Sunday

06-15-2025 Vol 1992

Celebrating Pride: Art, Music, and Community at the Arts District Block Party

The Arts District Pride Block Party is set to make a significant impact this year, bringing together a variety of performances and artistic expressions on Friday, June 20.

Taking place along Flora Street and in the surrounding museums, this vibrant event features a performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Enrico Lopez-Yañez.

The concert will showcase a mix of Broadway hits, beloved movie classics, and timeless disco favorites, making it an appealing choice for audiences.

Vocalists Maiya Sykes and Christian Dante White will lend their esteemed talents, while the Turtle Creek Chorale, composed of 250 members, will further enhance the celebratory atmosphere in the Meyerson Symphony Center.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, who holds positions as the principal pops conductor for multiple orchestras, will lead the performance that promises to be a highlight of the evening.

Maiya Sykes, known for her rich vocals and impressive credentials, has collaborated with icons like The Black-Eyed Peas and was recently featured in La La Land.

Christian Dante White brings Broadway experience from shows like My Fair Lady and The Book of Mormon.

The block party extends beyond the symphony with various vendor booths lining Flora Street from Olive to Harwood.

A community stage will host performances from 6 to 11 p.m. featuring local talents including Uptown Players, Bruce Wood Dance, and Dezi 5 Entertainment.

New to this year’s festivities, the Round-Up Saloon house dancers will showcase performance pieces and lead line dancing for attendees.

Ebony Lewis, a community muralist, will engage with the audience to co-create a work in progress that represents the spirit of the event.

Food trucks will be present along Harwood Street, providing a range of dining options while all three street museums participate in the celebrations.

At the Crow Museum of Asian Art, attendees can experience immersive exhibitions such as The Shogun’s World: Japanese Maps from the MacLean Collection and interactive activities inspired by Anila Quayyum Agha’s art.

The Cut Paper Design Studio invites participants to create designs that resonate with the themes of Agha’s exhibition, encouraging creative expression.

The Nasher Sculpture Center contributes to the festivities with musical performances from Cure for Paranoia, DJ Natural High, and Bleach & Friends.

The evening will also feature an outdoor screening of the acclaimed film Love Simon in the sculpture garden, complemented by exhibitions including Generations: 150 Years of Sculpture.

At the Dallas Museum of Art, a series of events will be held, including a Kiki Ball hosted by United Black Ellument, along with more line dancing and music from The Round-Up Saloon.

Guests interested in artistic activities can participate in sketching sessions or guided gallery tours, adding an interactive layer to the museum experience.

Current exhibitions at the museum include Marisol: A Retrospective and Nature and Artifice: Works on Paper from Durer to Rembrandt, showcasing a range of artistic styles and historical contexts.

Families and art enthusiasts alike will appreciate the annual treasure hunt, where participants search for LGBTQ artists’ works in the museum’s collection while learning about their significance.

As part of safety measures, each indoor venue will inspect bags and items brought into their buildings, allowing only small bags and cameras.

Large bags, duffle bags, and certain items like spray paints or permanent markers will not be permitted to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all.

Though there has been recent debate over firearms at public events in Texas, no such items will be allowed at the Arts District Block Party to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.

For convenience, parking is available beneath the Dallas Museum of Art and adjacent performing arts buildings, while those opting for public transport can use DART with an Arts District stop located just a few blocks from Flora Street.

Overall, the Arts District Pride Block Party promises to be a remarkable celebration of community, creativity, and identity, uniting diverse groups through art and entertainment.

image source from:https://dallasvoice.com/arts-district-pride-block-party-2025/

Abigail Harper