Dallas, TX
Whose Books' Anniversary Celebration Promotes Reading Culture in Dallas
Whose Books in Oak Cliff is marking its third anniversary Saturday, November 9, with Shelf Shuffle, a communal celebration and book drive benefiting Activating Reading Communities Organization (ARCO), the nonprofit overseen by Whose Books founder Claudia Vega. ARCO will also be celebrating by offering discounts for Whose Books customers, prizes, and vendors for attendees to enjoy.
“Whose Books [is] a social impact, independent bookstore that handles…the retail piece of the book selling, right? And then our nonprofit arm is ARCO, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that handles all of the programming, all of the community outreach, [and] all of our gifting of books into the community,” says Vega, explaining the relationship between the two organizations.
Vega sees the two-pronged approach of engaging with the community through both Whose Books and ARCO as critical to fulfilling the mission statement she and her husband, John, set for themselves when they originally opened their store in a small space in Tyler Station. They had spent 20-plus years working as Dallas educators. “I think my husband and I had always had this…dream of opening up a bookstore for our community,” she says. “We both grew up here in Oak Cliff, and reading was a really big part of both of our lives as children.”
They were aware, though, that not everyone had the same access to books that they did growing up. Working in education frequently reminded them of this fact. “It was just very inconsistent in Oak Cliff for a long time with what kind of book access and book ownership access there was,” she says.
The Vegas identified the root cause of the reading challenges facing their community. They built their store to promote a culture of reading for residents. They put together a plan to use Whose Books to tackle these issues of access head-on. Their initial idea was met with some skepticism, though. “We got a lot of…side glances and weird comments and people who didn’t want to lease to us,” Claudia Vega recalls. They were told that unless they sold alcohol, the store would not be successful. The skeptics told them that Oak Cliff already had The Wild Detectives, so another bookshop would be redundant.
“Wild Detectives is a great bookstore,” says Vega. “We love it. But what we were trying to create was something different, right? Something that was more family-centered and community-facing and that centered primarily on reading culture and books, not coffee and alcohol. And it wasn’t easy, but we were fortunate enough that we found an incubator space over at Tyler Station to…launch things and test it out.”
In 2021, Whose Books opened in Tyler Station in the central Oak Cliff neighborhood of Elmwood. The community response, Vega recalls, was overwhelmingly positive. It outgrew the space, and in 2023 they relocated the shop to its current location in Bishop Arts. After the move, Vega launched ARCO to execute on Whose Books’ mission in new ways.
“One of the things that we realized really, really quickly was that we were going to need to do more than just have the bookstore,” says the founder. “We were going to need to have a very focused, mission-driven effort in the form of a nonprofit.”
Vega says about half of the people they interacted with were already readers who were excited to support Whose Books, but they also had a number of patrons who she recalls “were curious and who [were] maybe new to reading, that [had] never been in a bookstore before and didn’t really know how to engage with it…but wanted to.”
Since its founding a year ago, the nonprofit arm, ARCO, has been busy. “We’ve had over 100 free community-facing, literary-focused events this year,” says Vega, who serves as the nonprofit’s executive director. “That [includes] story time, author events, book clubs, community, and conversations, but all centered somehow on literature or a book.”
ARCO has donated over 2,000 books through many of its programs. “We’ve made this huge kind of impact in getting people talking about and engaging with books in our community that previously hadn’t, and it really has been beautiful.”
Shelf Shuffle represents the next evolutionary step for Whose Books and ARCO.
“We’re encouraging people to bring us donated books that are gently used,” says Vega. “We are asking for books that are from 2019 on, with an emphasis on BIPOC stories and voices. That’s a big part of what ARCO does, is to really uplift inclusion and representation in literature, knowing that if people see themselves in the literature, they’re more likely to engage with it.”
The book drive will also help ARCO expand its scope of influence. “We have people in other parts of the community, other ZIP codes that we engage with and say, you know, we really want some book access there. Well, then these donated books will give us an opportunity to help and go put books in these locations.”
ARCO employs “pay what you can” format for the used books, and any proceeds help cover the costs of free storytime events and book giveaways. The event will also feature a live jazz band, as well as a handful of “coffee and populist vendors” according to Vega, who says the ultimate objective is “creating a community space for people to come together and to engage with each other in a way that’s festive, but also helps to uplift literature.”
The Saturday, November 9, anniversary celebration at Whose Books is scheduled from 11 AM to 2 PM. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP for free here. 512 W. Davis St.
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Egypt takes on the Socceroos on Friday, July 3. See ticket prices for Dallas
Editor’s note: See all updated scenarios for the 2026 World Cup tournament bracket
The most volatile group has come to a close at the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt and Iran played to a 1-1 draw late on Friday night, which allowed Belgium to rise up from third place all the way to the top spot in the group while Egypt took second. Iran will have to wait and see if their third place finish is good enough to qualify for the knockout round.
