Discover Downtown Dallas' Best Kept Fun Secrets
Dallas Magazine
The African American Museum is hosting a celebration of African American literacy and history this weekend. Tulisoma, which means “we read” in Swahili, is a community-based festival aimed at promoting literacy and the arts in South Dallas and the Fair Park area. The event will feature workshops, book signings, panel discussions, activities for kids, and more. October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.|
Downtown Dallas
🧘♀️ Let's go Sculpt + Stretch at the Park! We’re talking partner-based acro yoga that’s all about strength, balance, and good vibes. Perfect for all fitness levels! Your [free] ticket includes a 45-minute acro session and a post-class social with local vendors, complimentary swag, and the chance to connect with the community! Monday, October 21 | 7:00-8:00PM
Dallas fun fam
👻 Trick or Treat on Lowest Greenville 🎃 Look for orange balloons🎈from Belmont to Ross on October 26th from 11am-4pm and you’ll find sweet treats for your little ones! A safe and fun daytime options for tiny trick or treaters plus fun for adults! 🙌
Just Dallas Things
It’s not SMU Homecoming Weekend without a night out at Javier’s🍸 The staff is always extremely friendly and the atmosphere is so much fun! I’ve narrowed down my favorite menu items and they include (1) The Perfect Margarita, (2) Smoked Chicken Nachos, and (3) Cafe Pierre ~ this dessert drink is 🔥 (literally!) It’s made with Rum, Kahlua, Brandy, Amaretto liqueur, Coffee, and homemade Whipped Cream. It’s delicious & the star of the show every time✨ Minimum order of 2 but you won’t regret it! Oh and if you’re looking for something to try in the cigar room, go for an Espresso Martini and a Vanilla Cigar😘 What are your Javier’s favorites?
Dallas fun fam
Weekend at Klyde Warren Park 💲FREE 9/28 | 12 - 2 PM | Build Your City by AD EX: Unleash your inner architect in this interactive lesson! 🏙️✏️ 🌱 9/28 | 11 AM - 8 PM | Vegandale: Join us for a vibrant veganfest filled with delicious new foods to try! 🌮✨ ☕ 9/29 | 8 AM - 12 PM | Coffee & Cardio: Swing by The Salty for 50% off coffee for fitness goers! Don’t forget, we offer free fitness classes on the East Lawn every weekend! 🏋️♂️☕ 🎹 9/29 | 11 AM - 2 PM | Piano in the Park: Come play the piano and share your musical talent with us! 🎶🌳 🎷 9/29 | 2 - 3 PM | Jazz Becuzz: Relax and enjoy an afternoon of jazz and spoken word performances! 🎤🎷 See you in the Park!
Dallas Magazine
Daisha Board Gallery Since opening her first space in 2021, Daisha Board has run one of the city’s most inclusive galleries. The art program is dedicated to marginalized communities, which the gallery defines as artists of color, LGBTQIA+ identifying artists and artists with disabilities. The exhibits often contain big, bold works and the exhibition openings are fun parties. She shut down the original location last year, moving the gallery operation to the location on Bataan Street.
Dallas Magazine
HENOSIS This weekend, the HighArt Foundation is hosting HENOSIS, a show centered on classical vocal performance. The show title means “unity” in Greek, symbolizing the group performance of art, opera, classical, and spiritual music. The proceeds from the show will be donated to the foundation, which will use them to provide scholarships to young, aspiring musicians. HAF founder, NaGuanda Nobles, an internationally acclaimed lyric soprano, along with a wondrous assemblage of artists, will edify the souls of the listeners with operatic, classical, and gospel genres. The concert title, HENOSIS, is a Greek word that means “unity” and this concert is sure to please the musical palates of fans of the fine arts and introduce new listeners to these timeless art forms. August 18, 7 p.m.
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
Dallas Magazine
Thursdays on Tap On the hunt for a date night? Head to the Perot Museum for another Thursday on Tap, to experience the museum after hours. The event will include food trucks, live performances, and access to current exhibitions. Plus, get full access to the Museum and all our exhibit halls, including our traveling exhibition, T. rex: The Ultimate Predator (through September 22). This program is for ages 21+, so whether you’re looking for a fun date night or a unique place to meet up with friends or coworkers, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the Museum without the daytime crowds or kids (we love them, but Thursday nights belong to YOU). August 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Dallas Morning News
Thrillers, documentaries and kabuki: The inside scoop on this year’s Asian Film Festival of Dallas The Asian Film Festival of Dallas kicks off its 4-day run at Dallas’ Angelika Theater on Thursday. The festival returns to the basics in this 23rd edition delivering over two dozen drama, action, thriller and documentary films about Asians and Asian Americans. Thomas Schubert, executive director of the festival, gives us the inside scoop on this year’s festivities including opening night, filmmakers in attendance and his “can’t miss” picks which include a swashbuckling kabuki play captured on film. The 23rd annual Asian Film Festival of Dallas will take place between July 25th-28th.
