TOP 10 things to do in July

Red, Hot, and Tuna Through July 5. The small-town antics of Tuna’s residents explode in this Fourth of July celebration. The third installment in the now-famous Tuna Trilogy adds a patriotic twist to the troubles and dreams of Tunasites. Bass Performance Hall, Fourth and Calhoun streets. Fort Worth. 817-332-2272.

Anonymous & Unknown Through July 18. A collection of works by the John and Jane Does of the photography world. This exhibit features photos from unidentified artists, some of whom wished to remain anonymous and others whose names really were lost. Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery, 3115 Routh St. 214-969-1852.



Taste of Dallas July 10-12. For everyone on the food chain-from the most discerning gourmand to the grease-loving food junkie-the West End festival offers something for even the pickiest eater. Listen to live jazz and blues while strolling From booth to booth. Wear cool clothes, the less the better (but you knew that), West End Historic District. 214-741-7185.



Our Lady of the Tortilla July 10-August 2. Now it’s the Blessed Virgin Mary’s turn to appear on a tortilla. A dysfunctional Hispanic family spends a weekend learning to love each other, while dealing with the grandmother’s Tortilla Madonna, the son’s WASP girlfriend, and a philandering husband. ArtCenter Theatre, 1028 15th Pi, Piano. 972422-7460.

Don’t Miss Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in ’Da Funk July 14-26. One of Broadway’s hottest tickets makes it to Dallas in this display of tap dancing that rivals Stomp and Tap Dogs. The winner of four Tony awards, this show is hot, hot, hot (the good kind of hot!). Music Hall at Fair Park. 214-373-8000.



Phantom of the Opera July 22-August 16. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom haunts the new Bass Hall. Watch out for crashing chandeliers. Bass Performance Hall, Fourth and Calhoun streets, Fort Worth. 817-332-2272.



Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Fest July 24-26. Up in the sky-it’s not a bird, it’s not a plane. It’s the Purple People Eater. Humpty Dumpty, and other hot air balloons. Spend a day gazing at the horizon while enjoying food and games at the 13th annual festival. Paschell Park, Mesquite. 830-997-8515.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus July 29-Aagast 9. Forget about Cirque du Soleil. Traditional Big Top fun rolls into town with a troupe of clowns, trapeze artists, and exotic animals, led by a red-jacketed ringmaster. Peanuts, anyone? Reunion Arena. 214-939-2770

Riverdance July 29-August 16. The Irish dance craze, started by Riverdance’s Michael Flatley, is a high-energy event tilled with traditional songs, dances, and music from the Old Country. Music Hall at Fair Park. 214-373-8000.

SpeedZone Normally sensible adults are putting rubber to the road at Speed Zone, the simulated racing course. Show off your competitive auto skills and feel the thrill of those lost teenage years. Weekly racing championships award $500 in cash and prizes. I-35E at Walnut Hill Lane. 972-247-7223.