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Things to Do | Sept. 18-25
Sept. 18-25
Plan your weekend with Richardson's Things to Do e-newsletter, published weekly every Wednesday.
Information on how to subscribe to the newsletter can be found at www.cor.net/ThingstoDo.
Dialogue Institute Dallas 2024-2025 Art Contest
The Dialogue Institute Dallas announced its 2024-2025 Art Contest’s theme of “Empathy: Walking in Another’s Shoes.” High school and college students from charter, public and private institutions in the DFW area are eligible to participate. The categories include painting/drawing and photography/video. Students can start working on their submissions during their summer break.
Time: Submission deadline is Dec. 7
Additional details: www.artcontestdfw.org
Game Zone
Join Heights Recreation Center for some fun in the Game Zone Room. Kids can play Xbox, Playstation, foosball, air hockey, board games and more.
Time: Open during Heights Recreation Center’s normal operating hours
Location: Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: $25 (yearly pass)
Additional details: Heights Game Zone
Sept. 18
Pink! - Art Exhibition
Curated by UTD Professor Dr. Diane Durant, Pink! is an art exhibition that is described as “a jolt, a juxtaposition, a precious nostalgia, an accident and a community.” Pink will have sculptures and paintings to works on paper and photography.
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Wednesday, Saturday & Tuesday), 1-6 p.m. (Thursday & Friday)
Runs through Sept. 28
Location: UT Dallas SP/N Gallery, 3020 Stewart Dr.
Admission: Free
Additional details: PINK! - Comet Calendar (utdallas.edu)
Sept. 19
North Texas Giving Day
Area residents as well as friends across the globe will join together to build a stronger and more vibrant local community through the annual North Texas Giving Day. The 18-hour “giving extravaganza,” sponsored by the Communities Foundation of Texas, raises money for North Texas nonprofits, including many with Richardson ties.
Website: www.northtexasgivingday.org
Humanizing the Homeless: Portraits, Signs and Songs
View this art exhibit that aims to raise awareness of homelessness. It is presented by UT Dallas Associate Dean of the Arts and Director of Choirs Jonathan Palant, SMU professor of advertising Willie Baronet and Canada-based artist Leah den Bok. It features images, taken by Leah den Bok, of those experiencing homelessness.
Time: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Runs through Sept. 30)
Location: UT Dallas Edith O’Donnell Arts & Technology Building (ATC), 1.1 Corridor
800 W. Campbell Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: Humanizing the Homeless: Portraits, Signs, and Songs - Comet Calendar (utdallas.edu)
Sept. 20
Car Seat Check-Up at CityLine
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1-12 in the U.S. and the best way to protect them is to ensure they are buckled up in the right seat every ride every time. Safe Kids Worldwide and State Farm are committed to protecting children on the road. This year, they are teaming up to provide educational materials and safety devices to qualifying families to help prevent tragedies. Attendees will have their car seat inspected by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon, Friday
Location: State Farm at CityLine Building 2 Parking Garage, 1251 State St.
Cost: Free, registration required. Register by calling 214-456-2059
Microsoft Word Intermediate
In this class participants will learn about keyboard shortcuts, page layouts, simple table, watermarks, leaders, columns, and how to insert an Excel table and pictures. Attendees must have taken a MS Word beginner level class or have equivalent experience.
Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Friday
Location: Library Millwood Creek Room, Richardson Public Library
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Admission: Registration and a valid RPL card required
Call 972-744-4355 to register
Additional details: Microsoft Word Intermediate | Event Calendar | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
CityLine Live Fall Series – Helio Portales
Live music returns to the outdoor plaza this fall. Join CityLine each Friday and Saturday in September and October and listen from one of CityLine’s restaurants or enjoy from the plaza. Hear from blues artist Aaron Burton. Lawn chairs, picnics, blankets and pups are encouraged.
Time: 6-9 p.m., Friday
Location: CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St.
Admission: Free
Additional details: CityLine LIVE featuring Helio Portales (Latin Music Night)
Sept. 21
Public Safety Expo
Join the Richardson Police Department for the annual Public Safety Expo. This family event is a day filled with excitement and education. Attendees can see police and fire department vehicles and engaging demonstrations from the K9 Unit and UAS (drone) Team. Explore booths from various vendors and City services offering valuable information on safety and emergency preparedness. Do not miss the chance to meet special guests such as Chase from Paw Patrol, Nat the National Night Out Knight and McGruff the Crime Dog.
