Oct. 14-20
Pug-O-Ween
It's not that we think pugs are cuter than other dogs (though we do), but their smooshy little faces do make for awwww-worthy moments when there's a Halloween costume involved. Actually, this 14th annual event, presented by Dallas Pug Rescue, is open to all breeds, and there will be prizes for best costumes in various age and size categories. Here's a quick idea for your pug's outfit: Pugboat, pulling a big liner, maybe a mastiff or other large breed.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine
Cost: $7 per human (dogs are free)
Info: www.dfwpugs.com
'The Importance of Being Earnest' Shakespeare can rightfully claim several of the best plays in the English language, but we'll put this Oscar Wilde comedy up there with anything the Bard wrote. Earnest, about two men using that fake name and courting the same women, is the funniest play that you'll ever see, when done well. No reason to suspect that Stolen Shakespeare Guild's production won't be.
When: Friday through Oct 24
Where: Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Sanders Theatre, 1300 Gendy St.
Cost: $10-$17
Info: www.stolenshakespeareguild.org
Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy
They used to bill themselves as the Redneck Comics, but it looks like they are over labels. Whatever they are calling their trio, it's still one of the best comedy bets of the year. Larry and Jeff are funny, but Bill's askew view is right up our alley. You know you're uptight if you're reading this and thinking "yeah, right."
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
Cost: $61.95-$82.44
Info: www.ticketmaster.com
Gorillaz and N.E.R.D
Hipsters all over North Texas are probably grousing this week, because there are two choices for cool concerts Wednesday. And this is one of them, the "virtual" hip-hop, alt-rock, electronica supergroup Gorillaz with Pharrell Williams' side-project, the equally awesome N.E.R.D. Gonna be a great one. Oh, as for the other hipster-worthy concert on Oct. 20, see number nine.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20
Where: Verizon Theatre, Grand Prairie
Cost: $49.50-$90
Info: www.ticketmaster.com
Benise the Spanish Guitar
Roni Benise, who just goes by the single moniker Benise, has rock-star hair and good looks -- not to mention whitening-toothpaste-commercial-ready teeth -- and he rocks out on the guitar. Spanish flamenco guitar, that is. And the dude's from Nebraska. What a wonderful world.
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Bass Hall, Fort Worth
Cost: $22-$66
Info: www.basshall.com
Butterfly Flutterby Butterflies make every other living thing happy: Humans, cats, flowers, makers of costume fairy wings. You'll need some of those for the costume portion of this annual event, which features a release of live butterflies at 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. There's a parade at 9:30 a.m., and until 2 p.m., you'll find exhibits, entertainment, interactive events and $1 popcorn. Popcorn makes everyone happy, too.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Grapevine, parking lot at intersection of Wall and Jenkins streets
Cost: Free
Info: www.grapevinetexasusa.com
'Mao's Last Dancer' There's an upcoming wide-release thriller set in the ballet world, starring Natalie Portman and the chick from That '70s Show. Looks cool, but if you wanna see a ballet film that is closer to home, check out Mao's Last Dancer, playing this weekend at the Magnolia at the Modern. It's based on the real story of Li Cunxin, a Chinese dancer chosen by Ben Stevenson, of Texas Ballet Theater, when he was at the Houston Ballet. The excellent Bruce Greenwood plays Stevenson -- quite the compliment.
When: 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth
Cost: $8.50 ($6.50 for Modern members)
Info: www.themodern.org
Western Auction If you think art auctions are for the super-rich, well, not always. At this interesting-looking auction in the Stockyards, you can pick up funky Western-themed memorabilia, paintings and other art, including work from the Jarrell and Brenda McDonald Western Americana Collection.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Between Cross-Eyed Moose and Adobe Gallery, at 2340 N. Main St., Fort Worth
Cost: Free to go
Info: www.burleyauction.com
Sufjan Stevens Did Stevens ever get around to releasing 50 albums, each one inspired by a different state in America? Not yet? Oh, well, his excellent 2005 release Illinois will have to speak for all of them, for now. Catch the Detroit-born singer-songwriter on tour, in support of his latest album, The Age of Adz.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: McFarlin Auditorium, Southern Methodist University, Dallas
Cost: $45.88
Info: www.ticketmaster.com
'Pee-wee's Playhouse:
The Complete Collection'
The great Pee-wee Herman's one-man show, The Pee-wee Herman Show, will begin previews on Broadway in a few weeks. To prepare, and take a time-trip back through some great memories, all 11 seasons of the groundbreaking Pee-wee's Playhouse are getting the box-set treatment. The secret word is "Hollah!"
When: Released Tuesday
Where: Online and in stories
Cost: $35.99 on Amazon
Info: www.amazon.com
'Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo' Our favorite line from the trailer of this Brandon Beesley film is "you don't want anyone to get killed, but if they do, you don't want to miss it." The doc follows inmates at a rodeo, many of whom are thrilled to be out of the jail yard for a day or so. It gets a local premiere screening Tuesday at the Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff, with more showings to follow.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and 7 p.m. Oct. 22-24
Where: Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd., Oak Cliff
Cost: $8
Info: www.thetexastheatre.com
Benbrook Heritage Fest Cowboy Roundup BBQ Cook-Off & Trail Ride The title of this event pretty much says it all. As for the heritage part, look for a Native American village, a Mexican village and an "Outlaw Jail." It all caps off with a performance from local bluegrass band Salt Creek.
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Dutch Branch Park and Benbrook Stables, 10001 Benbrook Blvd., Benbrook
Cost: Free
Info: www.cityofbenbrook.com
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