Memorial Day is around the corner yet again. The school year is coming to an end, temperatures are rising as we get closer to the Texas summer, and parents have three whole days of time for their kids to waste. It’s only natural to want to find something fun to do during the last weekend of May. Luckily, Dallas has plenty of events that kids can take part in throughout the holiday weekend. There are plenty of happenings on the Art&Seek calendar to keep children entertained, and we’re here to give you just a few of the highlights.
Forney’s Movies & Music in the Park is a perfect way to get the kids outside. The event spans for two days, with the music happening on Thursday, May 23, and the movie happening on Friday, May 24. And yes, both events are free.
For music, Beatlemania is coming for Generation Z! The music provided on the 23rd will be Hard Night’s Day, Dallas’ own Beatles tribute band. The concert will begin at 8 p.m., with gates opening at 7 p.m.
Now, for the movie. The movie begins at sunset, or 8 p.m., to be more specific, on Friday, May 24. The film of choice, you ask? “The Greatest Showman,” the popular movie-musical starring children’s favorites Zac Efron and Zendaya, along with Hugh Jackman in the leading role.
A Polka band performs at the National Polka Festival.
It’s Polka-palooza! The National Polka Festival takes place Friday through Sunday, May 24-26. The annual festival hosted in Ennis celebrates Czech heritage and provides a place for the whole family to enjoy taking a peek into a different culture. You can pay for individual days at $9 for Friday, $14 for Saturday, and $11 for Sunday, or $30 for the entire weekend.
Festival highlights include an opening dance at 6 p.m. on Friday, which sets the whole event into motion. Guests can even join into the King and Queen Dance Contest, where those attending are encouraged to wear traditional Czech costumes. Then, at 10 a.m. on Saturday comes the parade, which is at the epicenter of downtown festivities. Polka bands will play side-by-side with the Ennis High School marching band during the parade and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with public officials, horseback riders, and more.
Clickity-clack, clackity-click. The 30th Annual Tap Dance Day Celebration takes place at Arts Fifth Avenue in Fort Worth on Saturday, May 25. The event is free, and festivities begin at 7 p.m. and include music, concessions, t-shirts, and a raffle for a bike. There’s even a silent auction, so place your bets!
The big show starts at 8 p.m. and features performances from the Joe Rogers Jazz Trio, the Fifth Avenue Hi-Notes, the A5A Tap Dancers and the North Texas Tappers of All Ages. The festival’s special guest is Ron Young, a Broadway veteran and a guest at the first celebration of National Tap Dance Day.
Photo: The Wild Detectives
So, maybe you want something to do with the kids, but you don’t want to do it outside. That’s understandable, it’s only getting warmer, and no one can blame you for wanting to stay cool. The Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff has got you covered, with an 11 a.m. Kids In The Cliff story time on Sunday, May 26. Each story time is about 30-45 minutes, and the event is free for all ages. The stories read will include “Sock Story” by C.K. Smouha, “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale” by Mo Willems, and “Shadow Wash” from “Where The Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. Click here to find out more on the Art&Seek calendar.
Cue the music! Flag Pole Hill is hosting a Memorial Day concert, complete with fireworks at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, May 27. The event is free, and features the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The show will feature classics alongside patriotic fanfare, conducted by Ruth Reinhardt.
For more events like this, check out the Kids & Family section of the Art&Seek calendar.
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