Dallas has a lively nightlife scene, with enough in the way of performing arts and theater to entertain highbrows and more than enough bars and clubs to satisfy the young and the restless. In fact, in recent years the live music scene has outpaced that of Austin (which continues to call itself the "Live Music Capital of the World" but lost much of its cool in the dot-com makeover of the city). If you've come to North Texas to wrangle a mechanical bull, you may have to go to Fort Worth, but there are a couple of sturdy honky-tonks in Big D where you can strap on your boots and your best Stetson and do some two-steppin' and Western swing dancing.

For listings, check out the "Weekend Guide" section of the Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com) and the Dallas Observer (www.dallasobserver.com). You can also check the website of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.dcvb.com) for events.