After chatting with my Dallas nightlife expert Allison Leigh, we came up with this list of the where, when and what is going on in Dallas-Fort Worth for "the largest party weekend in the history of the United States." No way we could be comprehensive; there are just too many All-Star throw-downs to mention. But here are the highlights, including the king of all parties, the LeBron James/Drake event at AMPM Lounge on Friday. See ya there.
Thursday
All-Star Celebrity Bowl
Where: Splitsville Lanes, 401 Curtis Mathes Way, Arlington Highlands
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Details: Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) joins Dallas Cowboys' Ken Hamlin and former Cowboys player Roy Williams (now with the Bengals) for an afternoon of bowling to benefit charity. This'll get you warmed up for the big weekend ahead.
Welcome II Dallas - Part II - "Ballers Night Out" @ Lift
Where: Lift Lounge, 2404 Cedar Springs Road, Uptown Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Pistons' Jason Maxiell, Cowboys' Martellus Bennett, Bears' Nathan Vasher and Raiders' Michael Huff
Ball Til U Fall NBA All-Star Week Dallas 2010
Where: Iniquity, 10821 Composite Drive, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-7 a.m.
Details: This was just too good not to mention it! This event is actually SOLD OUT, but I imagine you can get in if you are a good-looking female or a very rich dude!
Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson & Doug E. Fresh 8 Ball Challenge Afterparty
Where: Kindals Soul Fusion Cafe, 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: the chance to meet NBA legends Magic Johnson and Alonzo Morning; for more info, Kindals.com
Everything Is Bigger in Texas Celebrity All-Star Party
Where: TePheJaz Nightclub, 2226 Elm St., Dallas, 214-744-5299
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m..
Details: Special guests ladies of the "Dallas Desire"; invited guests include Cowboys' Marion Barber and Felix Jones, Rangers' Ian Kinsler and Mavs' Erick Dampier
Ballers Night Out
Where: Mantus 1520 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Celebrity host is Cowboys player Marcus Spears
Dwyane Wade's All-Star Celebrity Jumpoff Party
Where: The Starlight Room,
603 Munger Ave., Dallas
When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Celebrity host
Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (the first of two Wade events);dwadeallstarjumpoff.com
Welcome to Dallas Kickoff Party
Where: The Bank, 1313 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Celebrity hosts Mavs' Josh Howard, Nets' Devin Harris and Alesha Renee; info@allstarweekend2010.com
All-Star Comedy Jam Official Party
Where: Aura, 2912 McKinney Ave., Dallas
When: 8 p.m. (and 8 p.m. Friday)
Details: Hosted by Shaquille O'Neal and featuring Rickey Smiley, Mike Epps and Mo'Nique; $100 general admission
NBA All-Star Opening Night, featuring Mary J. Blige
Where: The Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Dallas.
When: 9 p.m.
Details: Benefits Mavs Foundation
Friday
The All-Star Celebrity Experience
Where: AMPM Lounge, in the Mosaic Building
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: If you only go to one party, this may be the one to hit, as it is hosted by LeBron James and Young Money Entertainment artist Drake. For admission, call 214-243-7444 or e-mail amy@allstarpartydallas.com
Two Can Play That Game NBA All-Star Edition
Where: Dallas Chop House, 1717 Main St., Dallas
When: 10 p.m.-4 a.m.
Details: Celebrity hosts Vivica A. Fox and Lamman Rucker for this party at a brand-new venue with an open patio and fireplace
Diddy Does Dallas
Where: Palladium Ballroom 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Big party with celebrity hosts Diddy, Mavs' Josh Howard and former Mavs player Greg Buckner
Carmelo Anthony & Friends
Where: Beamers, 2443 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony's party; for tickets, call 214-902-6490
Terrell Owens & Friends: Welcome to Dallas Party
Where: ALOFT Hotel Downtown 1033 Young St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: former Dallas Cowboys star Terrell Owens' party; for tickets, call 832-794-0743
The Good Life All Star Party & Concert
Where: House of Blues, 2200 Lamar St., Dallas
When: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: features Doug E Fresh, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Irie and DJ Polo
Night of Cirque Soleil
Where: Deux Lounge, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
When: Doors open at 9 p.m.
