|
|
Ad-Libs: Improvisational comedy competition troupe bases its award-winning show on a series of improvisational scenes, skits, and songs performed by two teams of professional comedians. Thu, 8 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 7:30 & 10 p.m. $12. Reservations suggested. Must be at least 19. 2613 Ross at Routh. (214) 754-7050.
Backdoor Comedy: At its new Deep Ellum location, this comedy club features an eclectic list of ten or more stand-up comics per show, including many local favorites. Beginners welcome on Thu, sign up in advance. 2824 Main. Thu-Sat, 9 p.m.; Fri, 11 p.m. Thu, $5; Fri-Sat, $7. (972) 601-2204.
Brave New Comedy: Improvisational comedy and music created from ground zero. Audience suggestions make each show a unique brave new experience. Fri & Sat, 9 p.m. 6516 Precinct Line Road, Hurst. (817) 485-9615.
Comedy Gym: Ongoing statewide comedy workshop. Afternoon and evening classes for beginners or more advanced folk interested in standup comedy as a profession. Every Tue, 4-6 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. 221 W Parker #510, Plano. 1-800-700-5653.
Comics On Tap: Dallas' best local standup comics perform Thursdays at 10 p.m. at The Village Country Club (this is a public restaurant), 8310 Southwestern. (214) 739-5513.
Dead Comix Society: The unsinkable troupe hits the stage with original scene, music, and improv comedy every Thu, 10 p.m. No cover. Village Country Club, 8310 Southwestern. (214) 739-5513.
Four Day Weekend: This critically acclaimed comedy troupe performs every Fri & Sat at 9 p.m. at Four Day Weekend Theater (upstairs at Caravan of Dreams). $10. 312 Houston, Fort Worth. (817) 226-4DAY.
4 Out of 5 Doctors: The Docs continue their monthly schedule of performances on the second Wednesday of each month at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre. $8. For reservations or information, call (214) 821-1860.
Hyena's Comedy Club: Hyena's hosts an open-mike night for everyone from amateur comics to national headliners. Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 7 (non-smoking), 9, & 10 p.m.; Sun, 8 p.m. Arkansas and 360, Arlington. (817) 226-5233.
Hyena's Comedy Club: Hyena's hosts everyone from amateur comics to national headliners. Thu, 8:30 p.m.; Fri, 8 & 10 p.m.; Sat, 7 & 9 p.m. 604 Main, Fort Worth. Metro (817) 877-5233.
Improvisation: National headlining comedians and live improvisational and sketch comedy. Wed, Thu, & Sun, 8:30 p.m. ($12); Fri, 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. ($15); Sat, 7 p.m., 9 p.m. & 11 p.m. ($15). 4980 Belt Line, Addison. (972) 404-8501.
Lone Star Comedy: The Dallas-Fort Worth comedy troupe stages a limited run at the newly renovated Stone Cottage, next to the WaterTower Theater in Addison. Through May 22. Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. $8-$12. 15650 Addison Rd. (214) 630-7787.
Pavlov's Dogs: Pavlov's Dogs' cast of improv players deliver experimental, full-throttle long-form and short-form improvisational comedy directly from audience suggestions. Every Thursday, 8 p.m. $5. Ozona Bar & Grill, 4615 Greenville (between Yale and University). (214) 358-5996.
Rubber Chicken: After a six-month sabbatical, Dallas' original pure-improv comedy troupe brings their unique brand of "real time comedy" back to the Ozona Westex Grill. May 21. $10. Reservations are highly recommended. 4615 Greenville. (214) 221-LAFF. @Etc.
Air Combat School: Faux fighter pilot training program offers a ninety minute session in a jet fighter simulator for up to five people per class. Call for times. $40 per person. 921 Six Flags Dr, Arlington. (817) 640-1886.
American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum: Overview of the history of the aviation industry-with an emphasis on American Airlines, of course-through interactive exhibits, visual displays, and memorabilia. Free. Tue-Sun. 4601 Hwy 360 at FAA Rd. (817) 967-1560.
American Museum of the Miniature Arts: Formerly the Dollhouse Museum of the Southwest, the museum boasts ten rooms of doll houses, dolls and toys, as well as designs by regional interior designers and a miniature wine collection. Tue-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, 1-4 p.m. $2-$4. 2208 Routh. (214) 969-5502.
