Kids and family events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, March 25-31

by Alex Bentley

This week's events feature plenty to do across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including events in Dallas, Grapevine, McKinney, Irving, and Richardson.

This week's events for kids and family include a wide variety of activities, including African drumming in Dallas, a chance to ride a "real" Thomas the Tank Engine in Grapevine, a look-see at the vast array of talent in McKinney, an arts festival in Irving, and music for all ages in Richardson.

On Wednesday, March 25, the Dallas West Branch Library will present African Drumming and Storytelling with Leo Hassan. According to Young Audiences North Texas, "With "djembe" drum, shakers and sticks, Leo brings his love of African music alive. In addition to teaching children how to play traditional musical instruments, Leo also shares ancient folktales, songs, and dances from Africa. Basic rhythms and time, dance techniques and exercises come together for an exciting glimpse into African culture."

On Friday, March 27, Grapevine Vintage Railroad will hold the first of six chances to ride a life-size version of Thomas the Tank Engine. The 25-minute ride will include a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway, along with storytelling, viewing of Thomas and Friends videos, and more.

Also on Friday, the McKinney Performing Arts Center will jump on the bandwagon and present McKinney Has Talent!, an opportunity to "discover the wealth of talent around you and catch your neighbors, friends, family and complete strangers 'in the act.'" The semifinals will take place on Friday, followed by the finals on Saturday. In perhaps a nod toward fairness, the competition will be broken up into two divisions -- ages 11-16 and 17 & over.

On Saturday, March 28, the first of two days of Art Adventure Fest will take place at the Irving Arts Center. The annual family arts festival will feature performances by Doktor Kaboom, Eddie Coker, Hard Night's Day, Modern Man, RipTide, Havana NRG and local dance groups. Also on hand will be Atom, the so-called World's Fastest Painter, which seems like a claim that must be seen to be believed.

Finally, on Sunday, March 29, the Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson will hold the Annual Family Concert by the Richardson Community Band. The concert will feature tuba soloist Jason Wallace performing “Tubby the Tuba” and “The Carnival of Venice.”

Know of any kids and family events we should have mentioned? Tell us about them in the comments section below.