Rare Beers, Gin Popsicles, Block Party & More

Saturday marks the first official day of summer, and despite the fact that it'll be a blazing 97 degrees, it'd be a shame to spend it at home. Festival season is in full swing, with not one but two film festivals going down this weekend as well as the gigantic annual block party in the Arts District. Here are eight worthy events for the weekend that include beer, ice cream, gin popsicles and oh yeah, more beer:

WHAT: Watch the World Cup
WHERE: Practically anywhere that has a TV
WHEN: All freaking weekend (until July 13, in fact)
WHY: Because it only comes around once every four years, and it's a great excuse to drink beer (as if you needed one). Just to name a couple options: The Standard Pour will be showing games on its giant 100-inch screen, Trinity Hall has plenty of TVs and good pub grub, and The Londoner and The Old Monk are also good bets, if you don't mind a crowd. (Oh, and don't worry if you don't understand soccer — just cheer when everyone else does.)

WHAT: Oak Cliff Film Festival
WHERE: Texas Theatre/the Kessler Theater/Bishop Arts Theater
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday
WHY: The OCFF is a shining beacon for film buffs and cinema nerds. Individual screenings are $10 but there are a few free afterparty events, and a cocktails and croquet happy hour at Turner House. (The Taco Trail has a handy guide to the best nearby taco options, also.)

WHAT: Dallas Indie Festival
WHERE: Bath House Cultural Center near White Rock Lake
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday
WHY: That's right, two film festivals in one weekend. Most of the screenings are $15 individually; from noon-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m Sunday there will be an art festival with food trucks, art vendors and live music ($10 admission.
[Event Page]

WHAT: Arts District Summer Block Party
WHERE: Arts District
WHEN: Friday 6 p.m.-midnight
WHY: The annual block party features free admission to the Nasher, Dallas Museum of Art and Crow Collection, food trucks, live music, guided tours, film screenings, and more.
[Event Page]

WHAT: Slow Food Dallas Ice Cream Social
WHERE: Garden Cafe
WHEN: Friday 7-10 p.m.
WHY: Slow Food Dallas is hosting this event as a fundraiser to support their new education partnership with Skyline High School's culinary department at Garden Cafe. $15 admission includes local beer on tap, gelato sundaes, Lakewood Temptress beer floats and gin popsicles (!!).
[Event Page]

WHAT: An Evening With Firestone Walker
WHERE: The Bottle Shop on Lower Greenville
WHEN: Friday at 8 p.m.
WHY: Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Barrel Master Jeffers Richardson from California's Firestone Walker Brewing Co. will be in the house, and they'll be tapping rare kegs and pouring some limited-release beers.
[Event Page]

WHAT: Blues for Breast Cancer
WHERE: Babb Bros BBQ
WHEN: Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
WHY: Live blues all day long at Babb Bros at Trinity Groves; 100% of the money raised from food and drink sales will be donated to UNT Healthcare for Breast Cancer Education. Free admission.
[Event Page]

WHAT: Ice Cream Pajama Party
WHERE: Henry's Homemade Ice Cream in Plano
WHEN: Saturday 7-8:30 p.m.
WHY: Show up in your pajamas at the designated time and get a free quart of ice cream. It's part of Henry's 25th anniversary celebration to benefit the American Cancer Society.
[Event Page]