From May 2022
Mean Girls
May 3–15 | The Music Hall at Fair Park
The song-and-dance version of the 2004 Lindsay Lohan vehicle brings Regina George and the Plastics to the stage, with help from tunes by Jeff Richmond. He is the husband and frequent collaborator of original screenwriter Tina Fey, who wrote the book for the musical (which itself is going to be turned into a movie). The original Broadway production was nominated for a dozen Tonys in 2018, and Fey won a Drama Desk Award.
Women Painting Women
May 15–Sept. 25 | The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Divided into four themes (The Body, Nature Personified, Color as Portrait, and Selfhood), “Women Painting Women” features portraits by 46 women spanning more than half a century, from the 1960s to the present. Among them: Alice Neel, Apolonia Sokol, Hope Gangloff, Faith Ringgold, and Rita Ackermann.
Justin Bieber
May 1 | American Airlines Center
After two years of COVID-related delays, Bieber is finally back onstage, now promoting last year’s Justice, which features guest turns from Chance the Rapper, Daniel Caesar, BEAM, and others.
Coldplay
May 6 | Cotton Bowl Stadium
The British rock band pledged to make its Music of the Spheres Tour as sustainable as it could, starting with cutting direct emissions by 50 percent from previous treks. You probably won’t notice the difference, but maybe you’ll feel better. R&B singer-songwriter H.E.R. opens.
Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town
May 7 | Dos Equis Pavilion
Get back on the Bandwagon as two of country’s biggest acts revive their co-headlining package tour from 2018. Lambert is fresh off the critical success of 2021’s The Marfa Tapes, featuring her evolved take on modern country music. The Cadillac Three will get things started.
The Art Inspired Healing Festival
May 7, 10 am–6 pm | South Dallas Cultural Center
In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Art Inspired Healing Collective and South Dallas Cultural Center will host a free community wellness event to promote spiritual, mental, and intracommunal wellness through yoga, dance, and art workshops for the whole family. Cure for Paranoia, Jess Garland, and The Brown Sugah Lounge poetry group headline the entertainment portion.
Cara Mía Theatre presents Orígines/Origins
Through May 8 | Latino Cultural Center
A collective of Mexican American actors tells stories of immigration and family ancestry using masks, music, and physical movement, paying homage to a shared cultural heritage.
Maxo Kream
May 12 | The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Last year, the Houston rapper released Weight of the World, his third studio album and a testament to his rise from one the city’s most underrated talents to a booming star. Kream excels at narrative-driven storytelling through contemporary Southern hip-hop production, and this is the most personal expression of his life thus far.
Trap Karaoke
May 14, 7 pm | House of Blues
Hip-hop fans can live out their rapper fantasies at this touring show hosted by Mouse Jones. You can sign up to perform your own selection from some of hip-hop’s biggest tunes, or choose “wild card” and let Jones and the crowd pick for you. Surprise guests at previous stops have included Bun B, 2 Chainz, Wale, Petey Pablo, and Mannie Fresh.
Syd
May 14 | South Side Music Hall
Formerly Syd tha Kyd, formerly a member of the Odd Future hip-hop collective, sometimes the frontwoman of The Internet, Syd is touring behind her recently released Broken Hearts Club. The singer-songwriter’s sophomore solo album includes collaborations with Lucky Daye, Smino, and Kehlani.
Dave Matthews Band
May 14 | Dos Equis Pavilion
Three decades into their run together, founding DMB members Dave Matthews, Stefan Lessard, and Carter Beauford are back on the road to reminisce with long-time fans. Prepare to jam.
Black Heritage Celebration
May 14 & 15, 10 am–4 pm | Dallas Arboretum
The second annual installment of this two-day event celebrates pioneers and innovators in the African American community. Among the attractions: an art exhibition featuring selections from Daisha Board Gallery, Msanii HOUS Fine Art, and others; performances by Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Don Diego & the Razz Band; and a Black-designer fashion show and discussion hosted by Anita Hawkins. Also: a market with more than 40 Black-owned small businesses.
Flora Fest
May 15, 11 am–5 pm | Texas Discovery Gardens
Bring the family for a day to Big Tex’s urban farm for a horticultural festival that includes a workshop on how to propagate plants at home, reptilian exhibitions, and the best tips and tricks from master naturalists.
Thursdays on Tap
Every Thursday through Oct. 13, 6–10 pm | Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Community Beer Co. (May 5 & 26) and Tupps Brewery (May 12 & 19) provide crisp beverages for the 21-plus crowd at this after-hours experience, which includes live music and food from the likes of Mi Cocina, Easy Slider, and Butcher’s Son. And, of course, access to dinosaurs.