Americas Ice Garden: Ice skating rink with all the bells and whistles: public sessions, classes and-best of all-broomball. $7. Plaza of the Americas, 700 N Pearl. (214) 922-9800.
Antique Sampler Mall: A collection of antiques, collectibles, and used items of all kinds. Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, noon-6 p.m. 1715 E Lamar, Arlington. (817) 461-3030.
Center Line Aviation Tours: Romantic airplane tours of the Dallas area. Sweets and champagne glasses provided. Prices start at $89. 4545 Eddie Rickenbacker, Addison Airport. (972) 490-7676.
Collin Park: Collin Park Marina and Camp Grounds has three boat ramps, a sandy beach, volleyball courts, RV hookups, tent sites, boat rentals, radio-controlled airfields, courtesy docks, and picnic tables with barbecue equipment. Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. $1 per person, $2 per vehicle. Collin Park, Lake Lavon (I-75 to Plano, exit Parker, 10 miles E). (972) 442-5755.
Connemara Conservancy: Museum of the Texas landscape and 72-acre nature preserve perfect for hiking and picnicking. Call for annual events. Free. Open dawn to dusk. In Plano. (214) 521-4896.
Conspiracy Museum: The Conspiracy Museum presents the history of assassinations and cover-ups since 1835, including info concerning Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and J.F.K., as well as Martin Luther King Jr. and
Robert Kennedy. Its latest exhibit is entitled Brothers: Victims of the Conspiracy, with info about the Robert F. Kennedy killing. $3-$7. 110 S Market, opposite the Kennedy Memorial, in the Katy Building. (214) 741-3040.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens: 66 acres of flower and display gardens, a mist garden, and acres of azaleas. Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $3-$6. 8525 Garland Rd. (214) 327-8263.
Dallas Museum of Natural History: Exotic rocks, gems, minerals, fossils of all varieties, a fully reconstructed Texas Tenontosaur, the fossil bones of a prehistoric mammoth, and a 35-foot Heath mosasaur are in the permanent collection. Fair Park. (214) 421-3466.
Dallas Nature Center: 633 acres of prairie and woodland feature hiking trails, native-plant nurseries, and nature programs. Daily except Mon, dawn-dusk. Donations are accepted. 7171 Mountain Creek. (972) 296-1955.
Dallas Zoo: More than 1,400 mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can be seen (hopefully) in their native cages. The zoo also features daily demonstrations by snake handlers in the reptile building, the Wilds of Africa exhibit and monorail, and the festive gorilla research center. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5. 621 Clarendon, two minutes S of downtown on I-35 at Ewing exit. (214) 946-5154.
Dave & Buster's: This restaurant looks like one of those brass-and-wood joints where men go to smoke cigars and eat steak. At least, that's the way the front room looks. If you walk all the way to the back, the decor is more Chuck E. Cheese than anything else, featuring just about any kind of game you can imagine, from old-fashioned skee ball to newer virtual reality games and everything in between. In many ways, it's also like a casino, without a window in sight or a clock on the wall. A few weekends ago, we wasted almost three hours in the game room before we realized what time it was. The food is good-typical T.G.I. Friday's fare-but the real attraction here is the game room. Just wear a watch. Dave & Buster's has two locations in the metroplex.
DFW Gun Club & Training Center: Indoor shooting range, open to the public. Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, 1-5 p.m. Instruction and supplies available. Concealed handgun license classes and CHL renewal classes offered weekly. Call (214) 630-4866.
Eisenbergs Skate Park: This park definitely is credible; it was built and is operated by professional in-line skater Arlo Eisenberg and his family. The park features a video lounge with refreshments, a retail store, a skaters' museum, and-oh, yeah-skating, skateboarding and BMX biking. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.-mdnt. $11.50 for non-members; $5.50 for members. Memberships are $75. 930 E 15th, Plano. (972) 509-7725.
Fair Park: 227-acre national historic landmark includes aquarium of Texas fish and reptiles, Museum of Natural History, Science Place Museum, Civic Garden Center, Age of Steam Train exhibit, and the Hall of State. Call (214) 565-9931 for individual venue times. 1300 Robert B. Cullum.
