MUST SEE EXHIBITS 

Dive into DFW’s cultural tapestry uncovering some of the regions’ rich history, art, and innovation.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Enjoy electrifying performances as some of the hottest concerts and shows tour the Dallas Region.

• 10. “Big D” (Performed by Jo Stafford)

  Perhaps the peppiest song on this list, our version of “Big D” is performed by Jo Stafford, who made her mark as torch singer for the Greatest Generation. Though this song is chock-full of local references and hyperbole (Nieman Marcus, “where every home’s a palace,” etc.), it finishes at the bottom because it’s oh-so-cloyingly sweet.

  Listen to Big D >

• 9. “We’ll Go Walkin’ ” (The O’s)

  A walk to East Dallas’ Tietze Park and its signature live oak trees is the central theme of this song’s video, featuring Dallas’ own The O’s. It’s a catchy, rye tune that reflects the team’s off-kilter style. Aside from the mention of Tietze Park, the song itself only lingers briefly on the notion of Dallas, and could have been set anywhere.

  Listen to We’ll Go Walkin’ >

• 8. “Get Up” Cowboys Anthem (Kelly Clarkson)

  How many pop, country, rock and rap anthems have been dedicated to America’s Team? Thankfully, that’s not our question to answer. Instead, we submit Burleson native Kelly Clarkson’s glittering pop jewel as Exhibit “A” in our case for how it should be done.

  Listen to Get Up >

• 7. “If You’re Ever Down in Dallas” (Lee Ann Womack)

  Lee Ann Womack’s ode to Big D conjures up the boot-scootin’ heartache that many outsiders imagine happening here. “I’m sure Fort Worth has seen its share of heartaches,” she writes. “But it’s plain to see your heart’s not broken now. You’re in love with someone new, and up on top of the world.” The tune runs a little longer than two minutes – enough time to realize the lyrics’ double-meaning and to circle a saw-dust covered dance floor a couple times.

  Listen to If You’re Ever Down in Dallas >

• 6. “Woo” (Erykah Badu)

  Fans of R&B will appreciate this cool, bass-filled jam. Though there are limited mentions of Dallas in the lyrics, “Woo” is written and performed by Big D’s own Erykah Badu. It’s said that former President Barack Obama has placed this track at the top of his playlist. You should, too.

  Listen to Woo >

• 5. “Dallas” (Bad Livers)

  This riff on Dallas by the Bad Livers melds banjo, string base and guitar in a Soggy Bottom Boys-kind of way. This trio plays its heart (and fingers) out in the live version, posted here, having the time of their lives performing a song that seems to have something to do with a gambling addiction.

  Listen to Dallas >

• 4. “Deep Ellum Blues” (Jorma Kaukonen version)

  This recording gives its listeners the vibe of being a fly on the wall, including utterings from a backup vocalist who repeats the phrase “easy peasy” before the picking commences. When it does, we find our feet firmly planted on Blues Island, but there’s nothing stale here. The guitar and vocals are clean and honest as a freshly power-washed Deep Ellum sidewalk on a Monday morning.

  Listen to Deep Ellum Blues >

• 3. Dallas (by Willie Nelson)

  Willie Nelson’s homage to Big D references Love Field, Central Expressway, the LBJ highway, Neiman Marcus and Highland Park. “She swings like a blond with a millionaire,” Nelson croons, with a smile in his voice.

  Listen to Dallas >

• 2. “Dallas Days and Fort Worth Nights” (Chris LeDoux)

  This rockin’ country and Western diddy could make a convert out of the most diehard anti-country listener. Aside from the tune’s catchiness, the lyrics capture the often-overlooked duality of the Dallas Region:

  Under the skies of old big D He works a nine to five Bending steel and driving nails By phone in a suit and tie He fights traffic in his Mercedes To put on his cowboy boots Then he climbs on board his pick-up truck And barrels on out of the chute

  Listen to Dallas Days and Fort Worth Nights >

• 1. “Trinity River Blues” (T-Bone Walker, 1929)

  Showing an unabashed bias toward the blues, our “Say Yes” crew planted T-Bone Walker’s “Trinity River Blues” atop our playlist. Recorded at the beginning of the Great Depression, this track’s plinking piano and still-young T-Bone Walker (known as “Oak Cliff T-Bone” when he lived in the other OC) oozes murky authenticity:

  They’re building a levee now, I have no more to worry ’bout.

  They are building a levee now, I have no more to worry ’bout.

  If that river should happen to rise, won’t have to move my things out.

  Listen to Trinity River Blues >

MUST SEE EXHIBITS

Dive into DFW’s cultural tapestry uncovering some of the regions’ rich history, art, and innovation.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Enjoy electrifying performances as some of the hottest concerts and shows tour the Dallas Region.

SIDECAR SOCIAL: Frisco 

Located in Frisco and Addison, Sidecar Social is equipped with games, live music, food, drinks, and a 32-foot video wall to make sure you catch every play and score for your team! With more than 20,000 square feet (about four times the area of a basketball court) of indoor and outdoor space, it is sure to be the perfect spot for gatherings year-round. Sidecar Social redefines entertainment with free entertainment like darts, ping pong, private karaoke rooms, and arcade games for you and your friends, all while celebrating touchdowns!  

