The arts can bring different people together. One’s culture helps a vibrant community to appreciate each other with their diversity. Arts and culture also give the creative minds in our community a chance to showcase their knowledge and talent.
From theaters and museums to public libraries and art studios, there’s plenty to do in the Wichita Falls area for everyone regardless of their age, nationality, or religion.
In this new year, here are 22 things you can do in 2022 in Wichita Falls.
Tarzan: The Stage Musical Based on the Disney film
Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds,” make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience.
When: February 18 to April 2 at varying times.
Tickets: Adults – $29.00, Seniors/Military – $26.00, Students – $18.00, Kids (12 and under) – $16.00. Purchase here.
2022 entertainment schedule at the Wichita Theatre will also include Frozen, Jr (April-May), Newsies the Musical (July), Beauty and the Beast (September), North Texas rising (October), and A Christmas Story (December).
LOVE/SICK
Don’t miss this at Backdoor Theatre. Composed into short plays, LOVE/SICK, by award-winning playwright John Cariani presents nine whimsical vignettes on love, marriage, and grocery-store serendipity. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 85-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.
When: February 11 to February 26 with all shows at 7:30 p.m.
The Addams Family: A New Musical
The Summer Youth Musical will be coming back to Backdoor Theatre in July. The Addams Family features an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare – Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met.
When: July 15 to July 30 with all shows at 7:30 p.m.
Season tickets are available now for all Backdoor Theatre events! Due to the Dinner Stage still being under construction, no dinner sales will be available. If it is completed before the end of 2022, meals will be available for purchase at that time. You can purchase season tickets here.
2022 entertainment schedule at the Backdoor Theatre will also include The Cover of Life (May), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (August), Wait Until Dark (October), and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical (November and December).
An Evening of Improv – Backdoor Theatre
They will be making this stuff up! Ever seen Whose Line is it Anyway? Every show is different and the crew over at Backdoor Theatre have no idea what they’ll do next!
Bring a date and come laugh with them, or even AT them! BYOB, the show starts at 7:30 PM and is for ages 18 and up. If you are going to BYOB, please make sure your items fit in a cooler or bag that will fit under your chair.
Improv nights will be taking place on the following Saturdays: January 29, March 25, June 18, September 16, and November 5. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets here.
Wichita Falls Collectors Convention III
Join The Wichita Falls Convention Center on January 29th and 30th at The Event Center at Sikes Senter Mall. They will have tons of amazing vendors and fantastic voice actors from many of your favorite anime, including Dragon Ball Z. Tickets will be $10 at the door for the weekend!
MSU Texas Theatre
MSU Texas Theatre presents “Art” by Yasmina Reza. The production stars Luke Craddock, Brayden Young, and Davis Scobee, and is student-directed by Senior Jack Pittman.
“Art” is about one man, Serge, who buys a painting, and the reactions of his friends, Marc and Yvan, to his purchase. Marc’s response is quite volcanic; for him, Serge’s purchase of the painting threatens to wreck their friendship.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. January 21 and 22 and 2:30 p.m. January 23. All performances are at the Fain Fine Arts Theater. This production contains adult content. Tickets can be purchased here.
Elementary Art at The Kemp
Suitable for younger students; all supplies provided. This fun class explores a variety of art styles and media including drawing, painting, sculpting, and glass art. Students will learn about famous artists and the artwork that made them famous.
The program is for children ages: 5 – 9. Elementary Art takes place on the following Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Kemp.
- January: 11, 18, 25
- February: 1, 8, 15
- March: 1, 8, 22, 29
- April: 5, 12, 19, 26
- May: 3, 10, 17, 24
You can find more information and register here.
Everyone’s invited to take part in the sunniest and funniest street celebration in Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! This Feld Entertainment, Inc. production features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more in a sensory adventure live on stage. Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! visits Wichita Falls, February 2 – 3, 2022 at Kay Yeager Coliseum.