Family Court Watch Project: The Texas Women's and Children's Coalition is a grassroots effort composed of individuals and organizations who are interested in protecting the rights of families in district family court hearings. The adversarial nature of these proceedings too often tears families apart and leaves permanent scars on both parents and children. When circumstances do not permit families to live in the same home, it is their goal to ensure that our court system encourages the best possible solutions in order to maintain healthy, long-term relationships. Join the Texas Women's and Children's Coalition. Monthly meetings are held the 4th Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m. at the YWCA Women's Resource Center, 4621 Ross Ave. For more info please call (972) 274-6088 or e-mail TXMOM1111@aol.com.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Permanent exhibits deal with fossils, minerals, medical developments, and space exploration. The museum is open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. $1-$3. 1501 Montgomery, Fort Worth. (817) 732-1631.
Fort Worth Zoological Park: More than 4,500 exotic animals, including lowland gorillas, Asian cats, a variety of bears, black and white rhinoceroses, a plethora of reptiles, and the James R. Record Aquarium. The zoo's latest permanent exhibit is Thundering Plains, featuring American bison, Mexican wolves, and wild turkeys roaming free as they once did. The display also features a children's area complete with replicas of turn-of-the-century covered wagons. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3-$7 (Wed, half-price; kids under two get in free). Take I-30, exit University, go S past the Trinity River. (817) 871-7050.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: Petting pastures, nature trails, trail rides, and refuges for endangered species highlight this wildlife park spread across 3,000 acres. Daily, 9 a.m.-two hours before sunset. Adults $12.95, children 3-11 $9.95. 75 miles SW of Dallas off Hwy 67. (817) 897-2960.
The Gathering: More than 100 international-quality antiques and fine arts dealers are represented at this antique mecca located in the Design District. $15. 1515 Turtle Creek. (214) 741-4888.
Go Karts Plus: Two go-cart tracks offer continuous rides for ages 10-adult. Mon-Thu, 6-10 p.m.; Fri, 6-11 p.m.; Sat, 1-11 p.m.; Sun, 1-10 p.m. $2-$4. 12436 N Central. (972) 783-9065.
Haute Dogs and Fat Cats: Inside Dallas' first upscale pet boutique, you can find rain ponchos and coats, T-shirts, canopied beds, gourmet pet treats, hand-painted food and water dishes, and much more for the deranged pet owner. The store is located at Preston Road and Royal Lane. Call (214) 369-8380.
Holocaust Museum: Dallas Memorial Center for Holocaust Studies is a showcase of permanent and alternating exhibits of photos, documents, films, videos, and an actual boxcar used to transport victims to the gas chambers. Guided and group tours by a Holocaust survivor available by appointment. Mon-Wed & Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun, noon-4 p.m. Free. Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. (214) 750-4654.
Lakewood Landing: A long-time member of the Undermain Theatre company, Ted
Davey has recently taken on his toughest part: the ghost of Frank Sinatra. Of course, that's not what his Monday night gig at the Lakewood Landing is billed as, but it might as well be. Davey, backed by Royce Cooper and a swingin' trio, conjures up the spirit of Ol' Blue Eyes every Monday, belting out standards while the crowd quietly sips martinis. Davey performs every Monday from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the Lakewood Landing, 5818 Live Oak. (214) 823-2410.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie: Horse racing the way it was meant to be. Lone Star Park features simulcast racing, 175 television monitors, a food court and a giant outdoor patio, plus some of the best horses in the South. Belt Line, 1/2 mile N of I-30, Grand Prairie. Call (972) 263-RACE.
Meet the Opposite Sex: Find out how both sexes feel on topics from love and sex, to politics and more at this once-a-month discussion group that convenes on the first Wednesday of each month. Free. Call (214) 221-5588.
NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway: A new, speedway-themed entertainment center that features personal race training and the world's first racecar simulators that can reach 200 miles per hour. That's exactly what we need: a place that trains people to drive faster on the Tollway. The NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway is located in the Galleria, on the third floor near Nordstrom. Call (972) 490-7223.
Nickel Ranch: Old-fashioned Western-themed nickel arcade. $1.75 admission, and all the games and rides are (naturally) a nickel. Cheap fun. Wed, 3-8 p.m.; Thu, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri, 3-8 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun, noon-6 p.m. 1904 Abrams Pkwy. (214) 874-0555.
