4 Ways To Celebrate Selena's Legacy in Dallas Next Weekend

It’s been 22 years since the death of Tejano musician Selena Quintanilla-Perez.

But her legacy lives on, and although she never claimed Dallas as her home, the city and all parts of Texas claim Selena as theirs.

Here are four ways to celebrate the Tejano superstar's birthday next weekend:

214Selena and The Oak Cliff Cultural Center Present Selena on 35mm
7-9 p.m. March 30, Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd., thetexastheatre.com, $10.75

The Selena tribute will begin with a screening of the 1997 biographical musical-drama Selena. Jennifer Lopez portrays the iconic Tejano singer’s rise that captures the heart of the Latino community.

“It’s important to celebrate the Tejano community in North Texas,” says Mary Katherine, Texas Theatre manager. “Selena the artist and [the] Selena film catapulted Tejano music into the mainstream in a way that no previous artist had.”

Katherine says there will be about 600 tickets for the film screening and advises guests to purchase them early.

214Selena Dallas Tribute Art Show
9-10 p.m. March 30, Top Ten Records, 338 W. Jefferson Blvd., free

After the screening, head to Top Ten Records. Rafael Tamayo, Oak Cliff Cultural Center general manager, says the store will showcase about 15 pieces from local artists in a free show. Tamayo says he’s hopeful the unveiling of a new mural commemorating Selena will be completed before the event.

“It’s all focused on artist perception and interpretation of what Selena means to them,” Tamayo says.

Selena Day at Country Burger
2-6 p.m. March 31, Country Burger, 401 S. Hampton Road, free

Country Burger is best known for its unique Selena memorabilia displayed around the restaurant. Tamayo says Country Burger is the pioneer of the celebration; it hosted the first event five years ago. Show up with your red lipstick and crystal bustier and compete in a lookalike contest in which contestants will present their best Selena impressions through song and dance. As in previous years, guests will gather around the dance circle and dance to Selena music, Tamayo says.

Guests also can buy Selena-based merchandise from local vendors and see a lowrider car show. Prizes for the lookalike contest include a contest plaque, merchandise and a Selena limited-edition vinyl.

214Selena Afterparty
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 31, Club Dada, 2720 Elm St., free

Get to Club Dada for the conclusion of the 214Selena event. The tribute will cap off with another lookalike contest, plus music by the Faded Deejays and Selena's nephew Svani Quintanilla, better known as Principe Q. Like Country Burger’s event, winners from the lookalike contest will be awarded prize packs.

“Her music is still as alive today as it was when she was making it,” Tamayo says of Selena. “Her legacy is continuing to live on. It’s really important to come together as a community to celebrate.”