Rian Purvis

Looking for a fun and family-friendly event? Look no further than the Plano Balloon Festival. This non-profit agency is dedicated to educating attendees about hot air ballooning while offering other local non-profits an opportunity to raise funds and awareness of their programs and services. With entertainment on the Main Stage, special kid's activities, skydivers, delicious food, handmade products, and unique hot air balloons, there's something for everyone at this weekend's event. Don't miss the 30 magnificent, colorful hot air balloons, including the fun Special Shapes that attend each year. And be sure to check out the Kids Fun Zone, with inflatable rides, obstacle courses, art activities, and more.

Experience the epicenter of cultural and entertainment activities in the heart of downtown Dallas at Fair Park. Originally built for the 1936 Texas World's Fair, this 227-acre park is home to many of Dallas' most unique and highly-specialized museums, sports facilities, and educational programs. Whether you're interested in the African-American Museum, the Museum of the American Railroad, the Museum of Nature & Science, or TI Founders IMAX Theater, there's something for everyone to enjoy, and let's not forget about the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park, The Hall of State, Texas Discovery Gardens, and South Dallas Cultural Center, all of which make Fair Park a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Granada Theater must have been quite the spectacle when it first opened in the Dallas market on January 16, 1946, with the screening of "Mildred Pierce." Even today, it continues to impress with its stunning exterior adorned with neon lights that evoke the glitz and glamor of Hollywood's Golden Era. You'll find plenty of art deco designs inside and out, with rounded corners and linear accents that harken back to a bygone era. You will want to attend the main hall's original art murals, designed by the same artists behind Los Angeles's famed Grauman's Chinese Theater. These grand-scale murals depict various film genres, while the ceiling features a stunning mythological "film goddess" standing over a film reel. It's truly a sight to behold.