Summer, sweet summer! It's time for travel and exploring new places, for staying out late and sleeping in, for booking every minute of your day with fun or just relaxing by the pool. It's time to basically put some joy into your June.
This month we are excited to announce the return of two major events - ZestFest at the Irving Convention Center on June 4-6 and Texas Summer Jam III at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on June 26. Also, you're invited to take part in the inaugural Irving Olympic Day on June 25-26.
Whether you like the outdoors, a small indoor gathering with friends or a fulfilling night on the town, come to Irving and experience it all. Take in the night life complete with live music, enjoy some weekend fun, get outdoors, visit the arts, or see what's going on at the Irving Convention Center, it's all waiting for you to explore.
IRVING'S NIGHT LIFE
Tuesday Nights
Set aside your Tuesday nights to try your luck at Texas Holdem. Each week at 7 p.m., Spirit Grille invites you to sharpen your bluff face and test your card game skills. There's no cover charge and the food and drinks are awesome! Aunt Cissy's Kitchen holds a family-friendly Trivia Night from 7-9 p.m. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. At The Ranch it's Toe Tappin' Tuesday where they give free line dancing lessons by Blake Elder Dance at 7 p.m.
Wednesday Nights
Join the Green Gator gang from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays for fun and prizes with Melodies and Memories Trivia. Test your knowledge with your friends, or against your friends. It's free to play and drink specials will be flowing from the bar!
Thursday Nights
No need to bring your money to this High Stax Poker table, The Green Gator at Toyota Music Factory offers free Texas Hold 'em games every Thursday. Play for prizes, meet friends or cheer on your favorite champion. Spirit Grille invites you to test your brainiac skills at Trivia Night each week at 7 p.m. Find out what knowledge is rolling around in the recesses of your mind, and have loads of fun with your friends.
Friday Nights
Every Friday night, Toyota Music Factory offers some DJ vibes to go with your dinner. DJ KJ scratches down at Green Gator from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Or reserve your seat at Reservoir for music with DJ Nana, starting at 10 p.m. For more beats and eats, visit Blaze Brazilian Steakhouse with DJ Tommy Blaze on the patio on Fridays from 6 p.m. to close or Saturdays from 7 p.m. to close. Or from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., you can wet your whistle and deploy your pipes at Karaoke Night down the road at Spirit Grille. Good friends, great food and a fun time can be found around town in Irving.
Saturday Nights
On Saturdays from 8 - 11 p.m., Nosh & Bottle offers both Texas Hold 'Em poker games and Karaoke. For double the fun, great hand-crafted drinks, and a delicious menu, come to everyone's living room for a good time on Saturday nights.
June 4
First Friday Takeout in downtown Irving offers diners the choice to dine in or order dinner online from one of these participating restaurants on Main Street: Big State Fountain Grill, Di Rosani's, Villa's Grill, Sapp Sapp, and Glory House Catering and Bistro (breakfast/lunch). Make it an intimate home date or bring your family and friends. Be sure to ask for their First Friday of the Month special.
LIVE MUSIC
June 26
And now for the moment we've all been waiting for, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory will open its doors to the first concert of 2021: Texas Summer Jam III presented by Whataburger. Musical guests include Robert Earl Keen, Hayes Carll, Kat Hasty, Tristan Marez, and more. Cody Hibbard and David Adam Byrnes get the pre-party started at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $18 to $89, plus fee. Purchase your tickets here. At The Pavilion, there's no bad seat in the house.
You can find live music all over Irving. Check out these restaurants and bars, then click on the musician's name or the venue for additional information.
| Mama Tried doors: 4 pm music: 10 pm | Mercy Bar & Lounge 8-10 pm | OUTLAW Taproom 5-8 pm | Southern Junction 8 pm | Texas Lottery Plaza Times Vary |
The Ranch 7-10 pm |
Two Mules Cantina 7-10 pm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 3 | Blind Rabbits | ||||||
| Fri 4 | Mo Robson | Erik Carrizales | Devin Leigh | Topanga | Phillip Johnson | The Shinglers | |
| Sat 5 | Sam Riggs | Thiago Nascimento | Tom Loris | Dirtwater Social Club | Faron Gilbert | Blake Dagley | |
| Sun 6 | Richmond Punch | ||||||
| Thu 10 | Luqman Rashada | ||||||
| Fri 11 | Elaina Kay | Mercy Band | Phillip Johnson | Super Kilo | Josh Ingram | Julia Hatfield | |
| Sat 12 | JD Monson | Alex Aguilar | Faron Gilbert | Julia Hatfield | |||
| Sun 13 | Ahyonz | Julia Hatfield | |||||
| Thu 17 | Ner de Leon | ||||||
| Fri 18 | Tres Hombres | Genevieve Allen | Raised Right Men | Josh Ingram | Shadow Canyon | ||
| Sat 19 | No Medina | Beth Diltz | Carleigh Reese | Deric Merrill | Shadow Canyon | ||
| Sun 20 | Natural Change | Blues Destroyers | |||||
| Thu 24 | Jade Nickol | ||||||
| Fri 25 | Erik Carrizales | Trees Marie | Phillip Johnson | Wade Skinner | |||
| Sat 26 | Matthew Gray | Phillip Johnson | Faron Gilbert | Clayton Gardner | |||
| Sun 27 | Clayton Gardner |
Other venues across town offer live music on the weekends, including Nosh & Bottle. Check their listing page often for an updated list of upcoming performers. Just click on the restaurant's link and scroll down to "Events."
