Through Aug. 26 Ugly Garden Contest 2012 Bring photos of your scorched, tired summer lawn and gardens to North Haven Gardens for a chance to win the Ugly Garden Contest and a $500 gift certificate to North Haven. The winner also will receive two free sessions with garden coach Kay Nelson as well as two spots in North Haven’s Gardening 101 class. North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven, 214.363.5316, free
Through Sept. 21 ‘Vectors: Abstractions in Aviation Art’ Dallas financial advisor and artist Don Parr uses abstract impressionist techniques with aviation themes. His works will be on display in this exhibit, showcasing his use of aluminum panels and constructions with aircraft designs. The Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon, 214.350.3600, $5–$8
July 1 Town North YMCA kids triathlon The Town North Y hosts its 12th annual kids triathlon at 7 a.m. For children ages 7-10, the event includes a 100-meter swim, 2.5-mile bike and .75-mile run. Ages 11-14 will do a 200-meter swim, 5-mile bike and 1.5-mile run. Proceeds benefit the Livestrong Foundation. 4332 Northaven, 214.357.8431, $35–$50 individual
July 3 Mobile dairy classroom As a part of the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program, the Preston Royal Library will host a traveling milking parlor featuring a live cow. Children learn from trained instructor Aaron Sanders how cows are milked and how the milk travels from farm to consumer. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128, free
July 4 Hillcrest Forest Fourth of July Beginning at 10 a.m., the Hillcrest Forest Neighborhood Association, Arthur Kramer PTA and Hillcrest Forest Volunteers in Patrol present the Hillcrest Forest Fourth of July celebration. The annual parade begins with a salute to the American flag followed by “The Star Spangled Banner.” Dallas Fire-Rescue will lead the parade of vintage cars, scooters and children on decorated bikes. After the parade, neighbors are invited to enjoy ice pops and balloon animals, and the “best dressed pet” will be awarded. Kramer Elementary, 7131 Midbury, free
July 6 Woodie Guthrie Fest preview show In preparation for the 15th annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Oklahoma, Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse will showcase artists Joel Rafael and Don Conoscenti. Susan Herndon is the opening act. Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central, 214.363.0044, $8–$15
July 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 MoMe Yoga Grab a yoga mat and your little one for MoMe Yoga at Bookmarks. At 10:30 a.m., mommies are invited to sing, play and feel great. Bookmarks NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.671.1381, free
July 13 SMU Institute for Young Pianists performance Twenty top students from the SMU Institute for Young Pianists will perform at NorthCourt from 4:30–6 p.m. These students, grades 3–12, are participating in an intensive workshop taught by SMU faculty, graduate pedagogy students and guest artist teachers. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.363.7441, free
