Beyonce made everybody’s holiday today. No present you give anyone could top that surprise album, probably, but you can try. And with only a few shopping weeks until Christmas, better hurry.
Friday
Last weekend turned the city into a veritable ice skating rink, so naturally most things were cancelled or rescheduled for a later date. This morning, most of the streets around the Arts District were already getting shut down for the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s holiday celebration tonight. It’s technically called Reliant Lights Your Holidays, but that doesn’t actually tell you anything. Make your way to the Winspear Opera House for children’s activities (including a play area filled with snow, to which I say, TOO SOON), a performance from the cast of the musical Porgy and Bess, live tunes from The Relatives, and a massive display of fireworks. If you need a warm up, I’m sure any of the One Arts restaurants would be happy to have you.
And speaking of skating rinks, the one in Klyde Warren Park officially opens today. It’s free to skate today and tonight until 10 p.m., and I’d expect reasonable crowds.
Elsewhere, the artist magazine semigloss. host a fourth issue release party, which also doubles as a one-year anniversary shindig. Congratulations to Sally Glass and the multitude of talented contributors. As arts editor Peter Simek writes over on FrontRow, the issue features contributions from 20 artists on the theme of “the future.” The party will be in conjunction with the opening of Pierre Bürger’s solo exhibition 0 likes. Head to Beefhaus on Exposition (near Amsterdam Bar) for drinks and George Quartz on DJ duty.
Saturday
In Bishop Arts, Drink Up the Season offers a perambulatory seasonal booze experience. Prowl around the neighborhood and pop into various restaurants and shops, such as Oddfellows, Dude, Sweet Chocolate, and Emporium Pies, for winter drinks and treats.
Somewhat similarly, Main Street Garden downtown hosts the Dallas Winter Warmer, a craft beer festival with live music and food trucks. Small beers will keep you toasty.
Saturday evening, don’t miss a benefit concert for musician Curtis Heath of The Theater Fire at Club Dada. Heath was diagnosed with melanoma, and since he is among many Dallas-Fort Worth residents who don’t have health insurance, his medical bills have been huge. The nice thing is that this is an easy and fun-for-you way to help him out. It requires ten bucks, and you having a good time. In exchange, you get food from Fuzzy’s and Which Wich plus the opportunity to win all sorts of prizes, including a SXSW wristband and gift certificates from Good Records. There’s a secret guest headliner, but the line up inclues Pleasant Grove, Myopic, and Panther Robe. While you’re in the neighborhood, spend some time at one of my current favorite bars around, Twilite Lounge.
Sunday
Movie day. Catch It’s a Wonderful Life at the Angelika Film Center, or go Die Hard in 35 mm at the Texas Theatre. It’s the 25th anniversary of the moment John McClane waltzed into our lives. R.I.P. Bruce Willis’ hair.
For more to do this weekend, go here. For more Christmas events, go here.
