Dallas / Fort Worth: Attractions

About the Museum

The American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum is much more than a museum. It's a sight-and-sound, hands-on, window-seat look at the world of flight. It's an adventure offering you a chance to hear, see, touch and be a part of the exciting aviation industry. Best of all, it's a great place for the entire family - or any group - to enjoy, time and time again. The C.R. Smith Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated solely to commercial aviation. The museum opened in July 1993 and is dedicated to past and present American Airlines employees and C.R. Smith, longtime American Airlines president and aviation pioneer. The museum is a non-profit organization

museum hours: tuesday - saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
museum gift shop closes 30 minutes before museum closes |

Western Currency Facility Tour and Visitor Center

 (817) 231-4000 (local)

You'll see millions of dollars being printed during a tour of the BEP. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills!

As the U.S. Government's security printer, the BEP is responsible for the design, engraving and printing of all U.S. paper currency. A world leader in printing technology, the Bureau also produces portions of U.S. passports, materials for Homeland Security, military identification cards, Immigration and Naturalization Certificates, White House invitations, Treasury obligations and other U.S. securities.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Walkup visitors are welcome on a first come, first served basis. Visitors unable to make a tour time, may view the film, enjoy the exhibits and displays, or visit our retail sales area. Visitors are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to clear security.

 The Bureau of Engraving & Printing is closed on weekends, Federal Holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Tour hours are subject to change without notice.

The Tour and Visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with group and general public tours being conducted every 30 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visitors on the 2:00 p.m. tour, our last tour, should be checked in at the visitor center by 2:00 p.m to be on that tour, numbers permitting.

 In the months of June and July only, the Tour and Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with group and general public tours being conducted every 30 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors on our 4:00 p.m. tour, our last tour, should be checked in at the visitor center by 4:00 p.m. to be on that tour, numbers permitting

2009 Summer Employee Craft Demonstrations 07/27/2009 thru 07/31/2009

 Bureau of Engraving and Printing 9000 Blue Mound Road Fort Worth, TX 76131 817-231-4000 or toll-free 1-866-865-1194 (press 2 to speak directly with the tour scheduler)

 The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's (BEP) Western Currency Facility produces over half of the nation's paper currency in Fort Worth, Texas. A BEP employee will be at each of four "living" exhibits being showcased: a turn-of-the-century spider press, a mutilated currency desk, an engraver’s bench, and a platemaker-staffed table. Visitors will be able to directly interact with the experts about their respective crafts. The entire experience, including the walkway tour, is free! http://www.moneyfactory.gov

"'Old-Fashioned Fourth' celebrates Independence Day like a small town in a big city. The Village will be full of patriotic music, games, crafts and an 'all join in' parade. Come wave your flag and cheer on your favorite pie eater or enjoy a hay wagon ride around the grounds. Free with museum admission."

How did Dallas celebrate Independence Day from 1840 to 1910? Grab your picnic basket and bring the whole family to the Village to celebrate July 4th. Visit with characters in historic costumes, tour our historic buildings, play Victorian games and participate in hands-on activities. Play hoops with Mrs. Blum or play a round of croquet in front of the 1860s Farmstead. Kids can make a patriotic bracelet and a kazoo for the ride home! Ride the fastest stick ponies in town and compete in the Village's very own STICK PONY RACE!

Exhibit from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

 Tuesday, July 14, 2009 through Sunday, August 02, 2009

Event Hours: Tues-Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun, Noon - 4 p.m.

Mundo Maya is an eight-story, immersion exhibit that takes visitors from the waters of the Yucatan's gulf coast to the highland rainforests. This great culture believed that nature did not need to be conquered or subdued.

 Many plants and animals were given important roles in their daily lives. The land of the ancient Maya included the countries of modern day Belize and Guatemala, the western parts of Honduras and El Salvador, and five Mexican states (Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas).