GET OUTDOORS
June 25-26
Join people from all around the world to celebrate the joy of sports, encourage everyone to lead healthy and active lives, and promote the role of sports in society with Irving Olympic Day. At this two-day event, you can watch as a spectator or register to participate in several events around Irving, including field events, family fun runs, 5 & 10K runs, archery, boxing, volleyball and much more. Enjoy watching exhibitions in skateboarding and water polo. You can even learn how to play cricket with a free demonstration.
An official program of the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Day was created with the goal to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. More than just a sports event, it is a day for the world to get active, learn about Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. Click here for the event dates, times and costs, then move, learn and discover your favorite sports.
June 13
The NYLO is hosting a Fashion Show and Pop Up Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Freely wander through local small business booths and pick out those one-of-a-kind gifts. There are three fashion shows which start at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. One low price of $10 will admit you to all three shows. With special hotel deals and promotions drawn in a raffle, it's a fun way to spend your Sunday.
June 19
Zoom on over to the Toyota Music Factory for the Park Up Front Car Show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There's 20 restaurants on-site combined with vendors, music and more. And don't forget the car show. You can even register your car to be in the show by downloading their app. Admission is free and Make-A-Wish will be raising donations toward granting a wish.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4:45 a.m. or 6:00 a.m., you can join Camp Gladiator who offers a challenging and personalized, as well as socially-distanced outdoor workout at the Texas Lottery® Plaza at Toyota Music Factory. Afterwards you can stop by Freshii for some refreshingly healthy Energy Bites.
Wednesdays
Commit to HIIT (High-intensity interval training) involves bursts of high-intensity cardio and strength exercises interspersed with brief periods of recovery. It's a 45-50 minute high energy workout with a live DJ. This class is held every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. on the Texas Lottery® Plaza at Toyota Music Factory. Refuel afterwards with a refreshing blueberry Super Fro Yo from TCBY.
Thursdays
Barks and Brews is a great way to spend time with man's best friend at Two Mules Cantina in the Texican Court hotel. From 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy special drinks and be sure to bring your furry friends to enjoy dog treats and fun in the courtyard. Complimentary admission, open to the public. The Irving Parks and Recreation invites you to join their Cornhole League at the Texas Lottery® Plaza at Toyota Music Factory at 6 p.m. weekly. It's a free, fun and socially-distanced game for players ages 18 and older. You can sign up as a team of three or individually where you'll be paired with someone else on the free agent list.
Fridays
Relive the joys of recess as you relieve the stress of the work week! City of Irving Parks and Recreation will be at the Texas Lottery® Plaza at Toyota Music Factory providing FREE game equipment rentals. Adult Recess will begin before Texas Lottery® LIVE! on Friday nights!
Saturdays
Yoga-na need to get to the Texas Lottery® Plaza at Toyota Music Factory for this free energetic Vinyasa Flow yoga class. Combining synchronized breathing with purposeful movements, Poses on the Plaza meets every Saturday from 9-10 a.m. with Instructor Sashi Wilson. Free and open to all ages. For a healthy snack afterwards, stop by Yard House for a Spicy Tuna Stack.
Sundays
There are so many fun and imaginative ways to get or stay in shape. This is one of them. Pound Fit Class provides you with drum sticks to sweat, sculpt and rock out at the same time. It's not just a workout, it's a fun way to spend Sunday mornings. Begins at 10 a.m. at the Texas Lottery® Plaza at Toyota Music Factory.
WEEKEND FUN
June 19
Join your neighbors at Irving Mall for Splatter Day from 12 - 4 p.m. Bring Dad and help him create a masterpiece T-shirt. It's loads of fun. Advance tickets are $30. Click here to register and pick a time slot.
June 5, 12, 19 & 26
Stop by the Las Colinas Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lamberti's parking lot for some fresh produce, local honey, grass-fed beef, eggs, prepared cuisines, desserts, seasonings, woodcrafters and more. You can even pre-order items and pick them up at the market. CDC recommendations are followed.
June 20
Every third Sunday of the month, Reservoir treats you to their Fly Queens Brunch from 1-4 p.m. Hosted by Liquor Mini & Kandy Aisle, there's local talent and a Queen from around the country who will delight you with a drag show and fun experiences! Brunch specials are available too.
June 26
Cheer on your favorite arm wrestler at the 2021 IFA National Championship Armwrestling Tournament at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., watch as the athletes use only their arm strength to defeat their opponent. It's an exhibition of brute force, sheer will and mind-bending muscle mass. Admission is free.
