Say goodbye to summer with these 11 DFW Labor Day events

Labor Day used to mean the start of school and the beginning of (slightly) cooler weather. These days, most schools start in mid-August and unfortunately, it looks like triple-digit temperatures will stick around for at least another month or so.

But keep your chin up, the three-day vacation is a great way to relax, recharge your batteries and, most importantly, regain your strength!

Here are some events to celebrate the long weekend and say goodbye to summer one last time.

Remember to check each event’s website or social media for last minute changes. For more events, visit Visit DFW.

FESTIVALS

JAZZ FESTIVAL ON THE RIVER

This year’s festival provides a stage for promising young artists from schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as renowned musicians from around the world playing jazz, blues, R&B, soul, pop and neo-soul.

Details: August 30 to September 1 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. $85.

The Bedford Beats and Eats Festival

Hear music from Randy Rogers Band, Le Freak, Back in Black, 80s Mix Tape and Chattahoochee at the Bedford Beats and Eats Fest. The festival also includes food trucks, booths, a kids’ area and more.

Details: August 31st from 2pm to 10pm at Generations Park at Boys Ranch in Bedford. Admission is free.

MUSIC

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE CONCERT

Discover the magic of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire this weekend at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The film will be projected in the auditorium while a live orchestra plays Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score.

Details: August 29 to September 1 at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. $64-$165.

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CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO BEYONCÉ

The Listeso String Quartet will play the music of Beyoncé in a candlelight concert on Friday. Songs like Texas Hold’em, say my name And halo everything comes to life in the magical glow of candlelight.

Details: August 30, 7 p.m., Cathedral of Hope in Dallas. $30.

PACO ESTRADA AT THE LAKESIDE MUSIC SERIES

There’s no better way to say goodbye to summer than with an outdoor concert. Enjoy a mix of pop and R&B under the stars when Dallas-based singer-songwriter Paco Estrada performs as part of the Lakeside Music Series on August 30.

Details: August 30th from 8-10pm at The Shops at Lakeside in Flower Mound. Free.

OUTDOOR CINEMA

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CINEMA ON THE ROOF OF THE WORTHINGTON HOTEL

End the summer with a movie on the airy outdoor patio of the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth. On Sunday evenings, enjoy a double feature for adults only with “The Notebook”, followed by “Pulp Fiction”.

Details: September 1st at 7:30pm and 10:20pm at the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth. $19-26. r

MUSEUMS

FRIDA: MORE THAN THE MYTH IN THE DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

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Frida Kahlo was one of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Explore her life through approximately 60 works by the artist and her contemporaries. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of Kahlo and some of her most formative moments through her self-portraits, still lifes, biographical drawings, and photographs of friends and fellow artists who knew her best.

Details: Runs through November 17 at the Dallas Museum of Art.

DINOSAURS LIVE! AT THE HEART

The popular installation returns to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary for its 19th year. Take a stroll along the sanctuary’s half-mile nature trail and encounter the 46-foot-long T. rex and 12 new life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Each dinosaur is equipped with its own electronic brain and is powered by a pneumatic system, allowing the large reptiles to move, growl and, of course, roar.

Details: August 31 to February 16 at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney.

BASEBALL AND FIREWORKS

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FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS VS WICHITA WIND SURGE

End the holiday weekend with a game of minor league baseball. The Frisco RoughRiders take on the Wichita Wave Surge at Riders Field in Frisco. The intimate ballpark lets you get an up-close look at the action, but still gives you the feeling of playing in the major leagues. Stick around in the outfield for the postgame fireworks.

Details: September 2, 6:05 p.m. at Riders Field in Frisco. $11-$41.

GARDENS

Labor Day Family Fun at the Dallas Arboretum

There’s a lot going on at the Arboretum over the holiday weekend. Enjoy seasonal tastings at A Tasteful Place, live piano music at Jeanne’s Pavilion, or dance the afternoon away at a free concert on the Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn. Saturday features the Charming Gardeners playing 1960s pop, and Sunday features classic rock from the band Ashmore. Activities for the kids include the Country Critters petting zoo and a bird show by Window to the Wild.

Details: August 31 – September 2 at the Dallas Arboretum. On August 31, admission is $3, parking is $6. On September 1 and 2, admission is $10-16, parking is $12-15.

SEWARD JOHNSON SCULPTURES IN THE FORT WORTH BOTANICAL GARDEN

You have until Sunday to see sculptures by the late artist Seward Johnson at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Johnson is known for lifelike sculptures that capture everyday moments. A collection of 21 of his works are placed to blend harmoniously into the garden’s landscape.

Details: Through September 1 at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. $12.

The Go to DFW Calendar is a partnership between KERA and The Dallas Morning News.

Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration supported by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.

This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access journalism.