6 things to do this weekend

Festival of Chariots at Kalachandji Park. (Photo from Facebook).

Get a colorful taste of culture at the Festival of Chariots this Saturday, April 30, beginning at 10 a.m. The day kicks off with a parade down Lindsley Avenue followed by a full afternoon of live performances, henna, face painting and a kid’s carnival. Hosted by Kalachandji’s, the restaurant and temple on Gurley Avenue, the free day of events celebrate of Indian culture.

Photo from the Hollywood Heights Home Tour last year.

The Hollywood Heights Home Tour has something for everyone, including a 1929 Tudor and a 1912 prairie-style abode. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, from noon to 5 p.m. Now in its 25th year in the neighborhood, the event has grown to include an auction and candlelight tour for those who want a closer look at some of this year’s homes. There’s also the related Hollywood Art in Lindsley Park event at noon, featuring goods by local craftspeople and live music. Tour tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Curiosities Antiques, 2025 Abrams Parkway. Proceeds from the day’s event benefit local organizations like J.L. Long Middle School.

Now marking its fourth year, the Native Plants & Prairies Day returns Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Bath House Cultural Center. Hosted by the North Texas Master Naturalists, the free day of fun includes wildflower walks, Aztec dancing, a visit from Miko the bison and live music. More than 30 exhibitors, such as Roger “Snake Man” Sanderson, will offer booths and demonstrations.

Bugs and Brews mixes two of Texas’ favorite things in one event: crawfish and beer. From noon to 7:30 p.m. on May 1, the Granada Theater parking lot will become a festival filled with live music, suds and mudbugs. Eight locally renowned bands are slated to play on two stages throughout the day. Tickets (available here) are $14-$39 depending on how much you want to consume.

Consider yourself a carrot connoisseur? Good Local Markets will host a battle for the best carrot recipes, be it soup or bread or side dish. Prizes will be awarded for sweet and savory recipes. The public can come out to taste for $3 at the market at Lakeside Baptist Church, 9150 Garland Road, this Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no charge to enter the carrot contest, and you can register online. 

The Lakewood Kiwanis Club hosts a pancake breakfast this Saturday, April 30, to benefit the Woodrow Wildcat Jazz Band. Get your flapjack fix from 9-11 a.m. at the Skillman Church of Christ, 3014 Skillman. The band will keep the diners entertained. All proceeds will support the band.

It might not be quite the weekend, but the weekly concert series at the Dallas Arboretum celebrates the music of Richie Valens on Thursday, April 28, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sting Ray Anthony‘s “La Bamba Show” will provide the classic ’50s sound at the scenic amphitheater overlooking White Rock Lake. Doors open at 6 p.m. and food trucks Guava Tree and Azucar will provide bites for sale. Tickets are $10-$27 and available here. 

While there may be no words, kids will easily follow along with the action while watching “Balloonacy,” a play about an elderly man and his beloved red balloon that wraps up this weekend. Prepare to participate in this hands-on show at the Dallas Children’s Theater. The play, recommended for children ages 2 and up, runs through May 1 with performances at various times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets vary in prices.

Save the date: It’s still a few weeks out but sign-ups are required early for the Tim Brown Golf Tournament, a benefit for Woodrow Wilson High School on Monday, May 16, at the Tenison Park Golf Club. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. before the day ends with drinks, a raffle and a silent auction. The event is the major fundraiser of the Woodrow Wilson Athletic Booster Club.