Located at the southern tip of the African continent is a diverse and fascinating region. South Africa contains nine natural biomes, ranging from desert in the west to evergreen forest in the east. Dominated by a central plateau, the region has no navigable rivers.

The South Africa outdoor, lagoon-like exhibit represents both plants and animals from this area.

The entrance ramp to The Dallas World Aquarium is lined with interesting plants and animals indigenous to Borneo. The undercover, 200-foot long pathway, winds by habitats of birds, reptiles, mammals and fish.

 The critically endangered, white Bali mynahs have successfully reproduced in their exhibit. The noisy, Rhinoceros hornbill is easily identified by its colorful, gaudy bill and protuberant casque. The white Moluccan cockatoo shares its home with the Argus pheasant.

In the water under the pathway bridge are several species of freshwater fish, such as the Asian arowana and the Archer fish. The Pangasius catfish is considered endangered by USFWS. A pair of Matschie’s tree kangaroos often share their habitat with a young joey. Although part of the South African outdoor, second-level habitat, the purplish-black Lady Ross’s turaco can be seen at the entrance. Once inside, visitors can enjoy an outdoor exhibit shared by Fairy or Little blue penguins. These small penguins are from Australia as part of a breeding program in conjunction with the Melbourne Zoo.

The aquarium features more than 85,000 gallons (321,800 l) of saltwater with marine life from around the world. Walk through the 22,000-gallon (83,280 l) tunnel to experience a panoramic view of reef life.

 Many animals found at the top of the food chain can be seen in the Predators exhibit. Ten 2,000-gallon (7,571 l) displays present marine life from around the world - Palau, Southern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Bahamas, British Columbia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Japan.

Representing the waters of four continents, three oceans and various seas, the aquarium gives a glimpse of the underwater world. four continents, three oceans and various seas, the aquarium gives a glimpse of the underwater world.

July 4 Plano's Independence Day Parade celebrates the city's colorful past and bright future with floats, marching bands, antique cars and entries by dozens of businesses and community organizations.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. at Plano Senior High School at Park Blvd. and marches up Independence Parkway to Spring Creek Parkway. Information: planoparade.com. Via DART Rail Red Line to Parker Road Station, then Bus Route 452 Note: DART services will operate on a Sunday schedule on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Via DART Rail Red Line to Parker Road Station, then Bus Route 452 Note: DART services will operate on a Sunday schedule on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

July 4 Fair Park Fourth features spectacular fireworks, patriotic music, carnival games, great food and more throughout the grounds of historic Fair Park.

The event from 5-10 p.m. is free and includes admission to the park's museums. Information: fairpark.org Via DART Rail Red Line or Blue Line to Union Station, then Bus Route 60 Via DART Rail Red Line or Blue Line to Cityplace Station, then Bus Route 409 (Illinois Station) Note: DART services will operate on a Sunday schedule on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

DART's July 4 Holiday Schedule In observance of Independence Day, July 4, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will operate on the following schedule: Bus and light rail services will follow a Saturday schedule on Friday, July 3 and a Sunday schedule on Saturday, July 4.

The Trinity Railway Express will follow a modified schedule Friday, July 3 and will not operate on Saturday, July 4. Modified schedules for the TRE can be found at www.trinityrailwayexpress.org

03/19/2009 thru 09/24/2009

Fort Worth location - Hulen and I30 Central Market - 817 9894700 Original,eclectic Live Music on the Patio @ Central Market every Thursday night from 6:00 -9:00 pm. Free every Thursday for 30 weeks. Brought to you by The Fort Worth Weekly

Restaurants across Fort Worth

Colleen Petersen 972.788.4511 cpetersen@lovellpr.com Find sizzling dining deals at your favorite HOT spots during KRLD Restaurant Week (RW) presented by Central Market, August 17-23, 2009. Get acquainted with the region’s top menus, while supporting local establishments and charities. Enjoy tasty three-course prix fixe meals priced at only $35/person (tax, tip and drinks billed separately). Reservations required. Founded by KRLD Radio, the 12th annual promotion benefits the Lena Pope Home in Fort Worth ($7 of each meal goes to charity). Look for the full list of participating restaurants beginning July 13 at krld.com. New in 2009, become a fan on Facebook at: . http://www.krld.com/pages/2561351.php

