Do you remember as a kid how excited you were on the last day of school?  You could hardly concentrate as you said your goodbyes, talked about what you were doing that summer, or where you were going.  You couldn’t wait for the bell to ring before you bolted out the door, ready to embrace summer like a long lost love.

That excitement can be recaptured right here in your home town of Irving.  This weekend’s line up of events will bring back the sounds, smells and tastes of your childhood summers.  Check out the fun below and be sure to tag us at #visitirving when you post your selfies.

For more events in Irving and around the area, check the events calendar.

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Irving Arts Center

Irving Arts Center Carpenter Hall

Location: Irving Arts Center
Price: $25-53
When: June 24-26

Cole Porter’s Anything Goes – June 24-26 at 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday
This popular musical is a holdover from last week.  The story involves a colorful assemblage of passengers from a popular nightclub singer, to a Wall Street broker, to a conman, who all try to help the main character win the love of his life.  Does he get the girl?  You’ll have to see it to find out.  Nancy Churnin with The Dallas Morning News (21 June 2016) writes, “Experiencing Lyric Stage’s recreation of the original 1934 production of Anything Goes is, in a word, bliss.  It’s like taking a step back in time in the best way possible, to a world of richly textured, heavenly harmonies exquisitely conducted by Jay Dias, with nary a synthesizer in sight.”  This is the last weekend so don’t let this ship sale before you see it. Learn More

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Music and Entertainment

Live Music

Location: Around Town
Price: Free
When: June 24-25
The Lemon Blues Fest – June 24 & 25
This festival was rescheduled from April to this weekend, and boy, are you in for a treat!  With Texas roots as deep as the mighty oak, this Blues Festival honors the legends of Texas Blues – Blind Willie Johnson, Texas Alexander, and Blind Lemon Jefferson.  There will be a wide array of vendors for you to browse through offering an eclectic gathering of arts and music-related items.  There’s great Tex Mex and BBQ for sale, free concerts featuring Leo Hull Texas Blues Machine and Andrew Jr. Boy Jones, and much more!  Learn More

Hey, while you’re downtown, as long as you’re reminiscing about days gone by, stop in Big State Fountain Grill for a quick shake or bite to eat.  It’s Irving’s old fashioned diner.

Jerry Don Branch – June 24 at 8:00 p.m. | Texas Musicians Museum
Jerry, a graduate of the University of North Texas’ Jazz Studies program, will again rock the house in an all indoors show. And how can you beat FREE?  All they ask is that if you are so moved to do so, just drop a donation in the coffer.  All money collected goes to help the band.  Also the museum will be open for self-tours with a minimum donation of $5.00.  Burgers and chips will be available for purchase, as well as beer, wine, margarita’s, Belinni’s and more. Parking is free.   Learn More

Also . . .

KRLD Your Hometown – June 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Cool River
‘Your Hometown Tour’ will feature all things Irving while they broadcast live at Cool River Café.  The broadcast is open to the public so if you’re close by, stop in and meet the KRLD News personalities.   They’ll interview special guests and talk about some local people, places and topics that affect Irving, such as transportation, economic development and area history.  Come on by and take a peek.  You know you want to.    Learn More
Big City Outlaws – June 24 at 9:30 p.m. | Cool River
The hottest new country rock party band in the Texas Music scene, Big City Outlaws plays tunes from Wellie Nelson and Johnny Cash to the classics of rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, and Bon Jovi, to name a few.  Their energetic stage show, style and state of the art performance will be tomorrow’s talk of the town. Learn More

Faron – June 23 & 25 at 8:00 p.m. | The Ranch
A frequent performer at The Ranch, Faron has been entertaining The Porch goers for a long time.  While you’re there, take a look at their farm-to-fork menu.  Basically that means they buy local meats and produce, and you can’t beat fresh.  Do you know where Bandera, Texas is?  Well they do because that’s where they get their quail.  Local rocks!!   Learn More 

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Movies and Culture

West Library

Location: Irving Public Library – Valley Ranch, 401 Cimarron Trail 75063
Price: Free
When: June 25
Family Movie Matinee: 101 Dalmatians (animated) at 2:00 p.m | Free
For all ages, this Disney classic features Jim Dear and Darling and the two Dalmatian parents who must find their pups before Cruella de Vil uses them for a diabolical fashion statement. Rated G, 79 minutes (1961)  Learn More
 
Cinema 13: Rise of the Planet of the Apes at 4:00 p.m.  | Free
For ages 13 to adult, this classic is based on Andy Weir’s bestselling book.  Matt Damon leads an all-star cast as an astronaut stranded on Mars who’s trying to survive and figure out a way home.  Rated PG-13, 144 minutes (2015)     Learn More
 
Also . . .
 
Movie Night with the Irving Black Arts Council – June 25 at 7:00 p.m. | Irving Arts Center | $10 - $15
Everyone is welcome to enjoy this film festival competition of short-take films produced by African-American filmmakers.  Filmmakers will be vetted and movies must align with the organization’s requirements.   Movie goers will be asked to vote on their favorite movie with the winner taking home prizes and bragging rights!   Learn More
 
Israeli Scouts perform – June 27 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. | National Scouting Museum | Free
The Tzofim (pronounced Sō feem’) Friendship Caravan is continuing its annual tradition of traveling to America with two performances on Monday at the National Scouting Museum, 1329 W. Walnut Hill Lane 75038.  The 12 members are chosen based on their maturity, fluency in English, and of course, their talent in the performing arts.  After several rounds of competitive auditions and interviews, the scouts spend a year training and rehearsing for their exciting summer in North America.  This is a once-a-year opportunity.  And then check out the museum while you’re at it.  Talk about bringing back memories from grade school . . .    Learn More

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What is summer without some splash?

West Irving Aquatic Center

Location: Cimarron Aquatic Center, 199 Red River Trail 75060 & West Irving Aquatic Center, 3701 Conflans Rd 75060
Price: Varies
When: All Summer

Irving has two family aquatic centers that will be sure to delight kids of all ages, even moms and dads. Both centers are open to the public on Monday through Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Cost ranges from $2 - $8.  Take advantage of our generous Texas sun and come get your splash on!

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And more...

SUP NTX - Stand Up Paddle North Texas

A little known fact about Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canal in Las Colinas is that we have stand up paddle boards.  Yea boy!  At SUP (Stand Up Paddle) NTX, you can hop on a surf board, grab a paddle and float through waterfalls, tunnels and fountains as you take in the breathtaking scenery of Las Colinas.  There’s also a three hour sunset paddle tour on Friday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Prices start at 1 hour for $25, 2 hours for $40, or three hours for $45.   Learn More

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we also have gondolas that cruise the canal.  Bring your summer crush or best friend.  At Gondola Adventures, there are so many ways you can enjoy the European look of this area.  Starting at $140 for a one-hour tour for two, you can also have dinner on the cruise.   Learn More

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For more events in Irving and around the area, check the events calendar.