Best bets for Memorial Day 2012 in Dallas-Fort Worth

by Sarah Blaskovich , Shannon Sutlief

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We answer the tough questions, like "What if I want to wear a bathing suit in public?"

Three-day weekend. That sounds good.

This Memorial Day weekend is sort of like a practice round for Fourth of July -- 'cept the Fourth is in the middle of the week this year, so if you're really going to let freedom ring, now's the time. Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers, and we'll start with patriotic events for you and your family:

You say: "I want to honor my country."

We say: You've picked the right weekend. Marvin Hamlisch returns to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for an Armed Forces Salute on Friday and Saturday, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra plays its annual concert with fireworks at Flagpole Hill on Monday. Residents to the east might enjoy Take to the Skies Airfest in Mesquite on Saturday and Sunday, which features an air show and balloons that glow. On Monday, families should head to the Memorial Day Celebration and Food Truck Festival at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. Veterans get in free.

"I just need to get out of the house."

CityArts Festival it is, in Fair Park. There's a free showing of Grease on Saturday and a '60s-themed dance party; plus indoor food shows; art classes for teens; and wine and beer samples.

"I like music."

Heard of a little band called Styx? They play for free at Liberty Fest 2012 in Farmers Branch on Saturday. Gin Blossoms also perform, plus there are unusual festival festivities like kayaking, archery, and rock climbing.

For our friends with red necks, check out the Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival, where the Levitt Pavilion features Ray Wylie Hubbard, local guy John David Kent, and more on Saturday. It's free.

Lastly, American Idol contestant Hollie Cavanagh is performing in McKinney on Saturday after a welcome home parade.

"I like music, but not that kind of music."

Homegrown Fest is right for you. The mostly Texan, mostly indie lineup features Ben Kweller, Eisley, Bright Light Social Hour, Centro-matic, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, and more. Tickets are $17 in advance or $25 at the gate.

"I'd really like to wear a bathing suit in public."

Grab your jorts and head to the Double Wide's parking lot pool party Sunday at 7 p.m. It'll get wet, it'll get wild, and it'll cost you $5. Enticed Shaved Ice will be there, and they recommend throwing a shot into your cone. Why haven't we thought of that?

There's also a concert and party on Lake Lewisville. It features Hubbard (if you didn't see him a day earlier in Arlington), plus a bunch of hipsters treading water. Worth the trip.

"Where can I get a drink?"

Two places: The Dallas Margarita Meltdown in Bishop Arts, or the Brew-B-Q at Deep Ellum Brewing Company. Both will make most drinkers plenty happy.

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