07.16.10-08.07.10 FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT THEATERS $12-$69 In what has become the longest-running theatrical event in North Texas, the Festival of Independent Theaters is back for its 12th year, featuring productions from eight different companies. From the whimsical recount of “Alice in Wonderland” to the musical styles of cabaret performer Denise Lee, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the month-long festival highlights four world premieres and five regional debuts. The lineup includes: “Alice in Wonderland” by White Rock Pollution; “Bible Women” by Echo Theatre; “Feeding the Moonfish” by WingSpan Theatre Company; “Georgie Gets a Facelift” by Churchmouse Productions; “The Muse” by The Drama Club; “Once More, With Feeling” by Second Thought Theatre; “Purgatory, a Bedroom Farce” by The McClarey Players; and “The Turquoise Pontiac” by One Thirty Production. Shows are under an hour and run Thursdays through Saturdays at the Bath House Cultural Center, 512 E. Lawther. Two-week passes are $49, four-week passes are $69, and individual tickets for Friday and Saturday evenings are $16. Otherwise, each showing is $12. For showtimes and other details, visit dallasculture.org. —Emily Toman


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07.01, 07.08, 07.15, 07.22 & 07.25 COOL THURSDAYS $8-$16 This month’s lineup for the Dallas Arboretum’s Cool Thursdays Concert Series begins with disco band Le Freak. Then comes Key West The Band, Professor D, 4 Way Street and Fast Lane. The shows start at 7:30 each night. 8525 Garland, 214.515.6518, dallasarboretum.org.

07.02
OPEN MIC READING
FREE Join poets and listeners as they gather for an open mic night at 7 p.m. at Half Price Books, 5803 E. Northwest Highway. Look for the event on the first Friday of each month.

07.03
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
FREE Close to 4,000 people are expected to gather at the Lake Highlands Exchange Club’s annual Fourth of July Parade and Carnival at North Highlands Bible Church, 9626 Church Road. Those who want to participate in the float contest should arrive before 8:30 a.m. to enter. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and goes to the high school, ending at about 9:45. Then the carnival kicks off at the Lake Highlands North Rec center, featuring a rock wall, hot dog eating contest, balloon artist and five bounce houses. For more details, call 214.802.8919.

07.18
TOO HOT TO HANDLE 5k &15k
$35-$50 If you can brave the 100-plus degree heat to participate in this run, you’ll receive a free T-shirt and other goodies. Plus, the registration fee supports the Protective Animal League. Both the 5k and 15k begin at 7:30 a.m. at White Rock Lake’s Norbuck Park near Buckner and Mockingbird. To register, visit runontexas.com.

07.22&07.23
NORTH TEXAS FESTIVAL OF DRUMS AND BUGLES
$25-$45 Drum Corps International will present a two-day showcase, featuring world-class drum corps from all across the country. It starts at 7 p.m. each night in Wildcat Stadium at Lake Highlands High School, 9449 Church. For more information, visit dci.org or call 317.275.1212.