By Audra Stamp
It’s mid September and it’s still hot, but the Blitz Weekender has some great ideas for you and your friends to stay cool. Or if you’re outside, you’ll be having such a great time you won’t even notice the heat. So pick out one or a few events and get your weekend started soon.
Thursday September 12
GrapeFest: Grapevine’s 27th annual Grapefest is back for four days, so roll up that pants and start squishing some grapes. Starting on Thursday and lasting the entire weekend, Grapefest will have delicious wine and host wine tasting and tours, premium beer and great bites to eat. Christian Dozzler, Downtown Fever and Jack Doyle are just a few of the many names playing throughout the festival. And along with all the deliciousness your mouth will be enjoying, there will also be an art studio, a carnival, golf, grape stomp and so much more to keep everyone entertained. www.grapevinetexasusa.com
Lucinda Williams: Even back in the late 70’s, Lucinda Williams was making infamous and eclectic music leaving her mark on the country and bluegrass music genre. She’s got a very recognizable voice; her fans know who she is just by her first few words. The tickets are fairly cheap for her one night visit in Dallas at the Winspear Opera House. Songs such as “Passionate Kisses” and “Drunken Angel” are just a few of her hits that she’ll be rocking out to on that stage for you and your friends to enjoy.
Friday September 13
Rangers vs. Athletics: The Rangers are in Arlington on a homestand and ready to take on the Athletics in the first of the three game series. Just earlier this month the two teams met and the Rangers are looking forward to some revenge having lost two games in that three game series. The first pitch will go out at 7:05 p.m. and Derek Holland is expected to take the mound first. And only after the Ranger hopefully secure a win, can fans celebrate even more with the Post fireworks show. You’ll have great seats for the game and the fireworks inside the ballpark, so grab those tickets and put on your favorite players jersey. www.texas.rangers.mlb.com
Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival: Friday begins the three day long weekend event in Dallas for the music and tattoo festival. If you’re looking for a good time, great music and love ink or inked people, you won’t want to miss this event. Oliver Peck’s Elm Street Tattoo in Deep Ellum is putting on another tattoo convention and will start on Friday the 13th, a perfect to start the festivities he believes. The yearly festival once claimed the Guinness record for most tattoos in 24 hours, so whether you want to listen to the Reverend Horton Heat who is headlining, see some amazing body art, or get some more yourself, this festivals sounds like an awesome time. www.elmstreetmusictattoo.com
Diana Ross: She’s back and she’s still looking and sounding pretty amazing. Diana Ross, the legendary diva, is taking the US by storm. Dallas is only the third stop on her tour so she’ll be ready to sing and dance her heart out. The Winspear Opera House will be packed this Friday to celebrate the former Supremes star and Motown singer. You’ll relive your past and enjoy listening to hits such as “I’m Coming out,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and so many more of her great songs.
Saturday September 14
Ball State vs. UNT: Despite coming off of a six-point loss from Ohio last week, UNT is back at home and ready to grasp their second home win. The Mean Green has struggled in the last few years in having a consistently winning season, but with head coach Dan McCarney and the team they want nothing more than to turn that fate around. Brandin Byrd, Brelan Chancellor and many others have returned and a couple new faces joined the team. The Mean Green will be going up against the strong Ball State Cardinals. Ball State is coming off of two large wins and will be a tough opponent against UNT, but the Mean Green and their fans will be ready and armed in green and white to cheer on their home team. www.meangreensports.com
2013 Doghouse Derby: The Petsmart at the intersection of 121 and Josey Lane will be hosting a Doghouse Derby and Pet-A-Thon this weekend. Anyone interested in a new dog or cat should head out to the event and browse the more than 100 animals present for the event. And for fun there will be doghouse races in which 5-person teams will be racing large doghouses. Whether you you’re there looking for a new family friend or other there to give the animals some love and affection and donations, it’s a great cause that supports some pretty cute faces. www.dfw.cbslocal.com
Kollaboration Dallas 2013: The Dallas City Performance Hall will host the 2013 Kollaboration Dallas contest in which you will get to see DFW’s most premier dance talent. They will be showcasing new comers in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The talent for this years show will be announced and the six artists will compete for the chance to perform in Kollaboration Star in LA along with the title of Kollaboration Dallas Champion. If you love dance and love to watch new stars in the making then Kollaboration Dallas is the place to be this Saturday. www.kollaborationdallas.org
Sunday September 15
Stars vs. Blues: The Dallas Stars are already taking out their skates and beating up the ice. They being their preseason this Sunday at the American Airlines Center against the St. Louis Blues at 6 p.m. Dallas won 22 games last season, but it wasn’t enough to get them where they wanted. The Stars are looking to start off the season well in the Western Conference and possibly get back to the Stanley Cup Championship, but they’ll need all the help they can get from their loyal hockey fans. www.stars.nhl.com
Freedom Parade: It’s that time of the year again, to celebrate the GLBT community in Dallas and surrounding areas. So many people come out to show their support and you can join them for all the fun and festivities. There will be plenty to do like Sunday Pride Karaoke and Denim Party 2013. This is the 30th edition of the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade and all the parade slots of full so you know it’ll be a good show. There will also lots to shop through with many vendors there like OUT & Equal DFW and Dallas Pride Cheer. So if you want to come show support or are interested in getting involved, there will be plenty of people out to meet and chat with as you support a common cause. www.dallastavernguild.org
To have your event considered for the Blitz Weekender send your email to: [email protected]
