07.15.11-08.06.11 FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT THEATERS $12-$16 Escape the summer heat during the 13th annual Festival of Independent Theaters, which features four weeks of one-act plays Thursdays-Sundays at the Bath House Cultural Center. The event showcases eight of the city’s independent theaters: Second Thought, Triple J Productions, Upstart, MaCa, WingSpan, One Thirty, Rite of Passage and Churchmouse. The festival includes plays spanning several genres, such as Triple J Production’s “One Phone Call” by Jon Christie. An art exhibit, “Fictional”, will be on view during the festival, featuring works inspired by the titles and themes of the shows. Single tickets are $12-$16, and festival passes start at $49. 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, bathhousecultural.com
07.03.11 INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT & PICNIC FREE-$12 The Dallas Arboretum hosts its Fourth of July celebration at 2 p.m. on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage, featuring rock music and patriotic tunes from the 36th Infantry Division Band. Highland Park Cafeteria will cater the event, but guests also can bring their own picnics. Admission is free for all active and retired military. 8525 Garland Road, 214.515.6500, dallasarboretum.org
07.04 EXCHANGE CLUB PARADE FREE The Lake Highlands Exchange Club hosts its annual July 4th Parade and Carnival at 9 a.m., starting at the North Highlands Bible Church and ending at Lake Highlands High School. The carnival will follow at 9:45 a.m. at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center, featuring a rock wall, hot dog-eating contest, a balloon artist, bounce houses and a petting zoo. 9626 Church Road
07.05-07.28 CONCERTS IN THE GARDEN $9-$17 The Dallas Arboretum continues its summer concert series on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month, featuring bands such as Emerald City, Petty Theft and Quebe Sisters Band. 8525 Garland Rd., 214.515.6500, dallasarboretum.org
07.09 & 07.23 WHITE ROCK LOCAL MARKET FREE Green Spot Market & Fuels hosts its twice-monthly market, featuring local food and products. 702 N. Buckner, whiterocklocalmarket.com
07.10 TOO HOT TO HANDLE Run On presents the Too Hot To Handle 5k/15k at 7:30 a.m. on White Rock Lake. The courses start at Norbuck Park, and awards will be given at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Protective Animal League and the Richardson Rotary Club. Registration costs $40 before July 9 or $50 on race day. East Northwest Highway & Buckner, 214.821.0909, runontexas.com
07.12 PUPPET SHOW FREE The Audelia Road Friends present puppeteer Lynn Baskind at 2 p.m. at the Audelia Road Library. 10045 Audelia, 214.670.1350