There is so much going on this weekend—a music festival, a DIY fest, nonprofit events, a community play, and more—so put on your best sneakers, strap on your fanny pack, dab a little sunscreen on that beautiful face, and walk your way to several incredible happenings in our special little town. Now, off to the races! 

Thursday, September 22nd

Oaktopia 2016
Multiple Venues, 5 PM, Thursday–Saturday
Oaktopia is back at it for its fourth year of incredible music and creative experiences, bringing Denton national acts such as Norah Jones, Rae Sremmurd, Dr. Dog, Cat Power (solo), Andrew W.K., and so much more—the local lineup is quite stellar as well. They’ll be kicking off this three-day event with Petty Fest, a tribute to Tom Petty featuring a slew of all-star musicians. In between seeing some of your favorite artists, there will be a fashion show, gaming tournament, panels, live art installations, vendors, and a plethora of activities/events to explore. You won’t want to miss this Denton, so if you haven’t bought your tickets—stop what you’re doing and do so now!

Broketopia 2016
Multiple Venues, Wednesday–Sunday
If you’re unable to throw down the dollars and make your way to Oaktopia, fret not. This DIY festival will be delivering 5 days of festivities, showcasing 35 bands in 6 houses and a crafthouse. Featuring music from local acts Warren Heuristic, New Science Projects, Orcanaut, and more, this bustled event will keep you on the go. Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? See event page for venues and times. 

Downtown Denton Food Truck Fest
Oak St. Drafthouse, 4 PM
Fuel up before you hit the streets of Oaktopia and join Oak St. Drafthouse and East Side for the Second Annual Downtown Denton Food Truck Fest. With over 30 food trucks available, you’ll find just about anything to satisfy your heart’s desire (or your ravenous appetite). This event runs from 4 PM–10 PM, so you can eat before or during the fest. Free, but don’t forget cash or credit for the trucks!

North Texas Giving Day Kickoff Event 
Courthouse on the Square Lawn, 5 PM
It’s North Texas Giving Day! #NTGD is an online giving event, where people across the world come together to raise money for North Texas nonprofits in a single day. Help kickoff this one-day event, and support local nonprofits from across Denton County. The commencement for this awe-inspiring event will take place on the Courthouse Lawn—5 PM sharp. 

Friday, September 23rd

Love Letters
Denton Community Theatre, 7:30 PM
The Denton Community Theatre presents, Love Letters by A.R. Gurney—a unique theatre piece unravels the love story between two lifelong friends who’ve held correspondence since childhood. The L.A. Times described it as “...a deftly woven portrait of two distinctive and endearing characters whose correspondence sustains them through half a century of personal and cultural change.” This captivating drama continues through Sunday, September 25. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the Campus Theatre Box Office or via phone at: 940.382.1915.

Weedzer / WrightMeansWrong (ATX) / Born Snapped / The Last Great American Rock Band
Gatsby’s Mansion, 8 PM
WrightMeansWrong (members of Capitalist Kids) makes their way up from ATX to exhibit their NOMEANSNO cover band talents. Weedzer, “the best cover band since weed,” will be rounding out the bill, along with the experimental, avant-garde musical stylings of new Denton locals Born Snapped and The Last Great American Rock Band. There will be a $5 suggested donation for the touring band. The party starts at 8 PM. 

Tribute Show: Billy Joel and Neil Young
Harvest House, 9 PM
Tony Ferraro sings the songs of American pianist/singer-songwriter Billy Joel and Daniel Markham’s band will be covering the acoustic folk-rock of Neil Young at Harvest House. The usual suspects—Ryan Becker, Scott Danbom, Trey Price, and Grady Sandlin—will be collaborating for a unique tribute to these classic artists. So stop by at nine o’clock on Friday, and maybe make love to a tonic in gin. (Sorry, not sorry.) FREE. 

Saturday, September 24th

September Brunch – Sailor Moon
Le Peep Denton, 11 AM
Calling all Sailor Moon fans! If you’ve been aching for the chance to sport your Sailor Moon cosplay or outfit, then join the Geek Girl Brunch gang at Le Peep for a celebration of all things Sailor Moon. Come dressed as the anime badass herself or as one of the other Sailor Guardians. This women’s 18+ event is $6 and will cover entry, champagne, and one raffle ticket for neat treats. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Tickets are available via the event page. 

Raised Right Men
Harvest House, 9 PM
Put on your best boots and scoot on over to Harvest House for a night of Honky Tonk with Raised Right Men. This country band stems from our own backyard, featuring members of long-time Denton bands Hares on the Mountain and Boxcar Bandits. This event is FREE, but come tip your hat (and perhaps your cash) to these fine gents—we’re in Texas, after all.

Sunday, September 25th

Sunday Social: Yoga + Beer + Brunch
Taps & Caps, 10:30 AM
After a weekend full of festivaling and general jollification, revive your body (and state of mind) with yoga, brunch, and beer. Hosted by Inspire Yoga, this event will include a yoga class, a delicious brunch, and a personally selected tap beer by the knowledgeable staff of Taps & Caps. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of. Stretch and be social on this Sunday, Denton. 

Concert Across America to End Gun Violence – Denton
Dan’s Silver Leaf, 2 PM
Join the good folks of Dan’s Silver Leaf for a night of remembrance, commemorating the victims of America’s gun violence epidemic with The Concert Across America. This series of concerts nationwide will band together artists and activists alike, advocating to end gun violence. A few of Denton’s finest—The Isaac Hoskins Band, Brent Best, Kelly Upshaw, and more—will be sharing the stage in an effort to turn up the music and to turn down the hateful rhetoric by bringing us together and honoring the victims through song. Listening to great music for a good cause? We’ll see you there, Denton. 

SHMU / Goldenjoy / TBA
Purple Palace, 7 PM
Close out your weekend with a musical affair at the Purple Palace. Austin-based Shmu brings their shoegazing ways for a night of experimental dream-pop, and Denton’s own Goldenjoy delivers the ambient pop to their electronic dance music. Another band is TBA, so keep your eye on the event page for updates. FREE! Festivities begin around 7 PM. W

Header image design by Jason Lee