It’s Labor Day weekend – a day where Americans rarely participate in the very activity we’re celebrating. Right? Actually, Labor Day is not just a bookend for the summer months or a cue to begin adding pumpkin spice to everything; it was created in 1887 to commemorate the social and economic achievements of American Workers who bring strength, prosperity and well-being to our great country. And so now you know. But for me, I like to celebrate it with food and fun! What better way to ring in the holiday weekend than with these great food, beverage and fun combos? For additional events across the Metroplex, check the events calendar.
Lager and Laughs by the Lake
Location: Lake Carolyn, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd. 75039
Price: Free Admission. Parking is $10 at The Summit Garage, 545 E. John Carpenter Fwy.
When: Friday, September 2, 2016: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
There is no better way to end the week than with a laugh! Laughs by the Lake, featuring Matthew Broussard and other performers, is the largest outdoor comedy show in North Texas. Over 1,500 people are expected to attend, so be sure to bring a blanket and/or lawn chair and come early for the best spot. Don’t worry about grabbing dinner first, there are food tents and trucks on site that will offer options such as burgers, BBQ, tacos and beer. Come hungry and be ready to laugh. Learn More
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Large Iced Raspberry Mocha and Local Musicians
Location: Gypsy Friday Open Mic at Supreme Coffee, 4070 N. Belt Line Road 75038
Price: There is no cost to participate, just show up at 6:00 p.m. if you wish to perform
When: Friday, September 2, 2016: 6:30 p.m.
Recently featured in Mozdeb Family Life & Style Blog, Supreme Coffee is the premier spot in Irving for quality caffeinated beverages and a spectacular atmosphere. Every week they feature Gypsy Friday where local talent drops by to showcase their music. And their large Iced Raspberry Mocha is just $3.99 this weekend. Learn More
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Lemon Drop Martinis and Memory Trip
Location: Cool River Café, 1045 Hidden Ridge Drive 75038
Price: No cover charge and Draft Beer, House Wines, Cosmos, Apple or Lemon Drop Martinis are only $5 each for Happy Hour
When: Friday, September 2, 2016: Happy Hour is from 4-7 p.m., Band performs at 9:30 p.m.
The Cool River Café offers great food and drinks, but Friday night they’ll also feature Memory Trip – a rock/blues band that covers songs from the 60’s through the 90’s. Come early for Happy Hour or stay late to hear the band . . . or do both. Hey, it’s the weekend.
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Fiesta Chicken Salad And Fencing
Location: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 75039
Price: Admission is free and parking is $8.00
When: Saturday & Sunday, September 3 & 4, 2016: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This fencing tournament is part of the USFA Super Youth Circuit, Region 5. It’s really neat how fencing is scored electronically now days and it's really fascinating to watch - like a waltz, sort of. The tournament is open to the public so come on down to the Irving Convention Center and grab a fresh Fiesta Chicken Salad from the concessions stand, then cheer on your favorite contestant. Learn More
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Smokin’ Joe’s and Singer/Songwriter Night
Location: Texas Musicians Museum, 222 E. Irving Blvd. 75060
Price: No cover charge
When: Friday, September 2, 2016: 8:00 p.m.
Discover Americana with Singer/Songwriter Night at the TMM. They’re featuring a wide array of artists including Rick Babb and Heather Little, with special guests Craig Wallace, Royce David James, Dan Hodan, Ron Sexton and Paula McClanahan. As always, Smokin’ Joe’s Place will offer their mouth-watering Angus burgers, grilled chicken and Nathan’s all beef hot dog plate specials. Don’t forget their craft beers, wines, margaritas and Bellini’s. Learn More
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Classic Burgers and Classic Cars
Location: Big State Fountain Grill, 100 E. Irving Blvd. 75060
Price: No cover charge
When: Saturday, September 3, 2016: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Recently featured on WFAA by Brandon Hamilton, Big State Fountain Grill has some of the best burgers around. With names like the Blues Brothers Burger, Barney Fife Buffalo Burger and the John Lennon Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you can’t help but reminisce on the ‘good ol’ days’ of rock and roll. To top it off, the first Saturday of every month is Class Car Cruise-In. Whether or not you drive one doesn’t matter. You might just catch a glimpse of one of these beauties hot rodding down Main Street and into the parking lot at Big State. Learn More
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Farm to Fork Food and Faron Gilbert
Location: The Ranch at Las Colinas, 857 W. John Carpenter Freeway 75039
Price: No cover charge
When: Saturday, September 3, 2016: 8:00 p.m.
We all know by now that Faron is a one-of-a-kind entertainer. If you haven’t yet had a chance to listen to him on The Porch at The Ranch, you should really go. While you’re there, you should try another classic – The Ranch’s Fried Green Tomatoes. I’d be lyin’ like a big dog if I told you that you could stop at just one. That there’s some fine eatin’. Learn More
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Bellini’s, Bliss, Moniker & Public Love Affair
Location: Texas Musicians Museum, 222 E. Irving Blvd. 75060
Price: No cover charge
When: Saturday, September 3, 2016: 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
These three bands cover a myriad of rock sounds. Bliss is an alternative rock trio from Dallas; Moniker offers more of a broad sound, recalling everyone from Orange Juice to Kate Bush; and Public Love Affair is all into the fuzzy psychedelic love rock. Come hang out at the neatest rock museum ever, listen to some funky sounds, and order up one of Smokin’ Joe’s new Bellini’s. They’re delish!
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Other ways to have fun this weekend …
- Ruth Paine House Museum Tours at 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3. But be sure to call by Friday so you can reserve a docent. | Ruth Pain House Museum, 801 W. Irving Blvd. 75061. $12, free for ages 11 & younger. Learn More
- Irving Arts Center is featuring rarely seen photographs of the extraordinary. This exhibit begins on Saturday, September 3| Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. 75062. Free Admission and Free Parking. Gallery hours are Mon-Tues-Wed & Fri from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00-5:00 p.m. This exhibit will run through January 29, 2017. Be sure to watch for Lyric Stage’s Camelot starting on September 9. You won’t want to miss it. Learn More