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival

10/23/2009 thru 10/25/2009 Fort Worth Historic Stockyards 888-COWTOWN One of the top authentic cowboy festivals in the world. Music, ranch rodeo, cowboy poetry and more celebrate the heritage of the American cowboy. http://www.redsteagallcowboygathering.com

Glass Cactus Nightclub

What's the latest word on the hottest place in town? Join us for Happy Hour at Glass Cactus! Daily drink specials from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on the outdoor decks.

"Mein Shaft" — Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Where: Texas Star Theater in the Riverwalk Café

When: Every Friday and Saturday evening Seating begins at 7:00 p.m. Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Take a Short Trip to Big Summer Fun at Texas' Ultimate Staycation Destination

 This summer, Gaylord Texan invites visitors to experience a luxury destination vacation minus the travel expenses at the grandest hotel in the Lone Star State. In addition to the property's impressive amenities, its fifth-annual SummerFest event, taking place Thursdays through Sundays between May 21 and September 6, 2009, will feature a variety of festive events and entertainment for adults and families.

In celebration of summer, families will enjoy delicious dining experiences minus the cost at Gaylord Texan's restaurants each Thursday night —where KIDS' EAT FREE!

 Date: Thursdays Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Gaylord Texan restaurants, including Old Hickory Steakhouse, Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill, and Ama Lur. Children's menus at each will include: Old Hickory Steakhouse: Mini Kobe Burgers with Fries or Mac & Cheese with Fries Texan Station: Chicken Fingers with Fries or a Grilled Hot Dog with Fries Ama Lur: Pepperoni Flat Bread or Chicken Fingers Ages: Children 12 and under Cost: One free kids' meal with every adult meal purchase

Thursdays & Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Through October 17, 2009

Liberty Park Come experience open air European-style shopping in Historic Downtown Grapevine featuring the finest in handmade jewelery, home decor, antiques and a whole lot more. Remember to get your fresh produce from the Farmers Market at the Gazebo on Main Street.

At the Gazebo on Main Street In Historic Downtown Grapevine July 5, 11, 18, 25 & August 1 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 Free Entertainment • Family Fun & Refreshments • Shop Late • Sidewalk Sales • Gift Basket Drawings

Schedule of Events Saturday, July 5 - Picnic in the Park - This food-themed event will be organized by local Main Street restaurants with a variety of free tasty options from your favorite Grapevine restaurant.

Friday, July 11 - Aloha from Main Street - Grapevine goes tropical by bringing the beach to you! Beach balls, leis, hula-hoop contest and much more. Also, participate in the Elvis impersonation contest.

Friday, July 18 - The Round-Up - Dust off the boots and cowboy hat and have a good ole' time during our western themed night presented by Bank of the West. Hayrides, horse carriage rides, street dances and more.

Friday, July 25 - Family Fun Night at the Gazebo - Bring the entire family to an exciting night featuring face painting, balloon figures, children's games, ice cream, and much more!

 Friday, August 1 - Grapevine's 2nd Annual Talent Search - Find Grapevine's next big star through an entertaining Karaoke contest, complete with judges, prizes and more! Enjoy free carriage rides.

October 10, 2009 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

It’s free fun at the farm for the entire family! Activities will include stick pony barrel racing, stick pony buckin’ broncs, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, blacksmith demonstrations, arts & crafts, historic plowing demonstrations and hot dogs and hamburgers for sale from Grapevine AMBUCS. Call 817-410-3585 for more information or visit www.nashfarm.org Nash Farm, 626 Ball Street • Near Historic Downtown Grapevine Additional parking is across the street at Cannon Elementary.

