Great Dates For June

Craft Cocktails Texas

On more than one occasion, we’ve sat across from Nico Ponce and asked him to do his worst. And by worst, we mean concoct the booziest, most delicious libation he can think of. More chemist than bartender, his complicated drink-making supplies include beakers, spray bottles, expensive bottles of Scotch from his personal supply, and butterscotch candies. What’s a total no-brainer is that Ponce has joined forces with Brian McCullough (Smoke, The Standard Pour) for a four-day craft cocktail extravaganza. Expect everything from classes on ice carving to an outdoor festival featuring live music and a United States Bartenders Guild Competition that will pit 36 bartenders from all over Texas against each other. Various locations; home base is the Stoneleigh Hotel in Uptown. Jun 14–17. Stoneleigh Hotel, 2927 Maple Ave. craftcocktailstx.com.
Booksmart Festival

This daylong festival promoting literacy off ers kids the chance to interact with their favorite authors and illustrators. In addition, families can participate in hands-on activities and take special guided tours of the museum. Jun 9, 11 am–5 pm. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St. 214-922-1200. dallasmuseumofart.org.
Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour

If you’ve got a sequined glove hidden in a drawer somewhere, it’s time to bust it out. Since 1984, the artists of Cirque du Soleil have used feats of strength, agility, and dexterity to create the visually stunning display of acrobatics that they are known for. This new show, written and directed by Emmy Award nominee Jamie King, ventures inside the mind and music of the King of Pop to celebrate the driving force behind his creativity, and promises an array of moves no fl ash mob would dare attempt. Jun 26 & 27, 7 pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com.
Twelfth Night

Shakespeare’s popular cross-dressing comedy mixes dark subjects with a light hand. After the beautiful Viola is shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, she believes her twin brother, Sebastian, is lost forever. She disguises herself as a man, Cesario, and goes to work for the somewhat egotistical Duke Orsino, who loves the lady Olivia but loves himself more. Orsino sends Cesario to Olivia to declare his aff ections, but Olivia falls for Cesario even as Cesario realizes her feelings for Orsino. Mistaken identities and comedic subplots abound. Jun 13–Jul 21. Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre, 1500 Tenison Pkwy. 214-559-2778. shakespearedallas.org.