Dallas Highlights: 8 Events to Anticipate in 2021
If there's one lesson from 2020, it’s that we can adapt with remarkable agility. As virtual gatherings replaced traditional events, we all earned a medal for resilience. With vaccines on the horizon and a fresh start in January, 2021 promises more in‑person experiences than the year before. Dallas is buzzing with opportunities, and we’re eager to share the highlights below.
1. Dining and shopping at Eataly – Following a modest grand opening in early December, the highly anticipated Eataly—short for "Eating Italian"—has become a staple at NorthPark Center. Though COVID restrictions remain, visitors can explore the 46,000‑square‑foot venue, which houses three restaurants, a market stocked with oils, meats, olives, coffee, chocolate, and a curated wine selection. Stop by one of the take‑away counters for a bottle of wine or the ingredients for a charcuterie board. In 2021, the Dallas location will unveil a full calendar of arts programming. With only six other Eataly sites nationwide, Dallas proudly stands as one of the nation’s culinary landmarks. Learn more here.
2. Hearing Kristin Hannah's talk at the DMA (Feb. 10) – Fans of the #1 New York Times bestseller will relish the chance to hear author Kristin Hannah speak with Sarah Bird on February 10. The forthcoming novel, 'The Four Winds' (released Feb. 2, 2021), explores the Great Depression with Hannah’s signature focus on the human spirit. Secure your ticket to the event, which includes a signed copy of the book, here. From mid‑March, the Dallas Museum of Art will host 'Cubism in Color: The Still Lifes of Juan Gris,' spotlighting the Spanish artist’s modern masterpieces. Learn more here.
3. Admiring the Bush Center's new exhibit (beginning March 2) – In tandem with President Bush’s book launch, the Bush Center will debut 'Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants,' featuring 43 oil paintings that honor the nation’s immigrant stories. The exhibit runs through January 2022 and is already generating buzz. Learn more here.
4. Attending 'Music From the Movies' at the Meyerson (March 5‑7) – The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will present a weekend concert series, performing scores from beloved American films. The program offers an engaging musical journey that will have you humming along. Pair the experience with a pre‑concert dinner at Sloane’s Corner—prosecco and crab cakes make an elegant match. Because the DSO is limiting audience size, tickets sell quickly. Purchase them here.
5. Eating our way through the city – While masks and distancing will likely remain, dining out is the best way to support Dallas’s vibrant restaurant scene. The city’s brunch spots offer everything from fluffy pancakes to boozy mimosas and specialty coffee. Order ahead for take‑out or dine in. Discover the best brunch venues in Dallas here.
6. Strolling through Dallas Blooms (March & April) – As temperatures rise, the Arboretum’s annual Dallas Blooms festival showcases 500,000 blooms across vivid hues, complete with live music and Easter celebrations. It’s a springtime must‑visit. Check the event details and opening dates on the website.
7. Listening to Justin Bieber croon at the AAC (Aug. 6) – Justin Bieber’s evolution from teen idol to mature artist is on full display during his August performance at the American Airlines Center. The show promises hits like 'Intentions' and a dynamic live experience. Start the evening with a pizza and craft cocktail at Mio Nonno Trattoria, then buy your tickets here.
8. Hitting the Midway at the State Fair (September & October) – Although the State Fair of Texas has yet to finalize its 2021 plans, we hope for a full return of the midway’s iconic fare—fried Oreos, Fletcher’s corn dogs, and more. Stay tuned for updates on the fair’s reopening here.