Also on June 26, come celebrate Pride Month at Irving Mall's Banquet Hall. Meet with the stars from RuPaul's Drag Race Reunite - Elliott with 2 T's, APRIL Carrión, Mystique Summers, Gia Gunn and Milk Queen. Doors open at 7 p.m., showtime is at 10 p.m. Must be 18 or older. Call 832-992-6146 for VIP tables. Admission is $35-$250.
VISIT THE ARTS
Mondays
From 7 - 10 p.m., longtime Irvingite "Mama" Amy Stevenson hosts Mama's Party featuring local, regional, and occasionally national talent. Normally held live at MainStage 222, due to the health concerns of their patrons, Mama's Party is currently featured online only. Viewing is free and tips are encouraged through Venmo, so tune in to watch this one-of-a-kind show. See the lineup.
Tuesdays - Saturdays
The Irving Arts Center, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, is a 10-acre complex featuring two fully-equipped theaters, four galleries, and a beautiful sculpture garden. The Irving Arts Center alone hosts approximately 1,400 events annually, including 200+ performances and 25+ exhibitions, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors. The galleries rotate varied art exhibits throughout the year. Current exhibits include:
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Lonesome Dove: Photographs by Bill Wittliff —Larry McMurtry’s epic novel of two aging Texas Rangers who drive a herd of stolen cattle 2,500 miles from the Rio Grande to Montana to found the first ranch there—truly captured public imagination. The Lonesome Dove miniseries, which first aired on CBS in 1989, lassoed an even wider audience. | March 6 through July 11, 2021
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Signal from Noise - Signal from Noise presents selections from contemporary artist Sol Hill’s signature digital alternative process camera based artwork. Hill utilizes the artifacts that occur in the digital image making process produced from the influence of energies a sensor sees that the human eye does not. Hill’s interest is in exploring and expanding the visual repertoire of the medium of digital imaging and in exploring the intersection of art, science and spirit. Ever interested in juxtaposed contradictions, Hill’s finished works are presented in ways that blur the boundaries between photography and painting. | March 20 through June 26.
- Texas & Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition - Main Gallery - The Texas & Neighbors Exhibition is an annual collaboration between the Irving Art Association and Irving Arts Center. For 36 years artists from Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma have participated in this prestigious, juried exhibition. To learn more, visit TexasandNeighbors.com. | May 15 - June 21
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Amy Werntz: Portraits - Focus Gallery - Amy Werntz is an artist obsessed with time, of the fear of its passing and the feeling of not living in the correct moment. This passion plays out in her art which seeks to capture the seemingly insignificant moments of everyday life. | May 15 - July 10
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Join the Lunch & Learn Zoom group each week on Tuesday from 12-1:30 p.m. for an informal adult education program discussing art topics that tie into current exhibitions at Irving Arts Center galleries. Videos, lectures, peer presentations and guest speakers are some of the activities offered.
Wednesdays - Saturdays
The Irving Archives and Museum announces its new hours this month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $25 for groups up to 10. Reservations are required.
June 12
Celebrate a night of amazing vocalists and musicians celebrating Soul Music and Music for the Soul, presented by the Irving Black Arts Council in partnership with Inspiration Inc. in support of ArtsVision's Performing and Visual Arts Program. Attendees of this show will experience a night filled with visual arts, dance, drumming and more; featuring the music of Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Sade, Minnie Ripperton, Diana Ross and the like. Irving Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Admission is $15 - $20.
AT THE IRVING CONVENTION CENTER
The innovative and highly flexible Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas hosts a multitude of varied events throughout the year. Check the events calendar often, there's sure to be a show or conference to suit your fancy. The following are events taking place in May.
June 4-6
Do you appreciate the hotter things in life? Then ZestFest is for you! Indulge in a fiery food experience with the spiciest exhibitors and products from around the country. Enjoy cooking demos by celebrity chefs, live music, interactive contests and thousands of bold food samples. The main stage celebrity cooking demonstrations allow guests to ask questions and get tips from the region’s most renowned chefs. Top chefs returning this year include Jon Bonnell, of Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and Buffalo Brothers, and Eddie Deen. Visitors can watch fierce competition between gastronomic rivals or prove their gusto by participating in Wingstop’s Atomic wing eating contest, which is returning this year, or the jalapeño eating contest. From live music to food competitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Friday 1:00-6:00, Admission is $15
Saturday 10:00-6:00, Admission is $16
Saturday Also from 6:00- 8:00, enjoy dinner at ZestFest Eddie Deen’s Roasted Pig Dinner, additional cost
Sunday, June 6, 2021 10:00-5:00. Admission is $16
June 19
Meet some of pro wrestling's biggest stars at the SWE "North Texas Fury Fest," like WWE Hall of Fame's Kevin Nash. Teddy Long, Big Caz XL, 3-time WWE women's champion Melina, Enzo, the Boogeyman, Bushwhacker Luke, Mil Muertes, and many more, will be there for a night filled with "in your face" Texas-style pro wrestling. 2:30 - 10:30 p.m. Admission is $15 - $50.
After all this, there are additional area happenings. Just visit our website at www.irvingtexas.com/events. Be sure to tag us with your posts. #VisitIrving #IrvingRocks
