The 16 best things to do in Dallas this Halloween weekend

With the fall weather finally settling in this Halloween weekend, you would hope for a bunch of outdoor events to take advantage of the coolness. Alas, the top events in and around Dallas this weekend all take place indoors, including two theater productions, five concerts, a well-known comedian, three dance productions, the opening of a new art exhibition, a Halloween/fall-themed festival, a Disney film in concert, and a live version of a favorite game show.

Photo courtesy of World Ballet Company

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city’s best events.

Thursday, October 30

L.I.P. Service and Auriga Productions presents Richard III
This staging of Richard III reimagines one of Shakespeare’s most notorious villains through a contemporary lens – one that celebrates diversity, provokes dialogue, and refuses to shy away from controversy. In this interpretation, Richard III becomes more than a tale of ambition and deceit; it becomes a mirror reflecting today’s debates about power and representation. The production runs through November 16 at Bath House Cultural Center.

NBA YoungBoy in concert
The rapper NBA YoungBoy returns to Dallas for the second time in two months. He has become as well known for his music as he has his brushes with the law. His top-selling albums, including the new MASA, have had to compete with headlines about federal drug and gun charges, for which he was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump. He’ll perform at American Airlines Center, joined by Offset, NoCap, DeeBaby, Mellow Rackz, and Baby Mel.

Friday, October 31

Halloween happenings
For some people, Halloween is the best holiday of the year. Dallas restaurants are ready to serve with spooky events, sweet treats, and special themed dinners. For a list of haunted houses, click here, and for thrills on stage, go here. Ahead of the holiday, be sure to read up on some of Dallas’ most famous ghosts here.

Broadway Dallas presents Maria Callas in Concert: The Hologram Tour
State-of-the-art holographic technology will bring world-renowned opera star Maria Callas to life on stage. The concert will feature the legendary soprano’s digitally remastered recordings, and include arias from Bellini, Bizet, Verdi, Puccini, Gounod, and more, with live accompaniment from The Dallas Opera Orchestra. The concert takes place at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Dallas Comedy Club presents Jerrod Carmichael
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael has had a pretty good last few years after paying his dues for the first 15 years of his career. He directed his first movie, On the Count of Three, in 2021; released the acclaimed Rothaniel special in 2022; got nominated for an Emmy for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2022; hosted the Golden Globe Awards in 2023; and appeared in the Oscar-winning Poor Things in 2023. He’ll do what he does best – comedy – in two shows on Friday at Dallas Comedy Club.

TITAS/Dance Unbound presents Ballet Preljocaj
TITAS will welcome back France’s Ballet Preljocaj with their work, GRAVITÉ, an exploration of gravity. One of France’s most celebrated contemporary dance companies, the troupe is known for its bold, dramatic choreography, brought to life by skilled dancers and music. They will put on performances on Friday and Saturday at Moody Performance Hall.

Theatre Denton presents Dial M for Murder
This fresh version of the thrilling murder mystery Dial M for Murder, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, depicts where one man’s jealousy results in a web of deception and danger. The production runs through November 9 at Theatre Denton.

Saturday, November 1

World Ballet Company presents Cinderella
World Ballet Company’s production of Cinderella is performed live by a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, featuring over 150 hand-sewn costumes, handcrafted sets, and choreography by Marina Kesler. It’s an enchanting story for all ages with a dose of humor, majesty of classical ballet, and the promise of “happily ever after.” The performance takes place at Majestic Theatre.

Ballet Ensemble of Texas presents Dracula: Ballet with a Bite!
The annual production of DRACULA: Ballet with a Bite has become a tradition for the Ballet Ensemble of Texas, featuring unique twists to the traditional story. In addition to the performances, guests can participate in “The Vein Drain” (a blood drive in collaboration with the Carter Blood Center), “Drinks with Dracula” prior to the performance, and a “Fiendish Frock Fashion Fantasy,” a costume parade for the audience at the performance. The event takes place at Coppell Arts Center.

Dom Dolla in concert
Grammy-nominated Australian music producer Dom Dolla emerged with a string of critically acclaimed club hits, including “Define,” “You,” “Be Randy,” “Take It,” “San Frandisco,” ‘Pump The Breaks,” “Moving Blind,” and “Strangers” ft. Mansionair. His latest song, “No Room for a Saint” (with Nathan Nicholson) appears on the soundtrack for F1 the Movie. He’ll perform at Dos Equis Pavilion.

Patty Griffin in concert with Rickie Lee Jones
Singer Patty Griffin has had a long and successful career as a folk musician. Even though her career dates back to 1996, she had her best run in the 2010s, in which she won two Grammy Awards and scored a No. 1 album with 2010’s Downtown Church. A prolific songwriter, her songs have been recorded by Linda Ronstadt, The Chicks, Bette Midler, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, and more. She’ll perform at Longhorn Ballroom, joined by Rickie Lee Jones.

Maná in concert
Mexican pop rock band Maná is one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, having sold over 45 million records worldwide. Initially recording under the name of Sombrero Verde for their first two albums, they have released 11 albums in their career, most recently Cama Incendiada in 2015. Each of their last five albums went to No. 1 on the Billboard Latin chart, also landing high on the overall Billboard 200. They’ll play on both Saturday and Sunday at American Airlines Center.