The Dallas Morning News
For the first time, the traditional Battle of the Burgers at Rodeo Goat is raising money for a good cause. Through July 31, the restaurant’s Radio G.O.A.T. and Birria Burger are the stars of the burger competition. For every vote they get, $1 goes to KERA, the community-supported radio station in North Texas. As of July 24, 11,441 votes had been cast. The creation is the Radio G.O.A.T., made with a beef patty, double pepper jack cheese, roasted green chiles, prickly pear barbecue sauce, cactus fries, and micro cilantro. As of July 24, this burger had 7,148 votes. Its competitor is the Birria Burger, which features a beef patty with birria de res, a corn tortilla, queso Oaxaca, radish slaw, and cilantro-avocado spread. As of Wednesday, it had 4,293 votes.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Just steps away from the American Airlines Center, Happiest Hour is a vibrant and spacious venue. In fact, it is the largest patio bar and lounge in Dallas. Offering 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor lounge, the prime spot for alfresco vibes is the stylish second floor rooftop, surrounded with impeccable views over Victory Park and the Dallas skyline. Packed with plenty of atmosphere, from the casual post-work and pre-game sessions, to more upscale late night vibes, the large rooftop menu comes filled with signature cocktails, wines on tap and more than 50 different beer selections.
Dallas fun fam
Dallas: balancing great food and child-approved fun! Medieval Times is a kid-friendly attraction where you eat a medieval-style dinner and watch knights joust right in front of you! It feels like you’ve stepped back in time, and it’s a good time for everyone! Make sure to book a reservation in advance! Medieval Times is based upon authentic Medieval history and is the true story of a noble family with documentation dating back to the 11th Century. Medieval Times began with two dinner/ entertainment complexes located in Majorca and Benidorm, Spain. The first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Florida opened in December 1983. Medieval Times’ Castles have since entertained more than 72 million guests.
Dallas Love List
🦋THE ONLY BUTTERFLY GARDEN IN DALLAS We know it’s hot outside, but don’t worry this 2-story butterfly house complex is indoors!✨ Butterfly House + Garden is a non-profit organization featuring butterflies from all over the world as well as garden trains and replica historic buildings, the snake & reptile shack, the 1936 historic World’s Fair Centennial House, an outdoor children’s playscape featuring a rock climbing wall, a rope bridge, sandbox, ponds and fountains!🍃🦋 Open daily 10AM - 5PM
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Perched on top of the classic hotel The Statler in downtown Dallas, the beautiful Waterproof is a pool bar by day and a rooftop lounge by night. Both stylish indoor lounge and open-air terrace, where the outside part offers both a refreshing rooftop pool and panoramic views over the Dallas skyline. Visit for sunny and relaxing afternoon cocktails, or come for the nightly, more swanky and vibrant atompshere. During the colder months, the terrace turns into Winterproof, with some really cool and cosy rooftop igloos.
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
Dallas fun fam
DALLAS HARWOOD multi-use park has so much to offer! Kids will love the mammoth-themed playground. There’s also a splash pad for warmer days, a multi-use court, two gravel dog parks, picnic table area, and lots of green space. Community events like movie nights, yoga, and live music are hosted on the stage area!
Dallas Love List
⚾️ OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - VISIT THE MLB LIFE EXPERIENCE AT ALL-STAR VILLAGE THIS WEEK IN ARLINGTON ⚾️✨ If you haven’t heard yet, Arlington is home to the 2024 Major League Baseball All Star Week. Even if you don’t have tickets to the Derby or All-Star game, you can still visit the MLBLife space at Esports Stadium, as a part of the All-Star Village Fan Festival. The MLB Life Experience features live music performances, unique ballpark food, panel discussions with artists and player fashion stylists, The Show mini game competitions, Home Run Derby VR booths, custom sneaker customization, interactive art and so much more. For only $35, you can access this space and other fun All-Star Village activations! MLB Life at Esports Stadium and All Star Village are open July 14th 10am - 8pm, and July 15th-16th from 10am - 6pm.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
At the 19th-floor of the Statler Hotel, a true Dallas icon, you find the exclusive indoor/outdoor urban oasis the Waterproof bar and pool. Here you can swim with an epic panoramic view of surrounding downtown Dallas and enjoy delicious cocktails and bites. Waterproof is open for everyone, but to access the pool you need to make a reservation for a cabana. As the sun sets the energy picks up with life DJ entertainment, bottle service and ever more impeccable views. There is also an outdoor resort-style pool on the 4th floor, called The Statler Pool, offering loungers, cabanas and a relaxing experience.
