'The Lion King' roars into Fair Park Music Hall
Joan MarcusDashaun Young (as Simba) and Erica Ash (as Nala) appear in The Lion King, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at Fair Park Music Hall.
Usually parents have to choose between musicals for themselves and those for the kids. But Disney's The Lion King is that special family show that enchants both. Dallas Summer Musicals brings this big, lavish story of a lion cub that must cope with the loss of his beloved dad to Fair Park Music Hall.

Dave Matthews Band, Robert Earl Keen
Rock band and progressive-country artist perform tonight at Smirnoff Music Centre.

GRAPEFEST
The 21st annual GrapeFest is ripe with possibilities if you pace yourself. The four-day event, which starts Sept. 13, covers a spectrum of options: wine-and-food pairing demos; cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Pavilion; wine education; presentations by notables such as chef Brian Olenjack of Olenjack's Grille and Paula Lambert of Mozzarella Company as well as Colorado chef Keith Jones, a.k.a the Champagne Chef; and children's activities, including a carnival, midway and petting zoo. Vote for your favorite Texas wines at the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic, and don't forget to pick up your souvenir wine glass, which is included with paid admission to the consumer-judged wine competition. Take advantage of special packages aboard the GrapeFest Express, a festive makeover of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. And at GrapeStomp, attendees ages 13 and older can compete in teams of two to see who can stomp out the most grape juice. This year's festival makes room for beer, too. The "Here's to Beer" pavilion will offer a variety of bottled selections and samples.

• Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mostly on Main Street (between Northwest Highway and Dallas Road) in Grapevine's historic downtown. 1-800-457-6338. www.grapevinetexasusa.com $8, $5 for ages 62 and older and children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under. A weekend pass is $18; souvenir weekend pass is $23 (includes souvenir pin). Admission is Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Web site for more information on admission and location of festival events.

ADDISON OKTOBERFEST
Thousands are expected to throng the Addison area for the 20th anniversary of Addison Oktoberfest. The four-day celebration of German food (brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad and more) and beverages offers live music (polka bands), carnival rides and midway games, arts and crafts, yodeling and more. Stop in the biergarten to enjoy music by strolling accordionists and sample potato pancakes, handmade pretzels and apple strudel. A children's tent will host performances by Eddie Coker, the Side Street Circus and other entertainers. Other activities at the fest include sand art and rock climbing. • Sept. 20 from 5 to 11 p.m., Sept. 21 from 5 p.m. to midnight, Sept. 22 from noon to midnight, Sept. 23 from noon to 6 p.m. Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive. www.addisontexas.net $5 for ages 4 and older.

TASTE AMERICA
Dallas is among cities nationwide participating in the James Beard Foundation's Taste America, a celebration of American cuisine, on Sept. 28-29. The local version features a glittering gallery of area chefs, such as Anthony Bombaci, Kent Rathbun and Brian Olenjack, headlining a five-course dinner paired with wine at the Hilton Anatole. James Beard Foundation award winner Patrick O'Connell (of the Inn at Little Washington, in Washington, Va.) will be special guest at the dinner, which will benefit the foundation and Dallas Farmers Market Friends. The celebration continues the next day at Williams-Sonoma in NorthPark Center with a cooking demonstration by Mr. Olenjack, children's activities and complimentary tastings of treats supplied by local purveyors such as Henry's Homemade Ice Cream. • Sept. 28-29. 214-485-7300. www.jbftasteamerica.com • Dinner: Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway. $225. Reservations are required. • Cooking demo: Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NorthPark Center, North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway. Free admission.