Sesame Street Live! will take place February 2 from 3 p.m., February 3 at 10 a.m., and February 3 at 2 p.m.
From the moment the curtain rises, parents and children alike will be on their feet dancing along to a pop-infused soundtrack with new Sesame Street friends and live emcees Casey and Caleb. Planning a party isn’t easy when everybody has a different idea of fun, but with some help from the audience, it becomes the ultimate reflection of what friendship plus teamwork can accomplish. Party guests will sing along to familiar songs, like “I Love Trash” and “C is for Cookie,” with Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster; dance to the beat with Elmo; explore a wintry wonderland when Abby Cadabby’s magic goes awry; take flight with Big Bird to learn about some of his fabulous feathered friends, and discover new cultures in an interactive Spanish lesson with Rosita.
The Everyday Monet at Horseshoe Bend Cellars Vineyard & Winery
Valen – Wines Palette Night
On Tuesday, January 24, Valen-Wines Palette Night is hosted by Tiffany with The Everyday Monet. Painting guests will start the evening off with a complimentary glass of wine and small finger food that will be provided before and during the painting class.
Two different options are available, single canvas and double canvas (couples). Guests will be taught how to paint their portraits. The painting class covers the general idea of how to create your version of the image. All canvases will vary due to skill level and creative mind.
Girl Scout Wine Pairing & Painting
Join The Everyday Monet for a once-in-a-year opportunity for a Girl Scout Cookie Wine Pairing and Painting Night. It will take place Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be able to taste 8 different girl scout cookies that have been paired with Horseshoe Bend Cellars Wine. As the evening moves on, Tiffany with The Everyday Monet will be teaching how to paint our Spring Cactus painting.
You can get tickets for both events here.
Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival
The 2022 Home and Garden show will take place in person at the MPEC Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall. On Saturday, February 26, the show will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This festival thrives on the combined effort of committee members, volunteers, non-profit organizations, and our community. The Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival makes it possible for the Arts Council to offer our community art galleries, classes for all ages, and youth camp programs. Additional details here.
New vendors, businesses, artists, farmers, and creators are always welcome to join! Vendor space is very limited, so it’s best to book your space as soon as possible. Please contact Nancy with the Arts Council for further information at(940) 767-2787 ext. 114 or assistant@artscouncilwf.org.
JUBA “Dare to Love: A Study of Trauma and Resilience”
According to Dallas-based artist, Juba, “Advocacy can be transferable in everything you do, even the visual arts.”
His neo-expressionist paintings, collage, and digital creations explore his childhood in foster care and the value of art in processing trauma and resilience. Immersive installations composed of artifacts from his childhood have been created specifically for this exhibition.
Juba received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and now works with children in foster care. It is Juba’s goal to be a voice in visual art while exploring these subjects in hopes to create individual and community awareness.
On Saturday, February 12, 9th Street Studios will be an artist talk with a Q&A starting at 5 p.m. It’ll cost you $10 to attend. The opening reception will be free and will start at 6 p.m.
Music In Pictures
Join The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra for an inspiring celebration of the vast diversity and creativity that makes us who we are. From the sights and sounds of Mexico to the basic elements of jazz and blues and our Wild West roots, the music on this program exemplifies the very essence of America.
Nicholas Bardonnay of Westwater Arts will join the WFSO for this special concert, presenting three dazzling photographic presentations: Mágico, Rodeo!, and a newly commissioned series featuring Wichitan Frank Yeager’s work, which will accompany Dvořák’s Largo from his famous Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”
Music in Pictures will take place on February 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium.
Tejas Storytelling Festival
Join the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU and the Arts Council of Wichita Falls for a trip east to Denton, departing from the WFMA. The trip will include a one-day entry to the Tejas Storytelling Festival, a beloved Texas tradition since 1985, along with light snacks, time with friends, and hassle-free travel. Lunch will be at the location.
