Wed 15 – You’ll get lots of air if you go to Pump It Up today. The company specializing in indoor inflatables and play areas is celebrating its 15th birthday, and it’s doing so with cake, kids’ activities, and goodie bags for the first 100 kids in the door at both of its locations. The celebration is 4-6pm at 1500 Mall Cir, FW, and 1120 Eden Rd, Arlington. Admission is free.
Thurs 16 – Cowboy Santas is an organization that provides toys and books to low-income children during the Christmas season. Since you can never be too far ahead of the holiday, the charity is holding its Christmas in July fund-raiser with live music, hors d’oeuvres, and beer from the event’s host, Rahr & Sons Brewery, 5-7pm at 701 Galveston Av, FW. Suggested donation is $15. Call 817-392-5790.
Fri 17 – Hip Pocket Theatre’s second show this season is Tree Pop, a nonnarrative piece by Lake Simons that is set to the music of John Dyer and uses movement and forms of puppetry to convey its mood. Are the characters woodland creatures or children’s toys that have come to life? You’re invited to decide thru Aug 2 at 1950 Silver Creek Dr, FW. Tickets are $5-20. Call 817-246-9775.
Sat 18 – He just turned 82 last week, and now David McCullough will be in town courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art to discuss his 2011 book The Greater Journey, a history volume about 19th-century Americans who made their names in Paris, including James Fenimore Cooper, Samuel Morse, and Mary Cassatt. The talk starts at 6pm at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St, FW. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call 817-989-5030.
Sun 19 – Seven states are home to a county named Putnam, so we’re meant to be confused as to the exact location of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. (Springfield is probably the county seat.) You won’t be confused as to the location of the latest stage production of this musical, because we’re about to tell you. It runs Fri thru Aug 9 at Runway Theatre, 215 N Dooley St, Grapevine. Tickets are $12-15. Call 817-488-4842.
Mon 20 – One of the classics of film noir is Billy Wilder’s 1944 film Double Indemnity, which plays this week on the big screen. Marvel at the acting of Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson. Savor the twisty plot. Be amazed at the height of MacMurray’s waistband. Seriously, his pants ride up so high it’s worth the price of admission in itself. The film screens 2pm & 7pm Sun thru today at various theaters. Check Calendar for locations. Tickets are $6-10. Call 818-761-6100.
Tues 21 – Girls fans will want to head to the Modern tonight to see Tiny Furniture, the 2010 film by Lena Dunham that led to her creation of the TV show. You’ll recognize her sense of humor, her not-so-likable artiste character, the uncomfortable sex scenes, and various actors from the show (Jemima Kirke, Alex Karpovsky, Laurie Simmons). The movie screens at 7pm at 3200 Darnell St, FW. Admission is free. Call 817-738-9215.