OAKCLIFF SOCIAL CLUB: Dallas

Nestled in the Bishop Arts District, the Oak Cliff Social Club offers a casual environment for anyone who wants to chill and drink. With pool tables, Golden Tee, and enough space for you and your party to hang out, you’ll be sure to come back for their featured events. Tag along with a friend for live music, karaoke night, and poker tournaments with cash prizes! And don’t forget to wear your team’s jersey and sit back and relax while you enjoy the game. 

WOB Bar and Kitchen: The Colony

Opening its doors in summer 2023, the World of Beer Bar and Kitchen serves as one of the best gathering places where you and your friends can drink, eat, and enjoy the game. With 300 unique domestic and international beers stored and 40 rotating taps, your cup is sure to be cold and filled. This is the perfect spot to watch UFC and boxing nights and all things sports. Make sure to follow their Instagram for any giveaways!  

KATY TRAIL ICEHOUSE: Dallas

Awarded as one of the best patios in Dallas, Katy Trail Icehouse has cold brews, good food, and great views. All the food on the menu is made from scratch. On the weekends get in line for some Texas BBQ, but get there early because it runs out fast! 

TEXAS LIVE: Dallas

Want to be as close as possible to the Cowboys and Rangers, but not quite at the game? Texas Live will be your go to place. With Texas-sized tv screens, games, numerous bars, and restaurants you’ll be able to watch the game with your friends and probably make a few throughout the day. 

TNT SPORTS BAR: Dallas 

This smaller, local spot has everything you could want. They pride themselves on being the home of the Minnesota Viking Purple Haze Fan Club, but if you root for another team, it doesn’t mean there isn’t something for you. Their renovated space has 28 HDTVs, pool tables, and bar games. 

TEJANO SPORTS BAR & COCINA: Dallas 

Get excited for your favorite teams at Tejano Sports Bar & Cocina where thrilling games meet mouthwatering delights! Featuring live music, drink specials, pool tables, and high-definition TVs, you’ll enjoy a game night like never before. 

INFINITY ARCADE: Garland 

Unwind with unlimited retro and console games at Infinity Arcade! Infinity Arcade offers the chance to reserve for two-hours for parties or events with convenient food and drinks options on-site. Want to tune in to Sunday night football while you game? You can at Infinity Arcade with TVs set up so you and your friends can enjoy the touchdowns while you score big too. 

NICKELRAMA : Garland 

Opening its doors to gamers in 1996, NickleRama gives guests a variety of games from ticket and video arcade games, pinball machines, simulators and more. Craving something other than concessions while you beat your own high score? NickleRama prides itself on its “bring your own food and drinks” so that you can game and grub however you want. NickleRama has two different venues in Garland, which are within 2 miles of each other, and are the perfect venues for parties for the whole family to enjoy! 

CIDERCADE: Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth 

This regional gem is located in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth with each location offering more than 100 arcade games and pinball machines. Get a little thirsty while beating your friends? Cidercade also offers a wide selection of crafted ciders, seltzers, and wines! Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the biggest Cidercade in the region will be Arlington , just blocks away from AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, offering: foot billiards, shuffleboard, ping pong, pool tables and over 300 arcade games to play. This family-friendly establishment is perfect for a day out with the kiddos—but don’t forget that after 8 p.m. it is 21+ only. Interested in hosting a party or corporate event? Each location offers reservations for parties where more than 500 people can be invited! 

ROUND TWO ARCADE : Dallas 

This Dallas arcade bar combines retro games with consoles of today for the best gaming experience. Located in the Bishop Arts District, Round Two Arcade offers 50+ arcade games, 4 retro console tables, board games, and video game style drinks with special food for the holidays to enjoy. Want a gaming bay for you and your friends? Rent one at Round Two Arcade for the chance to place Xbox, Wii, or the Nintendo Switch. You will have the options to play Just Dance, Rocket League, Smash Bros., and more! Round Two also hosts DJs, raves, karaoke nights, and tournaments for 21+ guests! Round Two Arcade is perfect for a date night or quick stop while strolling through the Bishop Arts District. 

THE ARCADE TX: Waxahachie 

Specialty hot dogs? Nostalgic arcade experiences? The Arcade in Waxahachie recently opened its own grill, Updawg Grill, so that players of all ages can grab a bite and circle back to beat their arcade high scores. Tournaments and events are held so check out their social channels to stay up to date. 

FREE PLAY ARCADE: Arlington, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Richardson 

Opening its first location in Richardson, TX, Free Play Arcade was the first retro video game buffet in the area. Offering food and drinks, Free Play Arcade has daily drink specials with exclusive beers and the chance to try their award-winning wine. Cheers! With appetizers, hot-pressed sandwiches, and hand-crafted flatbread pizzas, Free Play Arcade brings the full gaming experience to you without you needing to bring bags of quarters.