Parade is Sunday afternoon, so don’t be surprised at the crowds along Cedar Springs Road from Wycliff to Turtle Creek. Can’t get naked this year, but thanks to two Supreme Court decisions this summer, there are a couple extra things to toast to. After the parade, head to Lee Park for food and entertainment.
For more to do this weekend, go here.
