Aurora Presents: Area 3
Through Jan. 1
DalPark
While Aurora Dallas canceled its signature biennial in-person event this spring, the festival found a socially distant way to bring back immersive art experiences this year. In a downtown parking garage (1600 Commerce St., across from Neiman Marcus), Aurora is experimenting with a drive-thru art exhibition that aims to keep everyone safe while providing financial support to the artists and organizers through a shared profit model. Co-founders Joshua King and Shane Pennington called upon contributors from past editions of the festival—including neon artist Alicia Eggert, filmmaker Tramaine Townsend, choreographer Danielle Georgiou, musician Francine Thirteen, and a dozen others—to bring the vision to life. Timed tickets are available for $30 per car. Creating installations that connect with an audience stuck inside of a moving vehicle was a challenge. Unlike with traditional gallery settings or outdoor exhibitions, viewers can’t stop and get out for a closer look. But it was also an opportunity. The artists use the walls, floor, and ceilings as a 360-degree canvas, enveloping each passing car with artwork.
Nasher Sculpture Center
Ongoing
The Nasher has reopened with limited capacity and weekend-only hours. You’ll want to see the work of 2020 Nasher Prize Laureate Michael Rakowitz (through April 18), which explores the connection between current conflicts in the Middle East and the region’s ancient history; the neoclassical, high-tech sculptures of Barry X. Ball (through January 3); and Resist/Release, an exhibition including new acquisitions of work by Magdalena Abakanowicz and John Chamberlain (through January 17).
Live Jazz Under the Stars
Nov. 21, 6:30 pm
Lone Star Park Parking Lot
With concert venues shuttered, it’s time to look for live music in less conventional places. The Bishop Arts Theatre Center is presenting an alluring night of jazz, drive-in style, in the parking lot of Lone Star Park. The lineup features pianist Alex Bugnon, singer and pianist Vivian Green, saxophonist Marion Meadows, and saxophonist Kirk Whalum.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Nov. 7–Dec. 31
The Arboretum’s majestic holiday display returns this month along with a newly expanded Christmas Village. A dozen grand gazebos decked out with pear trees, French hens, and dancing maidens bring the iconic “Twelve Days of Christmas” song to life.
Parsons Dance
Nov. 20, 8 pm
The Winspear Opera House reopens for the first time since March for a program from New York-based Parsons Dance. The contemporary company is known for its energy and athleticism. They perform here as part of the Winspear’s TITAS/Dance Unbound series.
Home for the Holidays
Nov. 27–29
Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is bringing its pops series to a larger venue to ensure social distancing while spreading holiday cheer. “Home for the Holidays” will bring 80 minutes of Christmas carols, a visit from Santa, and a snow flurry.
Queens of Soul
Nov. 13–15
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Broadway maven Shayna Steele and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra pay tribute to the greats of soul and R&B in this evening of nonstop hits. Conducted by Jeff Tyzik, they’ll be playing a royal set list of classics by Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and more. (Tickets are currently available only to 2020–2021 subscribers.)
To Be Determined
Through Dec. 27
Drawing on the museum’s vast collection dating back to the 13th century, as well as 13 new acquisitions of work by Dallas-based artists, this exhibition contemplates the significance of having close encounters with art after long periods of going without. The title is quite literal: the museum wants viewers to determine meaning on their own and form personal connections with the works. Admission is free, but timed tickets are required.
Rockitecture 2020
Nov. 19
Virtual
The Dallas Architecture and Design Exchange moved its annual fundraising party online, adding a virtual tour and music to the silent auction. The event benefits AD EX’s public programs and scholarships, and in the process fosters a new generation of architects.
Grady Spencer & The Work, Blue Water Highway
Nov. 5, 7 pm
The Rustic’s Safe Sounds music series continues with socially distanced tunes from Fort Worth blues-country band Grady Spencer & The Work and Blue Water Highway, an Americana outfit from Lake Jackson, Texas. Tickets range from $15–$35 and seats are limited.
Puente Nuevo
Through Nov. 15
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Commissioned last year for the reopening of the Carter after major renovations, this large-scale artwork by Justin Favela is inspired by the artist’s Mexican and Guatemalan heritage. The vibrant piece is made with the materials of a piñata and spans both walls of a museum hallway, wrapping the viewer in warmth and color.
Synthetic Aesthetic
Through Nov. 25
The Art South Box in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an art gallery in a pink shipping container, is overgrown with a technicolor jungle by artists Mariell Guzman and Tyler Germaine. The pair created the site-specific installation, composed of artificial materials posing as flora, to explore humankind’s contradictory, sometimes parasitic relationship with nature.
Live Music at Revelers Hall
Nightly, 7 pm
In the past several months, live music has become a rare treat. At Revelers Hall, however, musicians are still taking the stage every evening. Check its Facebook page for the schedule, or try your luck and show up at the Bishop Arts District venue around 7 pm.
Texas Book Festival
Through Nov. 15
Virtual
The 25th anniversary edition of the Texas Book Festival will be held online, with live events streaming via Crowdcast. The wide range of acclaimed authors includes thriller king Dean Koontz, restaurateur David Chang, Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine, novelist Jodi Picoult, and erstwhile D Magazine contributor Jamie Thompson. Also: Matthew McConaughey!
The Nutcracker
Nov. 27–29
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
In the spirit of the season, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will give the city the gift of a few performances of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet, conducted by Andrew Grams. (Tickets are currently available only to 2020–2021 subscribers.)
Remy Reilly
Nov. 8, 3 pm
Reilly may only be on the cusp of 17 years old, but she has been claiming her stake in the Dallas music scene for a few years now. With a natural talent for songwriting and an ethereal voice, she’s one to watch. She’s playing a free show on the Granada’s new patio stage; no tickets required.
Movies in the Park
Nov. 14 & 21, 6 pm
It’s the year of outdoor cinema, and Klyde Warren Park is prepared to create the perfect “backyard” movie night, complete with food trucks. The Lego Movie screens on November 14, followed by Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets on November 21. There are no reservations, so arrive early to claim your spot on the lawn.
All Tea, No Shade
Saturdays, noon
The Free Man’s new weekly drag brunch series, started by Dallas-bred, New York-based musician Dezi 5, features some of the city’s most prominent queens serving piping hot tea and drop-dead gorgeous looks. Depending on the schedule, you can expect to see Dallas’ “Blondetrepreneur” extraordinaire Bleach or RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Kennedy Davenport.
Collections in Conversation
Ongoing
Upon reopening and rearranging its exhibition schedule this summer, the Kimbell in Fort Worth looked inward for inspiration. The current exhibition on view highlights selections from the museum’s rich permanent collection displayed within the Louis I. Kahn Building.
Nature’s Art—The Mineral Beauty of China
Through Sep. 6, 2021
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
As an interactive museum, the Perot had to make some major adjustments to reopen safely. Luckily, hands-off exhibits can be just as engaging. “Nature’s Art—The Mineral Beauty of China” showcases 70 beautiful and rare specimens of colorful rocks.
Synthetic Aesthetic
Through Nov. 25
The Art South Box in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an art gallery in a pink shipping container, is overgrown with a technicolor jungle by artists Mariell Guzman and Tyler Germaine. The pair created the site-specific installation, composed of artificial materials posing as flora, to explore humankind’s contradictory, sometimes parasitic relationship with nature.
Live Music at Revelers Hall
Nightly, 7 pm
In the past several months, live music has become a rare treat. At Revelers Hall, however, musicians are still taking the stage every evening. Check its Facebook page for the schedule, or try your luck and show up at the Bishop Arts District venue around 7 pm.