Time: 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday
Location: Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: www.cor.net/Police
Richardson Replants Tree Giveaway
The first Richardson Replants tree giveaway will take place at the Public Safety Expo. To help replace the trees lost due to the severe weather event on May 28, 2024, the City Council launched Richardson Replants. This program will help restore the City’s tree canopy, which offers both shade and beauty throughout the community. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last.
Time: 10 a.m.-noon (Sept. 21, Richardson Public Safety Expo), Saturday
Other dates include Oct. 1 (National Night Out)
Oct. 5 (Richardson Public Library)
Oct. 19 (Huffhines Harvest Fest)
Nov. 1 (Texas Arbor Day Tree Planting Event)
Location: Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: www.cor.net/RichardsonReplants
Gardening Workshop
This workshop will cover the basics of gardening, which can be used anywhere – from where you live to where you work. It is designed for beginners as well as more experienced gardeners. Topics include tree selection and placement/tree care & management. The workshop will be led by Dr. Kevin L. Dilliard, SMU Director, Landscape Management and Sports Turf.Time: 10 a.m., Saturday
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: $10, membership to the Senior Center is not required
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 for more information
3rd Saturday Guided Boardwalk Tour
Learn about the wetland’s plants and animals and the fascinating history of the property. You can also learn about the innovative design of the wetland, the relationship the wetland has with water supply and the interaction between human engineering and nature.
Time: 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday
Location: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Ln., Combine, TX
Admission: Free with admission
Additional details: www.wetlandcenter.com
Asian American Culture Festival
Come enjoy street food and beverage vendors as well as cultural performances, cultural activities such as origami and yoyo, kid's activities and more. Includes a special performance from Jiu Long Lion Dance.
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday
Location: Dallas Chinese Community Center, 400 N. Greenville Ave, Suite 12
Admission: Free
Additional Details: Asian American Cultural Festival
Dungeons & Dragons in the Library
Adults and teens ages 13 and older can explore a mysterious manor, housing vile creatures and a terrible secret.
Time: 1-5 p.m., Saturday
Location: Library Millwood Creek Room, Richardson Public Library
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Admission: Free, registration required
E-mail StephenW.Davis@cor.gov to register
Additional details: Dungeons & Dragons in the Library | Event Calendar | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
Dinosaurs of Texas with BK Bones
Kids ages six and older can peek back into prehistoric Texas when dinosaurs roamed the wilds in this Library-sponsored event. They will learn about a dinosaur called Almosaurus, see an incredible fossil replica, and discover why paleontologist BK Bones calls Texas the “Bone Star State.” Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 2-3 p.m., Saturday
Location: City Council Chamber, Richardson City Hall
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Additional details: Dinosaurs of Texas with BK Bones | Event Calendar | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
CityLine Live Fall Series – Jason Hatch
Live music returns to the outdoor plaza this fall. Join CityLine each Friday and Saturday in September and October and listen from one of CityLine’s restaurants or enjoy from the plaza. Hear from blues artist Aaron Burton. Lawn chairs, picnics, blankets and pups are encouraged.
Time: 6-9 p.m., Saturday
Location: CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St.
Admission: Free
Additional details: CityLine LIVE featuring Jason Hatch (Americana)
The Brit Pack
The Brit Pack returns to the Eisemann Center Stage, promising an electrifying performance that celebrates the timeless sounds of British rock and pop.Time: 8 p.m., Saturday
Location: Hill Performance Hall, Eisemann Center
Admission: $30-$46
Additional details: Event Details | The Brit Pack (eisemanncenter.com)
Sept. 22
Tales for Tails
Kids entering grades K-4 can work on reading skills and meet some friendly companions when they read to live therapy dongs. Kids can attend independently for 10-minute sessions with a dog. All ages are welcome to meet the dogs after the event.
Time: 3-4 p.m., Sunday
Location: YS Storytime Room, Richardson Public Library
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Admission: Free ticket required
Ticket distribution begins 2:30 p.m. the day of the event
Additional details: Tales for Tails | Event Calendar | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
The Magic of Disney, Plus!
