EXHIBITS
Photo courtesy of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St., Dallas, perotmuseum.org
Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall The Perot celebrates its 10th anniversary with the Texas debut of a special exhibition showcasing the globally renowned conservationist most known for her work with chimpanzees in the wild. Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, the exhibit transports visitors of all ages to the African jungle through a multiscreen experience. There’s also a life-size replica of her research tent with hands-on activities, a hologram of Goodall at a makeshift campsite and another exhibit that uses interactive augmented reality to give guests a chance to match a chimp’s language. You’ll also learn about current work with chimpanzees by today’s scientists and conservationists. Tickets required in addition to general admission. May 21-Sept. 5
EVENTS
Nash Farm
626 Ball St., Grapevine, grapevinetexasusa.com/events
Summer events with a 19th-century vibe at Nash Farm include everything from opportunities to make a fashion statement at the 1920s Cloche Hat Workshop on May 21 (wear your creation to the ’20s-themed Ice Cream Social on July 9) to tackling Meme’s Pickles, a hands-on activity that makes tasty use of the last of the farm’s garden harvest, Aug. 5. For some red, white and blue family fun, pack your own picnic and blanket to celebrate Independence Day festivities at the farm’s Patriotic Picnic on July 1, where activities include lawn games, old-fashioned speeches, music and refreshments. Find more details on the picnic and other summer events and First Fridays programs on the website. May 21-Aug. 5
Photo by Meda Kessler
FILM
Bernie’s still dead, and this late ’80s comedy is still funny. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Palace Theatre
300 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817-410-3100, palace-theatre.com
Summer Movie Series Every Tuesday and Wednesday, beginning June 7, the Palace shows kid-friendly movies for a bargain 4 bucks. The season kicks off with Ice Age; other features include Finding Nemo, The Sandlot and Frozen. Showtime is 10 a.m. On Fridays, PG films screen at 7:30 p.m., starting with Weekend at Bernie’s on June 17. June 7-Aug. 3
National Beatles Day It’s a double feature of A Hard Day’s Night and Help! Tickets, $6 each or two for 10 bucks. Go in character and get a free small popcorn. June 25
CELEBRATIONS
Fourth and Fun
The Independence Day holiday, which falls on a Monday this year, means things will be popping during the three-day weekend in Southlake and surrounding areas. Here are some of the most popular shows; make your plans early.
SOUTHLAKE
Southlake Stars & Stripes
Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St., visitsouthlaketexas.com
The annual gathering of some 30,000 guests features live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, kids activities and the fireworks extravaganza. Festivities start at 3 p.m., with activities taking place at Frank Edgar Cornish, IV Park, McPherson Park and Rustin Pavilion. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. July 3
Photo courtesy of Southlake Town Square
FORT WORTH
Concerts in the Garden finale
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., fwsymphony.org
Tickets are on sale now for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s summer series, which kicks off June 16 with Asleep at the Wheel. Other performers range from local artist Sarah Jaffe to popular shows such as The Music of The Rolling Stones and, of course, the July 3 and 4 finales. Fireworks are part of each concert, but the longest show and the biggest crowds happen on Independence Day weekend. Prepurchased parking also is available. June 16-July 4
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden
ADDISON
Kaboom Town!
There’s a reason the annual event draws some 500,000 guests, as this North Texas city puts on a massive party that includes an airshow and flyover, family-friendly festival in Addison Circle Park and red, white and blue everything. Restaurants, bars and hotels hold watch parties, too, which sell out early. Official events begin at 5 p.m. July 3
Photo courtesy of Southlake Town Square
GRAPEVINE
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Grapevine Lake parks, grapevinetexasusa.com/summertime-in-grapevine
It’s the 40th year for one of the area’s biggest shows, and the display is visible from on and around the water. Parks and marinas offer parking, paid and free; some viewing areas require reservations. The show starts at 9:30 p.m., but get to your chosen spot early. July 4
Photo courtesy of the city of Grapevine