Johnny Guadarrama Jazz Band

Saturday, July 11, 2009 5:30 p.m.

After Hours at the Kimbell Second Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join with other art-lovers on the second Saturday of the month. Listen to great music, enjoy gallery tours, and sip a cool cocktail (cash bar) in the beautiful setting of the Kimbell Art Museum

Kimbell Art Museum presents "Butchers, Dragons, Gods, and Skeletons"

 07/19/2009 thru 10/25/2009

Kimbell Art Museum 817-332-8451 The Kimbell Art Museum commissioned the distinguished filmmaker Philip Haas to create a series of film installations that interpret and elaborate upon paintings and objects in the Museum's permanent collection. http://www.kimbellart.org

Friday, July 24, 2009 5:30–7 p.m.

ARTFUL READINGS The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom, by Simon Winchester The adventures of the brilliant and quirky Joseph Needham are chronicled in this riveting biography tracing his search across China to understand the origins of some of mankind's greatest innovations. Moderated by Jennifer Casler Price, curator for Asian and non-Western art. Individual session fees for Artful Readings are $20 ($16 for Kimbell members). Show your registration confirmation at the Museum Shop to receive a special 20 percent discount for Artful Readings book selections. To register, call 817-33-28451, ext. 217.

From the Private Collections of Texas: European Art, Ancient to Modern

November 22, 2009–March 21, 2010

 The Kimbell Art Museum is organizing an exhibition of major paintings and sculptures bought by Texans for their private collections between 1900 and the present. The exhibition will focus exclusively on the art of Europe and the ancient Mediterranean from about 700 B.C. to the 1950s, with approximately 90 works. Featured artists will include Rembrandt, Guido Reni, Angelica Kauffman, Monet, Caillebotte, Cézanne, Picasso, Magritte, and Max Ernst. Since the first decade of the 20th century, when wealth in Texas began to reach a national scale, private individuals have collected works from the art of the American West to contemporary academic painting from America and Europe. By the time of the oil boom in the 1920s, a pattern of discerning collecting was established that emphasized European art from antiquity to the modern masters.

6/18/2009 through 7/23/2009 Time: Bring your kids to the North Texas History Center for a fun and educational summer! Each camp will spotlight a different activity, and allow children ages 8 and up and/or adults to learn in a hands-on environment. There is still time to sign up for one of our camps. Scout troops or individual Scouts may apply activities at these camps towards badges. Simply Sewing - June 18 Simply Stitching ...more

sarah@northtexashistorycenter.org Phone: (972) 542-9457 ext.102

6 - 27 - 2009

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (event web site)  

Admission: Adults:$4, Children:$2,  The first immigrants to North Texas arrived in the 1830s, mostly from Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, and other Upper Southern and Midwestern states. The new exhibit, Pioneer Roots, opens June 27 and reflects first person stories from North Texas pioneers, and highlights three distinct waves of immigration: Pre-Civil War, Post-Civil War, and circa 1910. In addition to the traditional main gallery, there is the non-traditional Hands-on Gallery, which allows visitors to experience what life was like for pioneers. LOCATION Location North Texas History Center Address 300 E. Virginia City, State. Zip. McKinney,TX. 75069

Join Hector Guzman, your Plano Symphony Orchestra, and the Patriotic POPS Chorus for a tribute to our beautiful country. Come early or stay after the performance and picnic on the grounds with your entire family. Enjoy your Plano Symphony Orchestra as they honor America and the people dedicated to preserving freedom!

Tickets: $10-$35 for reserved seating; groups and student rates available, Add $2 for tickets purchased at the door.

For more details call 972-473-7262 or visit www.planosymphony.org. Saturday, 04 July, 2009 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and the whole family to help celebrate Independence Day 2009 at Plano's All-American Fourth!Spectacular fireworks can be seen as the show is choeographed to music and simulcast on 97.5 KLAK.

