What to Do in Dallas This Weekend: Sept. 17-19

The weekend has arrived, praise be. I think it will be a good one.

Tonight

Gentlemen, if you find yourself with a date this evening, take her to the balloon glow at the Plano Balloon Festival. Trust me: she’ll think you’re sweet and sensitive (even though we both know better). Or, dance and make merry at tonight’s ’Til Midnight at the Nasher event featuring music by Havana NRG followed by a screening of West Side Story in the garden.

However, if Friday is girls’ night out, you’ll want to be at the KC and the Sunshine Band concert at House of Blues. Or, if you live north of town, you and your gaggle might consider salsa dancing at Cyclone Anayas.

Saturday

• For the breeders: The Teddy Bear Clinic at Medical City Children’s Hospital may very well save you a lot of anguish the next time little Hunter or Bryce or whatever you’ve named him has a doctor’s appointment. Plus, the “ailments” the kids assign to their teddy bears will provide ample fodder for the compulsive Facebook updaters among you. You know who you are. Later on, grab your four-legged children and go to Garland for Wags and Waves. This pool party benefits Metroplex Animal Coalition, and it features pet tricks and dogs in costumes. Need I say more?

• For the frat guys: I offer you Oktoberfest in Addison. Drink your beer, eat your schnitzel, and do your wurst. I predict cargo shorts and belching.

• For the do-gooders:Big Brothers Big Sisters is throwing a poker party at the Palladium. Gambling + drinking = altruism. I love math. If you’re more in the mood for a mature date night, however, I suggest you check out A.R. Rahman (of Slumdog Millionaire fame) at American Airlines Center or virtuoso Lang Lang at the Meyerson.

• For the rest of us: Assassination City Roller Derby’s championship game is tonight, and that’s bound to be a crazy-good time. Save a little energy, however, because later on I’d like you to investigate the Miss Russia Dallas contest and report back to me.

Sunday

I’m so excited about Sunday’s performance of Sound of Music at Casa Manana I could almost sing. In fact, I will be singing, and so will you. Years ago I attended a sing-along screening of the movie version, and I can attest that it’s insanely fun to belt out “Climb Every Mountain” and “The Lonely Goatherd” along with dozens of other freaks.

Of course, the Pixies concert also happens Sunday. And that will rock, as will these other things to do in Dallas.