Summer is nigh! And Memorial Day weekend is a prelude to heat that inevitably awaits. As the rain hopefully—fingers, toes, and eyes crossed—clears up in time for the long weekend ahead, we have some ideas on how to spend your holiday.
Get Outside
Concert at Klyde Warren Park
May 27, 6 p.m.
Robert Earl Keen brings his legendary brand of Texas country to downtown Dallas. Nasvhille singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian offers up 1960s soul-influenced tunes for the opener. More information here.
Dallas Underground Music Festival
May 29 & 30, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
The Dallas Underground Music Festival “Dumfest” returns for Memorial Day weekend. Presented by DJ Bubba, the South Dallas festival includes performances by S3nsi Molly, Ssg Splurge, Quin Nfn, lil loaded, and Lil CJ Kasino, alongside special guests. The underground culture festival celebrates the city’s hidden arts and music culture. Tickets here.
Day Party with Cheat Codes
May 29
Cheat Codes, the Los Angeles based trio of DJs, kicks off Memorial Day weekend with an all-day day party at Virgin Hotels Dallas. Located at The Pool Club, the day party features local DJs, such as Rizkilla, Lucye Lou and Ekow in the lineup.
Voltage After Hours
May 30 & 31, 1:30 a.m.–5 a.m., Address upon request
Next Level Presents an after hours house and techno party on Memorial Day weekend. SecretWKND, DJ Stevie Ray, and DJ EL curate the event’s late night sounds for 21+ only attendees. Masks are required. Buy ahead of time here.
The Dallas Memorial March
May 30 and 31, 1:30 p.m., Reverchon Park
Nonprofit Carry the Load is holding its annual Memorial Day weekend march in Oak Lawn’s Reverchon Park. Billed as “a celebration of heroes, remembrance of the fallen, and education in respectful observance,” the event includes music, speeches, flag ceremonies, and more. Meanwhile, volunteers will march through Uptown from 4:30 p.m. on Sunday through 12:30 p.m. on Monday, in honor of fallen military veterans. More details here.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Memorial Day Concert and Fireworks
May 31, 8:15 p.m.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra kicks off its outdoor Parks Concerts series with a Memorial Day Concert at Flag Pole Hill. Conducted by Michelle Merrill, the family friendly concert is free to the public and includes a firework show, set to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Amazing Grace,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and other beloved patriotic tunes. More details here.
Dallas Arboretum’s Memorial Day Weekend in the Garden
May 29–31, All Day
The Arboretum has a host of scheduled events, including cooking classes, live music, a tap dancing performance from the Dallas Tap Dazzlers, and a wild bird show. Here are the details.
Food & Drink Fun
Legacy Hall’s Memorial Weekend Backyard Party
May 28–31
Forget stocking up on paper plates and mowing the lawn. Let Legacy Hall bring the cookout vibes and host Memorial this year. The Plano food hall’s outdoor box garden will have beer, barbecue, and bands all weekend long. With over 20 eateries and five bars, there’s bound to be something for everyone, from brisket nachos from Brisket Love to Son of Butcher’s classic sliders. Friday is ’80s night, Saturday brings a DJ night for adults only, and for Sunday break out your best rock music head nod and bob along to Chicago and Bryan Adams tribute bands. Check out the event page for more details about live music.
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken Deal
May 28–June 25
Bonchon in Addison is kicking off a month-long special: Friday Happy Hour. Snag free fried chicken—a wing, drum, and strip dressed up in Bonchon’s signature sauces—and get beer (Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Asahi, Kiri, Sapporo) for two bucks.
Beer and Live Music at Deep Ellum Brewing Company
May 30, 7–10 p.m.
Head to the beer garden to hear the dulcet tunes of Ryan Berg & The Velvet Ears. Definitely eat a Frito Pie Burger and wash it down with cold, crisp beer.
Brunches on Memorial Day
May 31
Lots of restaurants are extending brunch from the usual Saturday and Sunday service to Monday. That’s, like, three whole days of mimosas and eggy dishes. Favorite brunch spots like Haywire, The Ranch at Las Colinas, The Rustic, Vidorra, STIRR, and Dirty Bones will be slinging the midday meal. The latter three restaurants will have DJs during Sunday brunch, with Hangover Brunch on Monday.
Brunch and Brew at Pegasus City Brewery
May 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
At the Dallas brewery’s downtown location, find a special Memorial Day brunch, funds from which will be donated to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). There will be gluten-free galettes, sweet and savory crepes, baked good, plus live music on the patio.
