Top 10 THINGS TO DO

VIRGINIA SLIMS LEGENDS TOUR October 18 & 19. While tennis’ popularity in Dallas may have diminished, these legends have not. Ten superstars of women’s tennis, among them Chris Evert and Martina Navrati-lova, harken back to a time when tennis was King, as in Billie Jean, who will also compete. Four Seasons Resort and Club. 4150 MacArthur Blvd., Irving- 800-998-1166.



“A SLAVE SHIP SPEAKS: THE WRECK OF THE HENRIETTA MARIE” Opens October 4. This interactive exhibition provides insight into the transatlantic slave trade and is the exclusive appearance in the southwestern United States. Fort Worth Museum of Science and Natural History. 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. 817-732-1631.



LORD OF THE DANCE October 13-17. Michael Flatley has turned the traditional Irish jig of Riverdance into a flamboyant Vegas extravaganza. Audiences will continue to be awed as long as the schtick has legs to stand on. Coca-Cola Starplex, Fair Park. 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700.



STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Through October 19. From proud livestock owners to peeks at next year’s car models, the state fair has it all, and it’s all a thrill. This year’s theme? “The Thrill of It All.” Fair Park. 214-565 9931.



TEXAS-OU October 11. The annual gridiron meeting of the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma University is much more than a mere football game. For some diehard fans that infuse the area, it is a reason to live. Cotton Bowl, Fair Park. UT: 512-471-3333; OU: 800-456-4668.



“A WOMAN’S GARDEN” Opens October 4. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden debuts a new garden that “not only honors the delicate qualities of the female, but by its very creation celebrates her strength.” 8525 Gar land Rd. 214-327-8263.



TEXAS CELEBRATION Through October 12. Neiman Marcus celebrates its 90th anniversary with three weeks of exhibits and entertainment at its downtown location, including anima-tronics and big hair. The store is responsible for making retail less a hobby here than a way of life. 1916 Main Si. 888-NEIMAN90.



“PRODIGAL SON,” “RAYMONDA VARIATIONS,” AND “BRAHMS WALTZES” October 17 & 18. Our world-class company, the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet, , begins another season of beauty and elegance.

The choreography of the premier program is by the renowned George Balanchine and FWDB artistic director, Paul Mejia. Fort Worth Tarrant County Convention Center, JFK Theater, Fort Worth. 817-763-0207.



“IMPRESSIONIST AND MODERN MASTERPIECES: THE RUDOLF STAECHELIN FAMILY FOUNDATION COLLECTION OF BASEL, SWITZERLAND” Opens October 5. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of its public opening, “America’s Best Small Museum” features an important exhibit including the first American showing of 26 Impressionist and modern paintings. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. 817-332-8451.



“MISSION TO MIR” Opens September 25. The newest feature at the IMAX theater, “Mission to Mir,” portrays life on the space station. The dome theater and technology create weightless verisimilitude from a safe distance. The Science Place, Fair Park. 1318 Second Ave. 214-428-5555. Also playing at: The Omni Theater, Fort Worth Museum of Science and Natural History. 1501 Montgomery St. 817-732-1631.