 For more details call Plano Parks and Recreation at 972-941-7250. Saturday, 04 July, 2009

09:30 PM - 10:30 PM

CONCERT presented by Third String Productions Sunday, 12 July, 2009

Start Time TBA

Plano Centre 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, TX 75074

Quilt Plano 2009 presented by the Quilters Guild of Plano

Friday, August 14, 2009 from 9am to 6pm Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 9am to 5pm The Quilters Guild of Plano presents their 10th biennial quilt show observing over 27 years serving the greater Plano area. There will be approximately 300 quilts on display, a miniature quilt auction, kids quilts on exhibit, over 35 vendors selling and demonstrating quilt related products and sewing machines as well as longarm quilting machines. On Saturday there will be a drawing for the winner of this years raffle quilt, 'Indigo Friendship Star'. Raffle tickets are $1 each and Admission is $7 at the door, $6

We are extremely proud to be a three-time winner of the "Facility of the Year" Award from the DFW Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, and of our reputation for creating memorable events with innovative flair and style.

Entertaining does indeed take on a legendary meaning at Southfork. A wide variety of ballrooms, full-service catering, impressive decor and entertainment amenities and a special touch of Texas hospitality, make Southfork a distinctive option for event and meeting planners. Creative event themes and a full staff of event planning professionals make planning effortless and enjoyable.

Southfork is a renowned Texas legend and landmark that is home to more than 1,400 events each year and we love what we do! 

We would love to have your event as part of our legendary "Dallas" history.

Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive Happening daily at 11:30 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m.

The Cattle Drive travels through the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards on E. Exchange Avenue in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building and then back to the holding pens behind the Exchange building for viewing.

 Best Places To View The Herd Any Stockyards Station Restaurant with Outdoor Seating. Standing on the curb of Exchange Avenue in front of the Stockyards Visitors Center. The lawn in front of the Livestock Exchange Building.

Fort Worth Stockyards National Day of the American Cowboy

July 25, 2009 11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Fort Worth Stockyards 130 E. Exchange Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76164

 Saddle up for the Fort Worth Stockyards National Day of The American Cowboy on Saturday, July 25th. This 3rd Annual event has been named The Best Event of its kind in the nation by western lifestyle magazine, American Cowboy. So, don't miss out on a day dedicated to the cowboy and lots of fun!

Welcome to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame features many unique Western Exhibits such as: the Sterquell Wagon Collection, John Justin Trail of Fame, Chisholm Trail Exhibit, History of the Mexican Charro, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Zigrang Bit Collection, Adventures of the Cowboy Trail, our Western Gift Shop, and the Jersey Lilly Old-Tyme Photo Parlor. 

 The museum is located in Barn A, in what was once the horse and mule barns in the Stockyards.

 Visitors see three exhibits for one low admission fee. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors Texas men and women who have excelled in the sports of rodeo and cutting.

Each booth contains photographs and memorabilia; and many of the booths also have video, depicting the honorees’ careers in their respective events. (Learn about the nomination process)

Also included in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame are the Sterquell Wagon Collection and the John Justin Trail of Fame. The Sterquell is billed as “the world’s largest lifestyle wagon collection” and features more than 60 antique wagons, carriages and sleighs. Included in the exhibit: A Sicilian cart dating to the 1750s, with dramatic painted scenes and intricate iron work A Welsh funeral hearse, complete with beveled glass windows, gold leaf paint, and plumes The John Justin Trail of Fame

Roberta Harris: UP July 12, 2009 - September 6, 2009

"The exhibit UP is fundamentally about hope. Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is rather the ability to stand amid what is broken and chaotic and envision a positive future story.” – Roberta Harris "Fatcat", © Roberta HarrisRoberta Harris: UP will explore the role of culturally significant symbols and their meanings in art with a focus on the concept of “Hope” and its complements – joy, strategy, peace and imagination. Roberta Harris utilizes these thematic symbols to elicit conversation among viewers, as well as between the lone viewer and the art itself. Such discussions of hope can inspire actions that shape a better future for all.