Discover Local Fun Spots in Downtown Dallas
When it comes to enjoying local fun spots, Downtown Dallas boasts a plethora of options. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there’s always something exciting happening. With its vibrant mix of activities and events, you can easily find an entertaining experience that suits your taste. From hidden gems to trendy hotspots, let's delve into the secrets of Downtown Dallas.
Trending Activities: Must-Try Experiences
Downtown Dallas is known for its array of trending activities that draw people from all over the city. One such place is The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which is not only educational but also incredibly engaging. Families and individuals alike can spend hours exploring its interactive exhibits. For a more adventurous experience, consider the Trinity Forest Adventure Park where you can indulge in zip-lining and obstacle courses amidst the lush green landscape.
If you are someone who loves to dance or enjoys live music, be sure to check out The Factory in Deep Ellum. This concert venue hosts a wide variety of performances, from indie bands to world-renowned artists, making it a prime spot for anyone looking to experience the local music scene. The high-energy atmosphere ensures a night to remember.
Entertainment Venues: Plays, Films, and More
Entertainment in Downtown Dallas is not just about large concert venues; it’s also about finding those special spots for film, theater, and performing arts. The Majestic Theatre is an iconic venue where you can catch Broadway shows and local performances in a historic setting. Film buffs should not miss The Texas Theatre—a unique cinema experience where you can watch indie films, classics, and even enjoy live performances or film discussions.
For those who appreciate art, Dallas Museum of Art offers free general admission and features an extensive collection that spans various cultures and time periods. Art lovers flock here for regular exhibitions and community events, making it a cultural hub in the heart of the city.
Bustling Nightlife: Bars, Clubs, and Socializing
Nightlife in Downtown Dallas is unparalleled, offering a mix of sophisticated lounges, bustling bars, and dynamic clubs. Head over to Parliament, a stylish bar that’s famous for its expertly crafted cocktails. Another popular spot is The Rustic, where you can enjoy local beer, farm-to-table eats, and live music under the stars.
If dancing is more your style, It'll Do Club is where you want to be. Known for its eclectic music mix and vibrant atmosphere, this club is a favorite among night owls. For a more laid-back experience, consider The Foundry, an outdoor bar with live music and a relaxed vibe, perfect for socializing and making new friends.
Community Events: Engaging Activities for Everyone
Downtown Dallas is a community-centric area that frequently hosts events to engage its residents and visitors. The Dallas Farmers Market is a hotspot on weekends, featuring local produce, artisan goods, and a lively community atmosphere. You can often find cooking demonstrations, live music, and seasonal festivals happening here.
Another significant event location is Klyde Warren Park, a unique urban park built over a freeway. The park offers free community events, including yoga sessions, outdoor concerts, and food truck festivals. It’s an ideal place for family outings or a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Local Insights: Hidden Gems and Insider Tips
One of the hidden gems of Downtown Dallas is The Giant Eyeball, a quirky art installation located in a private lawn area but visible to the public. It's a great place for selfies and a bit of fun. Another lesser-known spot is The Joule Hotel’s Underground Pool, which is architecturally stunning and offers a luxurious swimming experience.
For a unique socializing experience, try one of the Rooftop Bar Events at places like Waterproof or The Woolworth. These locations offer incredible skyline views and a chance to meet new people in a relaxed yet chic setting. Locals often share their tips and secrets on platforms like Kikihub, where you can gain real insights and opinions directly from residents.
Your Local Guide to Fun in Downtown Dallas
Whether you’re into art, music, food, or simply enjoying a night out, Downtown Dallas is bursting with options for fun and entertainment. With its dynamic range of things to do and places to go, it's a destination that promises excitement and discovery every time you visit. Use these local secrets and insider tips to make the most of your time in this vibrant part of Dallas.