The Richardson Community Band brings back a favorite of their youngest fans: The RCB Children's Concert! Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney character for this concert! Dancing and singing is encouraged, and the kids will have the opportunity to conduct the band.Time: 4 p.m., Sunday Location: First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N Central Expy. Admission: Free Additional Details: https://richardsoncommunityband.org/
Zeeshan Ali Live
Zeeshan Ali, a Pakistani singer, has taken the world by storm with his music. “Zeeshan Ali LIVE” is a ghazal and sufi concert that is bound to teleport the audience through music.
Time: 7:30 p.m., Sunday
Location: Hill Performance Hall, Eisemann Center
Admission: $44-$104
Additional details: Event Details | Zeeshan Ali Live (eisemanncenter.com)
Sept. 23
Great Room Escape
Have fun with friends and family at the Great Room Escape. The theme of the room is 80’s House Party.
Time: Times vary
Location: Great Room Escape, 715 N. Glenville Dr.
Admission: $99.99 flat rate (1-3 guests), $28.99 per person (4 or more guests)
Additional details: Great Room Escape: The Nations Premier Escape Room
Sept. 24
Free Game Night in the Game Zone
Join Heights Recreation Center for a free game night and some fun in the Game Zone Room. Kids can play Xbox, Playstation, foosball, air hockey, board games and more.
Time: 5-8 p.m., Tuesday
Location: Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: Heights Game Zone
Richardson Reads One Book Author Lecture
Richardson Reads One Book author Brendan Slocumb will be at First Untied Methodist Church Richardson to give a lecture and sign copies of his book, “Symphony of Secrets.”
Time: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday
Location: First Untied Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expy.
Admission: Free digital ticket required
Tickets are limited to two per order and per e-mail address
Additional details: Get Free Tickets – Author Lecture and Book Signing with Brendan Slocumb – First United Methodist Church Richardson (tickettailor.com)
Sept. 25
Health Information and Wellness Fair
Join the Richardson Senior Center and attend the Health Information and Wellness Fair. There will be more than 60 vendors, free fitness class demonstrations, informational talks and flu shots. The Credit Union of Texas food truck will give away free lunches to all who attend, while supplies last. This event is for anyone 50 and older.
Time: 10 a.m., Wednesday
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd.
Admission: Free
Membership to the Richardson Senior Center is not required
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800
National Night Out
Join your neighbors, officers, city officials and other special guests for National Night Out and celebrate the partnership with the community and give crime a going away party.
Time: 6-8 p.m. (Oct. 1)
Location: Various locations throughout Richardson
Admission: Free
Additional details: www.cor.net/NNO
Cottonwood Art Festival
Attend one of the most prestigious fine art festivals in the country. See some of the finest artists during the first weekend of October.
Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Oct. 5), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Oct. 6)
Location: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Beltline Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com
Registration Open for Annual Gobble Hobble
Registration is open for the 19th Annual Richardson Gobble Hobble. This event, featuring a Family Fun Run and 5K benefits the Richardson Boys & Girls Club. There will be a Fun Zone which includes a free photo booth, balloon artist and street games.
Time: 8 a.m. (Family Fun Run), 8:30 a.m. (5K)
(Nov. 23)
Location: Galatyn Park, 2351 Performance Dr.
Admission: $35 (5K), $25 (Family Fun Run), registration required
Pricing to increase $5 per race after Sept. 22
Additional details: Richardson Gobble Hobble
Registration Open for Cottonwood Art Festival Chalk the Walk Contest
You don’t need to be Leonardo da Vinci to enter our sidewalk chalk art contest! Register for the Cottonwood Art Festival Chalk the Walk Contest for a chance to win big cash prizes. Artists will have the opportunity to bring to life a masterpiece on the sidewalks of Cottonwood Park. Spaces are limited.
Time: Registration open now
Contest takes place Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m.
Location: Cottonwood Park, 1301 W. Belt Line Rd.
Admission: $10 for youth (ages 12-18), $20 for teams and adults, registration required
Deadline to register is Sept. 26 (or when full)
Additional details: Chalk the Walk - Cottonwood Art Festival
Registration Open for Huffhines Harvest Fest Costume Contest
Ghosts, princesses, witches and superheroes unite! Sign up to participate in the annual Huffhines Harvest Fest costume contest for a chance to win cash prizes on Sunday, Oct. 20. Pre-registration is required for participation.
Time: Registration open now
Contest takes place Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.
Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd.
Admission: Free, registration required
Additional details: Huffhines Harvest Fest Costume Contest