Through July 15 ‘Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters’ Dallas Children’s Theater presents the tale of a great African king’s search for a wife. Beautiful maidens, rhythmic drumming and African song make this show a lot of fun. Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman, 214.740.0051, $20–$26

Through July 21 Shakespeare in the Park Shakespeare Dallas presents the 2012 season with “Twelfth Night” (through July 21) and “Coriolanus” (through July 20). Performances, which are held Tuesday–Saturday in an open-air amphitheater, begin at 8:15 p.m. Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre, 1500 Tenison, $7–$10 (12 and under free)

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Through Nov. 5 ‘Chihuly at the Dallas Arboretum’ The Chihuly exhibit continues with dramatic, colorful glass sculptures in more than 15 locations throughout the gardens. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings are “Chihuly Nights,” an opportunity to see the sculptures illuminated. Artist Dale Chihuly’s sculptures have been showcased in 97 exhibitions in seven countries in the last decade. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6500, $9 (child)–$15 (adult); Chihuly Nights $9–$20

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Basically Beethoven Festival 2012 Festival concerts are held in the air-conditioned Grand Hall and feature free, classical chamber music performed by the talented musicians of the Dallas and Fort Worth symphony orchestras, The Dallas Opera Orchestra and more. The concerts, presented by the Fine Arts Chamber Players, are held every Sunday afternoon, July 1–29. A “Rising Star Recital” at 2:30 p.m. precedes each 3 p.m. concert. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr., 214.520.2219, free

July 3 36th Infantry Division, U.S. Military Band concert The Dallas Arboretum hosts a patriotic concert from 7:30–9:30 p.m. Wear your best patriotic attire for the costume contest and have a chance at winning a family four-pack to Studio Movie Grill. Guests can preorder their food from Highland Park Cafeteria or purchase at the kiosk the night of the show. Gates open at 6 p.m. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6500, $9 (child member)–$22 (adult non-member), free parking

July 4 Lakewood Fourth of July Parade The 49th annual neighborhood parade and fun run kicks off at 8 a.m. with a one-mile run down the parade route. At 9:15 a.m., floats will begin to line up for the 10 a.m. parade, which begins at Lakewood and Cambria and continues to Winsted Park. Following the parade, friends and neighbors are invited to the park for watermelon, snow cones and more. This year’s theme is “Hollywood comes to Lakewood,” and the parade will be led by Grand Marshalls Mayor Rawlings and wife Micki. Lakewood at Cambria, free, $10 fun run (includes T-shirt)

July 4 Fair Park Fourth From 4:30–10 p.m., Fair Park hosts an evening of family fun complete with a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic concert, a dancing water show at the Esplanade Fountain and a fireworks show at the Cotton Bowl. During the event, admission to Fair Park’s participating museums will be free or reduced. Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum, free, $10 parking

July 4 Little Forest Hills Fourth of July Parade The Little Forest Hills Neighborhood Association’s 10th annual parade, featuring homemade floats, fire engines, classic cars, entertainers and more, will begin at the corner of Diceman and Old Gate at 9 a.m. This year’s theme is “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” and neighbors are invited to Casa Linda Park for watermelon, drinks and prizes following the parade. free

July 10–22 ‘Peter Pan’ Tony Award-nominee Cathy Rigby is coming to the Dallas Summer Musicals stage to present “Peter Pan.” The beloved classic tale is full of fantasy and adventure, and this Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated production brings it all to life. Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 First, 1.800.745.3000, $15–$75

July 13–15 Taste of Dallas Featuring food from more than 60 of the city’s best restaurants, the 26th annual Taste of Dallas returns to Fair Park this year. Chefs will offer culinary demonstrations in the automobile building alongside wine and beer tastings, cookbook signings, a culinary marketplace and more. Fair Park, 3600 Grand, 214.991.0199, $8, children 12 and younger free, parking $12

July 14, 28 White Rock Local Market From 8 a.m.–1 p.m., join local farmers, artisans and more for a neighborhood farmers market. July 28 will feature farmers, growers and artisan foods, while July 14 is the “everything” market with arts and crafts as well. Green Spot Market & Fuels, 702 N. Buckner, free

July 15 Too Hot To Handle 5k/15k At 7:30 a.m., runners face the heat at this race, held on the north side of White Rock Lake. Enjoy snacks and a beer garden in the sponsor village following the race. This event benefits the Protective Animal League and Team in Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program with a mission to raise money to fight blood cancers. Awards will be announced at 9 a.m. Norbuck Park, $30–$45