The Tejas Storytelling Festival will feature ghost stories, Texas tales, a liars contest, a youth concert, sacred tales, a story slam, a story swap, music, workshops, and Cowboy poetry.
The festival takes place from March 10 to March 13. However, the date of his bus tour has yet to be announced.
Ensemble 4.1 – Music Series at Akin
Ensemble 4.1 is the only “piano windtet” of its kind, composed of four wind soloists from top German orchestras and one talented pianist. The group is devoted to performing repertoire from this wonderful musical genre.
The music series will take place Monday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $25.
After Hours Art Walk
Galleries, studios, and locally owned businesses in Downtown Wichita Falls will be open Thursday, April 7 for the first After Hours Artwalk (AHA!) of 2022. The walk is a monthly celebration of art. Take a relaxing stroll and explore art studios, galleries, restaurants, and shops!
Each event will begin at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month from April to October.
Zach Williams Spring 2022
Join Zach Williams and special guest Anne Wilson for a night of music and ministry that will fill your heart and have you singing along all night long!
Grammy award winner Zach Williams and his signature blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting are truly unlike anything else in Contemporary Christian music today. He and rising star Anne Wilson can’t wait to bring the Spring 22 Tour to your city, will you be there?
The concert is taking place Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. inside Memorial Auditorium. You can buy tickets here.
Prohibition Party at the Kell House – Rescheduled
The Kell House has rescheduled its fun prohibition-era-themed dinner for April 9 at 7 p.m. at the museum grounds located at 900 Bluff Street.
A long table will be set up on the grounds for a fun evening under the stars. There will be music, live art, a cash bar, and the best part? A reverse raffle! Your ticket price includes a chance to win $1,000. Only 100 admission tickets will be sold. Period dress is encouraged, but not required. Your speakeasy password will be sent to you via email in advance of the event.
The purpose of this event is to raise money to pay the insurance on the Kell House, raise awareness, showcase the house, and provide a fun evening for attendees. You can buy tickets here.
Cajun Fest
Save the date! Cajun Fest will be returning to downtown Wichita Falls on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The festival features a crawfish boil, Cajun and Creole food vendors, live music, specialty vendors, and activities for adults and children. Musical acts are to be announced at a later date.
The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra once again will welcome the brilliant Italian pianist, Alessio Bax, for a powerful ending to the 74th concert season in April.
Tchaikovsky’s “Little Russian” will delight with its intense harmonic colors and flowing beauty. The climax of the evening will be experienced as Alessio Bax brings his musical sensitivity and smooth touch to the intensely romantic Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1. Don’t miss this memorable season finale on April 30 at Memorial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
Dallas Zoo Animal Show at the River Bend Nature Center
The Dallas Zoo is coming to River Bend Nature Center on May 10th, 11th, and 12th. There will be two animal shows each day at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. This 45-minute interactive program features six to eight educational animals including a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. In the past, they have brought a reticulated python, a large bird of prey (owl or hawk), tortoise, alligator, opossum, 3-banded armadillo, porcupine, sloth, and penguins. This program is open to schools and the public.
Groups of 10 or more must call to reserve their spot. Don’t miss your chance to see these exotic animals up close and personal! Admission is $5 per person, and babies age 1 and under are FREE! Call 767-0843. Find out more details here.
Alice in Wonderland – Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre
This new world première ballet of Alice in Wonderland will not disappoint. Take the journey with Alice as she falls through the rabbit’s hole and embarks on a colorful and whimsical journey through Wonderland. Step into the surreal world of illusion, dreamlike scenery, and all your favorite Alice in Wonderland characters.
This new adaptation by the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatres Artistic Director, Mishic Liberatore, will carry you away to a true “Wonderland”. With outrageous tea parties, whimsical games of croquet, and extraordinary dance you will not want to miss this ballet.
Showtimes will be May 13 at 7 p.m. and May 14 at 1:00 p.m. over at MSU Fain Fine Arts Theatre.