February might be a short month, but it’s home to one glorious long weekend. President’s Day, which falls on Monday, February 18, commemorates George Washington’s birthday, and it’s all the excuse you need to inject some extra fun into your weekend plans.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Autorama
If you’re a fan of anything on wheels, there’s no better place to be this year than the O’Reilly Autorama, which will stop by the Dallas Market Center on President’s Day Weekend. Check out all the best hot rods, muscle cars and custom cars in the business as the show celebrates its 59th year. Special guests include Aaron Kaufman of the Discovery Channel’s Shifting Gears and WWE Superstar Randy Orton. General admission starts at $19 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6-12 (kids under 5 are free). You can also purchase discounted tickets at your local O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.
“55 Years” Exhibit at the Sixth Floor Museum
For those who want to spend the long weekend learning more about our nation’s history, add the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to your agenda. In addition to the museum’s usual offerings, you can tour special exhibit “55 Years,” which commemorates the 55th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination by focusing on his depiction on magazine covers for the last five decades. The Sixth Floor Museum will also celebrate its 30th anniversary that Monday with a President’s Day Concert, featuring music written specifically for the occasion by award-winning Texas composer Jesus Martinez. The Julius Quartet will perform the piece, which takes the audience on a historical journey in three parts: “Sniper’s Perch,” “A Nation in Crisis” and “The Legacy.” The program will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are $30.
George W. Bush Presidential Library
To immerse yourself even more in all things presidential, stop by the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum at SMU. Though no special programming is planned for this year’s holiday, the museum is home to some fascinating permanent exhibits, including a full-size, exact replica of President Bush’s Oval Office and a moving exhibit, “A Nation Under Attack,” which commemorates the events of September 11 and features historical artifacts found only at the museum.
“Rainbow Vomit” Exhibit at Fair Park
If you’re more interested in engaging your artistic sensibilities this weekend, check out “Rainbow Vomit,” an interactive art exhibit near Fair Park. Much like its title suggests, this show is an aggressive sensory experience of light, color and sound. Installations include over 6,000 LED lights, 100 pounds of cotton, 50 pounds of glitter, five miles of ribbon and even one secret unicorn. General admission tickets are $25 on weekends, and the exhibit offers family pack discounts.
Presidents Day Brunch
Want a lighthearted way to cap off the weekend? Make sure to stop by the Rustic for a special President’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch is served family-style and runs $16.95 per person. The menu includes all the classics — French toast, country baked eggs, smoked cheddar grits — with $20 pitchers for the table. Rock and country musician Brannon Barrett will perform from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
The Dallas Arboretum and the Dallas Zoo
Lastly, if the weather holds up, don’t forget that two of your favorite outdoor venues are offering discount admission this time of year. The Dallas Arboretum is offering $5 general admission until February 22, and the Dallas Zoo is offering $8 Penguin Days through February 28.
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