Things To Do In Dallas This Weekend: Aug. 19-21

Between yesterday’s H&M opening at NorthPark and Tax-Free Weekend, going to a mall is going to be like taking an elevator straight into a volcano. However, since there’s a pretty good possibility I’ll wind up in one anyway, I have a couple last requests. My two most prized possessions—my signed Party Down poster and my somewhat bent MetroCard with maybe $7.15 cents left on it—go to my friend Pam. And…okay, that’s actually it. That’s all I want. Wish me luck.

Friday

I like shows that don’t choke on, force, or otherwise drown in their own gravitas. Don’t get me wrong, meaning is nice, and comedy is often better when it can say something, too. However. Sometimes a fun thing is just a fun thing, which, if you follow that, is exactly what I’m after with The Final Adventures of Hercules at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre. Surprisingly,, the plot riffs the story of Hercules, the muscle-bound Greek demigod, and his sojourns. Lance Lusk reviews this live version of a popcorn flick over on FrontRow. The actual throwing of popcorn, of course, is allowed and encouraged. The show ends its run on Sunday, so this is a narrow window of opportunity here.

Saturday

You could be very busy, if you so choose. In addition to the live music all day at the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market, there are couple of musical events that Christopher Mosley will tell you more about on FrontRow. Well, he’ll at least give you more insight into one—the benefit show at Lola’s Saloon in Fort Worth for Spune Productions‘ Lance Yocum. Yocum fell extremely and suddenly ill in Arizona last month, and the $15 donation at the door will help offset his medical costs. Acts include both Seryn and Telegraph Canyon (with a midnight set time), plus acoustic sessions from other label artists. Obviously, this is a good cause and well worth your gas money.

For those staying in Dallas, though, another independent label, Pandarosa, is hosting a showcase of their artists at Prophet Bar. It’s a good group of musicians, and it’s air-conditioned. What’s not air-conditioned is the screening of Exit Through the Gift Shop in Annette Strauss Square outside the Winspear. That movie made me laugh a whole lot, though, so that’s why I mention it. However, it’s also on Netflix Instant. Just saying.

Sunday

It’s the last day for Martin Creed’s Work. No. 1190: Half the air in a given space (AKA the balloon room) at the Nasher, and your final chance to wade through 9,000 gold balloons. The fun part about waiting until the very last day, besides the always exciting feeling of procrastination, is that you get to help “de-install” the exhibit. Meaning, you get to take home a balloon presumably touched by a Turner Prize-winning artist and almost definitely touched by a hundred other germy humans.

Quick update: In the evening, you should take your balloon to Sons of Hermann Hall. Zac Crain has the details, but essentially, it’s a happy-to-be-alive sort of thing. With music, of course, which is appropriate since many of us find our lives in song.

If none of this quite does it for you, there’s plenty more over here. It’s also your last few days to vote for these five particular ladies for Ten Most Beautiful, so, you know. Go do that.