Lakewood parade

Lakewood parade

July 4
Lakewood parade
Put on some patriotic colors and join the neighborhood in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. Every year thousands of spectators line Lakewood Boulevard to watch elaborate floats roll by. This year the theme is “Lakewood Makes History,” which participants are free to interpret however they wish. There will be a Fun Run at 8 a.m., and parade participants should arrive at 9:15 a.m.  Begins at Lakewood and Cambria

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Slam poetry

Slam poetry

June 29
Slam poetry
Six spoken-word artists are prepared to confess their deepest secrets during the show 6ix Confessions at the Bath House Cultural Center. The show, curated by artist and fashion entrepreneur Rhianna Mack, starts at 7 p.m. and features poetry brought to life via shadow puppetry and live visual art.  Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, $10

July 4
Fourth of July parade
Little Forest Hills is celebrating with its 11th annual July Fourth parade, starting at 9 a.m. The event will feature musicians, the Dallas Tap Dazzlers, fire engines, wagons, strollers, bikes and lots of kiddos in red, white and blue. This year’s theme is “Disco Jivin,” so don’t forget your bellbottoms, tie-dye shirt and sunglasses. Join the crowd to boogie and celebrate our country’s freedom. The parade starts at the corner of Diceman and Old Gate and ends at Casa Linda Park.  Little Forest Hills Neighborhood Association, Diceman and Old Gate, email LFH4thofjulyparade@gmail.com

Through July
Concerts at the Arboretum
Every Tuesday and Thursday night, the Dallas Arboretum hosts a different band on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn. Bring your family, friends and favorite food and drinks, and enjoy a concert overlooking White Rock Lake. All summer concerts are from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.  Dallas Arboretum, reservations@dallasarboretum.org or 214.515.6615, $15-$17 adult members, $25-$27 adult nonmembers, $10 children ages 3-12, package deals available

Through July
Mayor’s Summer Reading Club
Regular reading throughout the summer vacation keeps academic skills sharp, inspires curiosity, enhances comprehension and vocabulary, and starts a habit for young people to become lifelong readers and learners. In an effort to encourage the whole family to read, Mayor Mike Rawlings kicked off the Mayor’s Summer Reading Club, an eight-week program powered by community participation and featuring weekly incentive prizes. Registration opened May 19. All 29 Dallas Public Library locations as well as the Dallas Public Library’s Bookmobile are participating.

Through July 19
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
The 2013 Shakespeare in the Park season opened in June with this Shakespeare classic, directed by guest director Sara Romersberger. In the play, Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, are to be married and great celebrations are to be had, but things do not go as planned. With magic, love and hearsay abounding, this story will capture audience attention until the very end. Performance time is 8:15 p.m. for all shows.  Samuell Grand Amphitheatre,  $10 adults, and $7 children/seniors

Through July 20
‘Pericles’
When Pericles discovers the dreaded answer to Antioch’s riddle, he flees for his life straight into famine, shipwreck, love and fatherhood. This story moves the audience through resurrection, attempted murder and pirates before reaching a divine revelation. Directed by executive and artistic director Raphael Parry. Performance time is 8:15 p.m. for all shows.  Samuell Grand Amphitheatre,  $10 adults, $7 children/seniors

July 20
Pancake breakfast
Join White Rock Kiwanis Club for their fund-raising pancake breakfast at Lakeside Baptist Church Family Center from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Chubby’s Restaurant on Northwest Highway will donate the food and cook. The event raises money for a Key Club at Bryan Adams High School, primarily for college scholarships and a trip to Washington D.C. The Kiwinis Club also supports White Rock Center of Hope.  Lakeside Baptist Church Family Center, 9150 Garland, 214.364.0770, $5