NorthPark on Ice: Dallas' only outdoor ice skating rink is open seven days a week for family ice skating. Mon-Thu, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun, noon-6 p.m. $5-$7. Skate rental is $3-$8. NorthPark Mall, Park & Central. (214) 421-RINK.
Old City Park: 13 acres of restored buildings and turn-of-the-century splendor make this one of Dallas' loveliest and most arresting historic sites. Daily, sunup-sundown. Tours Tue-Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun, 1-4:30 p.m. Between Harwood and St. Paul. (214) 426-5459.
Palace of Wax: Wax figures of Hollywood stars, historical figures, heroes and villains, Wild West characters, plus a special section of Ripley's Believe It or Not oddities. Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $5-$7. 601 E Safari Park, Grand Prairie. (972) 263-2391.
Putt-Putt Golf & Games: 11,000-square-foot entertainment complex features 18-hole minigolf courses, party rooms, video games, and food vendors. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-midnight; Sat-Sun, 9 a.m.-3 a.m. $4-$8. 17717 Coit, between Frankford & Campbell. (972) 248-GOLF.
Q-City: 50,000 square feet of high-tech entertainment including 18 lanes of "techno-bowling," Q-Zar laser tag, a Simex motion theater, a virtual-reality rollercoaster, 200 video games, and a food court. Sun-Thu, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Admission $1; activities $2-$7. 3544 Emporium Circle across from Town East Mall, Mesquite. (800) 650-CITY.
Q-Zar: "Earth's favorite laser game" is a new laser tag game suitable for folks of all ages and athletic abilities. Q-Zar has 14,000 square feet of laser tag, video arcade games, and a food court. Sun-Thu, 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. 9330 N Central in United Artists Plaza. $7.50. (214) 750-9600.
Ruby Room: A tribute to both Jack Ruby and the seedy glamour of the nightclubs he used to operate, the Red Jacket's side room is a haven for conspiracy buffs and beginner alcoholics. Which is almost the same thing. 3606 Greenville. (214) 823-8333.
The Science Place: A variety of exhibits related to the hows and whys of
nature: Permanent main exhibit Body Tech, interactive and walk-in studies of the details of the human body; Electric Theater, live electricity demonstrations; and Language World, interactive exhibit on communication. Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $2.50-$5.50. The IMAX Theatre's latest film, Amazon, shows daily through the end of the year. Admission is $5-$6. 1318 Second, Fair Park. (214) 428-5555.
Sega GameWorks: GameWorks is a 32,000 square-foot arcade that has almost every type of game you could imagine, and few that you probably couldn't. The arcade, refined under the supervision of Steven Spielberg, features more than 230 games, including newer virtual reality games as well as older favorites like Pac-Man and Galaga. The games are played using "smart cards," rechargeable credit cards that allow you to walk around without carrying around ten bucks in quarters in your pockets. Grapevine Mills Mall, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, just off Highway 121. Sun-Thu, 11 a.m.-mdnt; Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (972) 53-WORKS.
The Sixth Floor Museum: Permanent exhibit examines the lifetime, legacy, and assassination of John F. Kennedy, with film footage, interpretive displays, and more than 400 photos. Seven days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $2-$7. Dallas County Administration Bldg, 411 Elm. (214) 747-6660.
Six Flags Over Texas: 205-acre theme park squeezes in more than 100 different rides, shows, and special attractions, with sure stomach turners like Mr. Freeze, the Texas Giant, and the Flashback. Traveling shows appear regularly at the 10,000-seat Music Mill Amphitheatre. Sun-Thu, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. I-30 at Hwy 360, Arlington. (817) 530-6000.
SpeedZone: This new 12-acre park built on recreational speeding features custom-built Indy cars, dragsters, and the chance for drivers to experience accelerating from 0 to 70 miles per hour in three seconds. Sun-Thu, 11 a.m.-midnight and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. at 11130 Malibu Drive. Park admission is free, but racer tickets start at $5. (972) 247-RACE.
