17 Awesome Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend, October 16-19

Adolfo Cantú-Villarreal, TZOM Films

The Weekend is Here, Praise the Gods!

It's here, finally. Well, if you count Thursday as the weekend. And we do. No need to slack off, get planning on how you'll make your fun this weekend. What's that expression? Oh yeah, carpe diem.

Thursday, October 16
New Works by Justin Terveen
Earlier this year, USA Today named the Dallas skyline Readers' Choice for 2014 Best International Skyline. Look, I love Reunion Tower as much as the next Dallas lifer, but I'm guessing a lot of the votes were swayed by Justin Terveen's stunning images. The Trinity River has never looked better than through Terveen's lens. See an array of his cityscape photographs when Kettle Art Gallery (2650- B Main St.) debuts his new works in a solo exhibition that opens at 7 p.m. Thursday. More info at kettleart.com.

Driving Miss Daisy, previews
Dallas Theater Center hearkens back to the deep South and a crotchety matron who was once driven around by Morgan Freeman (at least in the movie). It's one of those Southern stories e'eryone ought tew know. See it in previews this weekend, or through November 16 at the Kalita Humphreys Theater (3636 Turtle Creek). Tickets are available at attpac.org or by phone at 214-880-0202.

Teotl: The Sand Show
For its newest show Cara Mia Theatre Company lugged ton after ton of sand into an abandoned warehouse in Trinity Groves. The actors in Teotl: the Sand Show play in what at first glance looks like an oversized sand box. Designed in collaboration with Prism Co., a fledgling company earning a reputation for its innovative use of physicalized theater, this show uses masks and fight choreography to explore ancient Aztec mythology. Writer and director, Jeffrey Colangelo, says he was hoping to create the environment of an archaeological dig. Take the journey during a preview at 8 p.m. Thursday, or at another performance through November 2. The show takes place at 500 Singleton Blvd. Tickets range from $12 - 25. More information at caramiatheatre.org.

Save White Rock Theater
Of all the things on this list, you could make the most impact on the city with this one. At 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Latino Cultural Center, the Cultural Affairs Commission will vote on the allocation of funds to either save or deaccession (as in, discard) the White Rock Theater. Show up, raise a stink, support public art.

Deep Ellum Wine Walk
What's not to love about Deep Ellum? There are fun restaurants, bars, shops, oh and Thursday, there's a wine walk. One more reason to love the neighborhood. Glasses will be available for $5 on this walking tour of the participating venues. Grab 'em at the information station outside 2646 Main Street. The walk lasts from 5 - 8 p.m.

Preservation Dallas Forum
Here's another important conversation happening in the city of Dallas Thursday. This week, downtown Dallas was put on the endangered places list by Preservation Texas. There's a public forum taking place at 6 p.m. at the Dallas Public Library downtown (1515 Young St.). Show up, listen, learn how to make your voice heard.

Moda de La Muerte Fashion Show
Get to know the women behind Rag Parlor and find the perfect Halloween costume at this fashion show at Elm Street Bar (2810 Elm St) at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Friday, October 17

Dreamarchitectonics
The Dallas Contemporary gets a new audio visual installation by Frank + Lee Dufour of Agence 5970. Opening reception from 7-9 p.m. Friday with an artist talk at 7:30 p.m. Free.

'Til Midnight at the Nasher
The last 'til midnight of the season takes place Friday night with performances by Jeff Mitchell & The Phonophreaks at 6 p.m. and Ishi at 9 p.m. Visit nashersculpturecenter.org for more information.

ReMix from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The latest offering from the city's orchestra is a program geared at symphony newbies, with shortened length and a drink included. The "Song of the Symphony" focuses on the importance of the song in music history, running the gamut from Mozart to Gerswhin. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $19 and available at mydso.com.

See also: Dallas Symphony Orchestra Shakes Things Up With Boozy Nights, Beautiful Music of ReMix

Dallas Black Dance Academy
See the students as they grow into their leotards at St. Matthew's Cathedral Arts at 7 p.m. Friday in the Great Hall, 5100 Ross Ave. Admission is free. Visit cathedralartsdallas.org.

Laughter Is Music to Our Ears
Laugh your butt off with the Alternative Comedy Theater this weekend. They'll perform sketches at 11:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, which will allow you to go about your day and show up late, possibly tipsy for a late night of laughs. Head to Pocket Sandwich Theatre, tickets are $12; call 214-821-1860 to reserve.