Photo by Katie Bernet

Photo by Katie Bernet

July 4
Exchange Club parade
City Councilman Jerry Allen serves as grand marshal of the annual Fourth of July extravaganza presented by the Lake Highlands Exchange Club. The parade launches at 9 a.m. at the east end of Church Road, progresses past Lake Highlands High School and ends near the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center, where a carnival — complete with petting zoo, face painting, live music and sundry forms of summertime fun — ensues.
Lake Highlands North Recreation Center, 9940 White Rock Trail, lhexchangeclub.org, free

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July 1-Sept. 27
Life at the lake art
The White Rock Lake Museum in the Bath House Cultural Center presents Refreshing Journey, an exhibition of drawings inspired by White Rock Lake from Dallas artist Jenny Hong DeLaughter. The exhibition depicts scenes from life at the lake — images of family gatherings, landscapes, wildlife and other special moments.
Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, dallasculture.org/bathhouseculturecenter, 214.670.8749, free

July 3
Dallas Wind Symphony
The Dallas Arboretum hosts a patriotic concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wear your best patriotic attire for the costume contest. Gates open at 6 p.m. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6500, $10-$25

Begins July 3
‘Herbbits, Wizards & Borks! Oh My!’
The Pocket Sandwich Theater presents a Lord of the Rings satire featuring a brave, albeit inept, band of wizards, elves and something called Herbbits as they attempt to destroy the “Sable Impetus” before an evil dark lord uses it for his nefarious plan. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. An optional pre-show dinner is served 90 minutes before the production.
Pocket Sandwich Theater, 5400 E. Mockingbird, 214.821.1860, pocketsandwich.com, $10-$29

502July 11
Sara Hickman
Texas singer-songwriter Sara Hickman, whose songs have been covered by the likes of Robert Earl Keen and Willie Nelson, performs at 8 p.m. The critically acclaimed musician will be joined by a special opening act: her daughters, Io Hickman and Lili Hickman-Waldon.
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, 9555 N. Central, 214.363.0044, $18 advance/$22 door

July 4
Richardson fireworks
Choosing a fireworks show? One nearby option is the Family 4th Celebration at Richardson’s Breckinridge Park. Enjoy live music from Infinite Journey at 6:15 p.m. and The Richardson Community Band at 8:45 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.
Breckinridge Park, 3555 Brand, free

July 9 and 23
White Rock Local Market
From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., join local farmers, artisans and more for a neighborhood farmers market and purchase a variety of items — from fresh bread from the Village Baking Company to locally made organic bug traps.
Green Spot Market & Fuels, 702 N. Buckner, free

July 13
Too Hot to Handle
Join the Too Hot to Handle 5k & 15k at Norbuck Park for fun in the summer sun. The race began in 1995 and continues to be a crowd pleaser. So which will it be — the long flat 15k or the short and sweet 5k? Packet pickup at 6:30 a.m., race start at 7:30 a.m. and awards at 9 a.m. Packet pickup also available at Run On! Dallas at 5400 E. Mockingbird through July 12.
Norbuck Park at White Rock Lake, $30-$75 ‘

Through July 13
‘Stuart Little’
Dallas Children’s Theater performs ‘Stuart Little.’ It’s big excitement for a little mouse when Stuart leaves his human family in New York and travels across the country in search of the bird that helped save his life. Enjoyed by ages 5 and up.
Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, dct.org, 214.740.0051, $17-$26