Details: hosted by Kenny "The Jet" Smith of TNT and former NBA star.
Star Studded Hit 'Em With the Flex Friday
Where: Kenichi Bar & Lounge, 2400 Victory Park Lane, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Lots of NFL players, including Javon Walker and Kenny Wright; call 214-871-8883 for tickets
Ludacris' Welcome to Texas All Star Party
Where: Cirque, 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: hosted by rapper Ludacris
Kenyon Martin's Official "We Are Dallas" Celebrity Jumpoff
Where: Plush Lounge, 1400 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Sports stars include Kenyon Martin (Denver Nuggets), Acie Law (Atlanta Hawks) and Michael Huff (Oakland Raiders)
2010 All-Star Weekend with Derrick Rose
Where: Skye Bar, 1217 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Hosted by Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, the Nuggets' J.R. Smith and Ike Diogu and VH1's Extra
All-Star Ladies Night
Where: Bacy's (formerly Purgatory), 2208 Main St., Dallas
When: 9:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Details: Featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Nelly and Lance Gross; also, DJs Biz Markie and Marcellus Wiley
Saturday
Dwyane Wade's Dallas Dynasty -- Flash to the Future
Where: Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.), 1807 Ross Ave., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-4 a.m.
Details: hosted by D-Wade, aka Mav killer
Nelly & Friends Club Dertty 2K10
Where: Beamer's, 2443 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: hosted by Nelly and Sakara Ross; info 214-902-6490
Drake, Birdman & Young Money
Where: Kindals Soul Fusion Cafe, 10333 W. Technology Blvd., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: If you miss Drake on Friday, here is the second chance to see him
All-Star Weekend "Playmate Playground"
Where: AMPM Lounge, 300 N. Akard, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Hosts include Playmates Carmen Electra, Holly Madison and six others
Show Magazine Presents The Best of Both Worlds All-Star Celebrity Gala
Where: Bacy's (formerly Purgatory), 2208 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Hosted by Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown, Mya, Vince Young, Chris Johnson and the Show Magazine models
Diddy Invades Dallas
Where: Sting Ultra Lounge, 15240 Dallas Parkway, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Big club (capacity of 3,500); celebrity host Diddy
Dallas All-Star Guest Appreciation Party Hosted By Allen Iverson
Where: Iron Cactus, 1520 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Celebrity host 76ers' All-Star guard Allen Iverson; allstar2010events.com
All-Star Spotlight Party
Where: Skye Bar, 1217 Main St., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Celebrity hosts Ray J and Amber Rose
SUNDAY
An All-Star Affair
Where: Palladium Ballroom, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Details: Hosted by former Cowboys player Terrell Owens and the Mavs' Josh Howard; for tickets, call 214-597-0635 or allstarweekend2010.com
Cash Money All-Star Closeout
Where: Bacy's (formerly Purgatory), 2208 Main St., Dallas
When: 10 p.m.-4 a.m.
Details: Hosted by Birdman and Allen Iverson. For info, call 877-6INFOVIP
Black Hollywood Red Carpet Affair
Where: Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.), 1807 Ross Ave., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: hosted by Vivica A. Fox and John Singleton; for more info, werunallstar.com
Diddy's All-Star Finale
Where: Beamers, 2443 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: the third party hosted by Diddy; for tickets call 214-902-6490
The All-Star Weekend Take Over Finale With Snoop Dogg & Drake
Where: Cirque, 1930 Pacific Ave., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.
Details: Snoop Dogg and Drake performing live after the game; for tickets, call 214-234-8404
Night of the Legends 2010
Where: Aura, 2912 McKinney Ave., Dallas
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Details: Featuring NBA legends Gary Payton and Larry Johnson