What could be more fun than a cold drink, your friends, and some Texas charm? There is no place better to spend time with your buddies than in Dallas. The city has seen some growth since its early days as a trading post and cattle-grazing area and now stands as one of the most entertaining cities in all of America. Whether you’re looking for live music, shopping, or nightlife, Dallas has something for everyone. Here are four reasons why you’ll love spending time in this great city:

1) Theater:

Dallas is home to a thriving theater scene. In fact, Dallas Theater Center is the oldest continuously operating professional theatre company in Texas. Be sure to catch a live performance at one of their four locations throughout the city, including Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Samuell Grand Amphitheater, or The Quintero Performance Space.

2) Sports:

Suppose you’re looking for some action-packed fun with a little exercise mixed in; try taking your friends to a Dallas Cowboys football game. There is nothing more exciting than cheering on America’s Team from inside “Jerry World.” Other options include going to see FC Dallas soccer games or getting tickets for an event at the American Airlines Center, which hosts two NHL teams as well as the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

3) Concerts:

In addition to being a great place for sports, Dallas also has a lively music scene which is probably evident by the many venues around town that host concerts. You can catch up with coming bands early in their career at one of the smaller bars or clubs at Deep Ellum Art Company, Club Dada, Trees, or Reno’s Chop Shop. Some other places to check out include House of Blues, Club Clearview, and The Majestic Theatre, which hosts comedy acts as well as musical performances.

4) Museums:

There are quite a few museums in Dallas that are worth a visit. The most popular is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, named for former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot and his wife, Margot. This museum has five floors of science exhibits, including an interactive earthquake simulator, dinosaur fossils, and a butterfly garden. Other great museums include the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which commemorates the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, The African American Museum, which celebrates African American history and culture. Moreover, there is the famous George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which offers a unique look into the life and presidency of George W. Bush.