Studios at Las Colinas: Experience life on the set with tours of Las Colinas' film and television production studios. Daily, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. (no 10:30 a.m. on Sun). $7.95-$12.95. Dallas Communications Complex, 6301 N O'Connor, Irving. (972) 869-FILM.
Swing dance lessons: Dallas has lumbered into the retro swing craze with all the grace of a tap dancing polar bear, joining in on the fun about a year too late. The revival may be about over, but if you still want to hang with the hepcats, you can learn the latest steps at Sand Castle Swing Lounge and Casino. The club offers free swing dance lessons every Wednesday at 8 p.m., and the lessons are open to everyone, including those that aren't entirely sure what swing dancing is. If you're good enough, you can enter the Sand Castle's Sunday-night swing dance contest and pick up an extra $100 to invest in the next fad. The Sand Castle is located at 2829 W NW Hwy, one mile east of Harry Hines Boulevard. (214) 956-8282
Texas Hoedown at Diamond's: Ride quality horses through scenic wildlife trails. Hourly rentals or package rides. $20/hour. In Stephenville. (254) 364-2676.
Texas Indoor Speedway: America's largest indoor karting facility is the only place in Texas with Grand Prix and Mini-Sprint Karts. Defensive driving as well as corporate and group rates. 7601 Grapevine Hwy, North Richland Hills. (817) 577-4544.
Thanks-Giving Square: Gardens, chapel with spiraling stained-glass ceiling, water effects, and a facsimile of the original proclamation of the first National Day of Thanksgiving by Samuel Adams. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 1-5 p.m. Corner of Ervay, Pacific, and Bryan. (214) 969-1977.
Vikon Village: Indoor, air-conditioned flea mall offers bargains on loads of new and used goods. Thu-Sat, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 2918 S Jupiter (two blocks N of LBJ), Garland. (972) 271-0565.
West End Marketplace: Festival market features retail shops, cart vendors, restaurants, eight nightclubs, and streets paved with handsome red stones. Call 954-4350 for individual venue times. Market at Munger.
Whirly Ball: This rather unusual indoor sport is a combination of playing jai alai, basketball, and hockey while operating a bumper car. Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day by reservation. Webb Chapel and Northwest Hwy/Loop 12 across from Bachman Lake. (214) 350-0117 or (214) 350-0129.
Zero Gravity: This Dallas "amateur daredevil" entertainment center features Air Boingo bungee-jumping and the Skycoaster, the world's largest hang-gliding and skydiving simulator. I-35 & Walnut Hill, next to the Malibu SpeedZone. (214) I-DO-JUMP. @Open Call Art
Dallas Visual Art Center: Now accepting applications from artists interested in a solo exhibition as part of the DVAC's Mosaics series. Send 10-15 labeled slides, a resume, a brief artist's statement reflecting how your work has been influenced by our ethnicity or heritage, and a
self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your slides to: Mosaics Committee, Dallas Visual Art Center, 2917 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204-5961. Deadline is June 18. Dance
Purple Tangerine Dance Company: Holding auditions for advanced level dancers trained in modern jazz techniques and street-style hip-hop dance for an upcoming production. Also looking for break dancers and dancers with gymnastic ability. Call Allison Bonham at (214) 824-4269. Sports
Hoop-It-Up: Dallas-Fort Worth area hoops fans can bring their best 3-on-3 moves to the streets as Hoop-It-Up returns to Dallas, June 26-27. More than 250 courts will be set up in the West End, and those ages 8 and older are invited to register to play. Teams can register by calling (888) 997-PLAY, visiting the official tour Web site at www.hoopitup.com, or by picking up entry forms at area Foot Locker locations. Entry fees are $108 per team, and $140 for the Top Gun division. Stage
Soul Rep Theatre: Holds auditions for its Fourth Annual New Play Festival. May 22, 1-3:30 p.m. Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 605 S Griffin. Call (214) 521-5070 to make an appointment. Zines
Freakzine: The hip zine from Dallas, then Austin, then Dallas again is looking for submissions of any sort-short stories, photos, art, music to review, etc. Mail to Freakzine c/o toPher 5928 Dublin #2110 Dallas, TX 75205 or e-mail at caddy@onramp.net.
|
|
![[Yahoo/Dallas Observer Banner]](http://dfw.yahoo.com/images/category/cobrand/observer.gif)
