Summer temperatures are heating up, and so is Arlington’s event calendar. When you live in such a happening city, there is no reason to couch surf. So go on….ditch the remote control, grab your sunscreen and rock some selfies at my top 5 sizzling suggestions for summer fun!
Dumplin’ movie night and author book signing at Levitt Pavilion, June 27
Free movie, BYOW (wine) and a chance to support a fellow writer. Yes please! Two thumbs up! Bring lawn chairs and blankets, picnics and coolers, but no glass containers.
Baywatch Bash at Texas Live!, July 5
<Cue “I’ll Be Ready” theme song> Long before there were Sharknados, there was Baywatch. It was a much simpler time with slow motion beach running, a signature red swimsuit, and David Hasselhoff’s signature curly locks. Ahhhh yes, I watched the show. There, I said it. I may never get the chance to be a Baywatch Babe on the world’s most watched TV program, but I can roll like one at Texas Live! They say to dress in your favorite swimsuit and lifejacket to be ready for the floatie contest AND the hula hoop contest. Who’s ready? <points to self> This gal right here. <END “I’ll Be Ready” theme song>
The Galactic Swag Expo at the Esport Stadium Arlington (formerly the Arlington Convention Center), July 27-28
Nerd alert! Listen, one doesn’t need a pocket protector or the ability to speak Klingon to claim nerdom, so go ahead and sign me up. My creds include a handmade Poison Ivy costume and the ability to talk for hours about why Marvel is superior to DC; I can also rattle off compelling reasons why Pickard is superior to old Kirk (much harder argument with the new Kirk, but I digress). Therefore, I say unto you…let your geek flag fly and join me for a family friendly celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, electronic gaming, and pop culture; suit up for a cosplay competition, autograph sessions and more. Let your pulse race (like Hahn Solo on the Kessel Run) for everything from meeting "Buck" Rogers, to seeing a replica of the Millennium Falcon cockpit, and hanging with well-known Cosplayers like Scarlet Muse. Heck, you can even see the Batmobile from the 1989 movie!
The Texas All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival, August 10
This is the final season for Globe Life Park, and the Rangers are planning an amazing farewell party! Guests will enjoy samples of hundreds of global craft beer, wine, and cocktail brands, and enjoy live entertainment and DJ's; I’m also excited about the games (think giant Jenga, Connect Four, Cornhole, Hula Hooping, Yard Pong, and much more). Guests will receive 2 tickets to a 2019 Rangers game, FREE PARKING, free admission to the official after party at Texas Live!, giveaways, activities, and a keepsake sampling glass.
Texas Live! First Birthday Bash, August 9-11
Celebrate Texas Live! for a full weekend in August! See their website for details, but there will be confetti cannons filled with cash, live music entertainment, giveaways, family fun, and more. I wasn’t born an Arlington citizen, but I became one as fast as I could. When I arrived in 2004, Arlington was in the process of adding the Dallas Cowboys to our already exciting Entertainment District. But something was missing. After visiting lots of other sports arenas, I noticed the absence of a dining and entertainment hub to magnetize residents and visitors from surrounding communities on gamedays and concerts. A place where all teams could converge to enjoy southern hospitality, great food and festive vistas. Enter Texas Live! in 2018. I still remember the night that it opened! It was bigger and better than I could have imagined. I’m proud to call Arlington my home. Proud of who we have been and proud of what we are becoming. Can’t wait to see where we will be in another 1o+ years. To infinity and beyond!
