Jonas Brothers | Sep. 25, 7:30 p.m. | American Airlines Center
Some 27 years ago in Dallas, a child named Nick Jonas was born, and the final piece of the Jo Bro puzzle fell into place. Only 16 years later, the boy band entered the tween scene with a memorable performance in the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock, followed by its sequel, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. It was far from the final jam, though: the brothers launched a formidable career in pop music (inspiring a very dedicated band of followers), a run that continued into the early 2010s before fizzling out. Joe went on to form DNCE. Nick had some solo success and gave acting a try. Kevin got a reality show on E! with his wife. And now, six years after their split, the Jonases (Jonasi?) are back with a new album, Happiness Begins, featuring catchy tracks like “Sucker” and “Cool.”
Backstreet Boys | Sep. 1, 8 p.m. | American Airlines Center
Backstreet’s back, alright. Finishing out a Vegas residency with their biggest arena tour in 18 years and a new album called DNA, featuring tracks written by Shawn Mendes and Andy Grammar, the boy band’s catchphrase has never felt so right.
Dallas Chocolate Festival | Sep. 6-8 | Fashion Industry Gallery
Now in its 10th year, this festival draws more than 60 chocolatiers from across the country to share their treats and tricks of the trade. Sample, shop, watch demos, and enjoy the sweet scene. Workshops are available for an additional cost.
Opening Day of the State Fair of Texas | Sep. 27, 10 a.m. | Fair Park
The corny dogs are frying, the rides are twirling, and Big Tex has his flame-retardant duds on. That’s right, the fair is back. The opening-day ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. with performances by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, Kilgore Rangerettes, and others.
Phantogram | Sep. 13, 8 p.m. | The Bomb Factory
Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel have been making shoegazing sounds for nearly a decade. The electronic pop duo made a comeback this year with a synthy new single, “Into Happiness.” Bob Moses, another electronic duo, joins them on tour.
Jay Som | Sep. 26, 8 p.m. | Club Dada
Jay Som, known offstage as Melina Duterte, opened for Mitski and Japanese Breakfast at Three Links in 2016. Both have since gone on to much bigger things. And now it’s Jay Som’s turn, with the August release of her second proper album, the wonderful Anak Ko, a dreamy and thrilling collection.
Morrissey | Sep. 18, 8 p.m. | The Theatre at Grand Prairie
He might just pull a Morrissey and cancel the show, but that’s a risk you’ve got to take to see the former frontman of The Smiths play solo. He released his 12th studio album, California Son, a selection of covers, in May. He’s touring with Interpol.
Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940-1950 | Sep. 14-Dec. 29 | Amon Carter Museum of American Art
This exhibition explores the breakout years of the influential photographer’s career documenting American life and the civil rights movement. Using his camera to fight for equality, Parks became part of what author Richard Wright called “the new tide.”
A Night to Remember With Steve Martin and Martin Short | Sep. 21, 7 p.m. | Winspear Opera House
A Night to Remember, CitySquare’s annual fundraising event, brings comedy icons Martin and Short to the stage. The duo’s old-school roadshow has stories, musical sketches, and jokes. Watch their Netflix special, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, if you need a taste. But you probably know what you’re getting into.
Jojo Siwa | Sep. 17, 7 p.m. | The Theatre at Grand Prairie
If you have or have been around kids in 2019, you know who JoJo Siwa is. The 16-year-old dancer and pop star got famous from her run on Dance Moms, but she’s found a devoted next generation of fans through YouTube, where she has about 10 million subscribers.
Maluma | Sep. 29, 7 p.m. | American Airlines Center
The Colombian singer-songwriter is only25, but he’s been rising through the reggaeton ranks since he was 16, collaborating with artists like Shakira and Ricky Martin and winning a Latin Grammy. Maluma is supporting his fourth studio album, 11:11.
Sleeping Beauty | Sep. 6-8 | Winspear Opera House
You know the story. It’s a classic. And you know the music. It’s by Tchaikovsky, so, yeah, another classic. And this lush production by Texas Ballet Theater is a classic, too, even if it is maybe less familiar.
Elmgreen & Dragset Sculptures | Sep.14-Jan. 5 | Nasher Sculpture Center
Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset have worked together since the mid-1990s, creating witty, surreal sculptures, installations, and performances, including the famous Prada store near Marfa. This is their first major museum presentation in the United States.
El Greco, Goya, and a Taste for Spain: Highlights From The Bowes Museum | Sep. 15- Jan. 12 | Meadows Museum
The Bowes Museum, in County Durham in northeast England, is sort of the Meadows’ U.K. counterpart. It’s home to the British Isles’ largest collection of Spanish paintings, thanks to the efforts of Joséphine and John Bowes. The museum opened in 1892. This exhibition features 11 of those works.
Texas Pop Turns 50 | Aug. 31 & Sep. 1 | Lake Park Golf Course
In 1969, just a couple of weeks after Wood- stock, Lewisville had a hippie-filled music festival of its own. Texas International Pop Festival celebrates a half-century this Labor Day weekend with concerts by ZZ Top, Chicago, Grand Funk Railroad, Edgar Winter, Sarah Jaffe, and more.
Addison Oktoberfest | Sep. 19-22 | Addison Circle Park
If you can’t make it to Hamburg, try Addison. The suburb’s Oktoberfest is the best you’ll find in these parts, with Bavarian classics, pretzels, endless bier, live music, polka dancing, and family- friendly activities. Pro tip: it’s free on Thursday and Sunday.
Pete: A New Dance Musical | Sep. 12-15 | Hamon Hall
Choreographer Joshua L. Peugh, founder of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance, has always been ambitious. But this, the premiere work of the troupe’s new season, is his biggest swing to date: a 90-minute dance musical based on J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.
John Mayer | Sep. 5, 7:30 p.m. | American Airlines Center
If you missed his appearance with Dead & Company this summer—or you just want more John Mayer in your life—you’ll be happy to hear that he’s back in Dallas on a solo tour playing old hits, new material, and maybe even covering a Grateful Dead song or two.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala Concert & After-Party | Sep. 28, 8:45 p.m. | Meyerson Symphony Center
Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell is the special guest at this year’s Gala Concert, conducted by Christian Reif. Then, after Beethoven and Brahms are given their respective dues, the Meyerson hosts a buzzy after-party with dancing and drinks.
Kiana Ledé | Sep. 19, 8 p.m. | Cambridge Room at House of Blues
You may recognize the 22-year-old actress and R&B singer from her role on MTV’s Scream, or maybe you’ve heard her hit song “Ex.” She’s soon to blow up, especially with her debut record on the horizon.
John Currin | Sep.15-Dec. 22 | Dallas Contemporary
Though the American painter is perhaps best known for his portraits of women, this exhibition, “My Life as a Man,” focuses specifically on his depiction of men. These paintings and never-before-seen works explore masculine identity through a male gaze.
Phil Collins | Sep. 23, 8 p.m. | American Airlines Center
Following last year’s successful run of dates, Collins is back on the road with his band and a four- piece brass ensemble for Still Not Dead Yet, Live! He’s revisiting the best hits from the unlikely pop star’s four-decade career.