As the Group G runner up, Egypt will take on Australia in the round of 32.
SHOP: Egypt vs. Australia 2026 World Cup tickets
Australia finished as the second-place team in Group D, sitting on four points. Egypt and Australia will face off in Dallas on Friday, July 3, the final match of the round of 32.
Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Egypt vs. Australia World Cup tickets.
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Egypt vs. Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets
As of publication, the cheapest ticket to attend the Egypt vs. Australia costs $834. Lower-level seats for the round of 32 match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas start at $1,083.
Egypt World Cup next opponent
Egypt will take on Australia in the round of 32. Australia finished as the runner up in Group D, finishing the group stage with one win, one draw and one loss.
Shop Egypt vs. Australia tickets
Egypt World Cup schedule
- June 15 – Egypt vs. Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle – DRAW 1-1
- June 21 – Egypt vs. New Zealand at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver – WIN 3-1
- June 26 – Egypt vs. Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle – DRAW 1-1
- Friday, July 3 – Australia vs. Group G runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (round of 32) – Shop tickets
World Cup Group G Standings
| TEAM | POINTS | RECORD |
| Belgium | 5 | 1-2-0 |
| Egypt | 5 | 1-2-0 |
| Iran | 3 | 0-3-0 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 0-1-2 |
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Australia World Cup schedule
- Australia vs. Turkey – WIN 2-0
- Australia vs. United States – LOSS 2-0
- Australia vs. Paraguay – DRAW 1-1
- Friday, July 3 – Australia vs. Group G runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (round of 32) – Shop tickets
World Cup Group D Standings
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Restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth are doubling down on their patriotism for the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, firing up limited-time deals and celebratory menus that range from elevated, reservation-only experiences and skyline dinners to casual fast-food specials, family meal packs, and grab-and-go treats designed for star-spangled celebrations. Special props to those that have found a way to work in “1776” and “250.”
Here are the DFW spots offering patriotic specials and deals. (Note: This list will grow as more are announced closer to the holiday.) For a list of top 4th of July events and fireworks, go here.
Black Sheep Coffee is celebrating America’s birthday over Fourth of July weekend with $4 matcha drinks from July 3-5. The special is good for small Iced Vanilla Matcha, Iced Blueberry Matcha, and Iced Strawberry & Cream Matcha drinks, with a $1 upgrade to a 16-ounce medium. The offer is available in-store and through the app at all four DFW locations.
Cantina Laredo is bringing back its patriotic USA ‘Rita for the Fourth of July weekend. Available July 3-5 at the Addison and Frisco locations, the festive frozen cocktail puts a red, white, and blue spin on the restaurant’s signature Casa ‘Rita with layers of Blue Curaçao and strawberry purée.
USA ‘Rita at Cantina LaredoPhoto courtesy of Cantina Laredo
El Chico is spicing up Independence Day weekend with Family Meal Packs available July 4-5 at its Rockwall location only (503 Interstate 30, Rockwall). Options include Family Fajitas ($73.99) with chicken, steak, or both; Family Tacos ($47.99) with 12 tacos and sides of rice and refried beans; and Family Enchiladas ($49.99) with a choice of beef, cheese, spinach, or chicken enchiladas, all serving six to eight people.
Ford’s Garage, the Plano burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is celebrating America’s 250th with a patriotic meal deal available July 1-4: an American Standard Burger, fries, and select draft beers or a soft drink for for $17.76, in tribute to the nation’s founding in 1776.
HTeaO tea shops are celebrating the Fourth of July with a pair of patriotic summer specials. Through Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America’s 250th cup. From July 1-4, participating locations will also offer three gallons of freshly brewed tea for $17.76, a nod to the year the United States declared its independence.
JD’s Chippery is celebrating Independence Day with festive Fireworks Cookie Cakes, available in a variety of sizes and cookie flavors with hand-decorated patriotic designs. The bakery’s Preston Royal location is also hosting a daily Cookie Happy Hour through July 31 from 5-7 pm, featuring a buy-one, get-one-free cookie deal.
JW Steakhouse at the JW Marriott Dallas is marking Independence Day with a four-course dinner for two on July 4. Priced at $195 per couple, the menu includes buffalo bison cigars and shrimp ceviche tostadas, a toasted farro salad with Fredericksburg peaches, a pepper-crusted tomahawk steak with charred cipollini onions and black garlic truffle purée, and chipotle chocolate cake with Garrison Brothers bourbon cherry sauce. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional charge.
Kessaku will offer a Fourth of July experience with limited window seating atop The National in downtown Dallas. Guests can reserve exclusive window tables with a $250 deposit, securing panoramic skyline and fireworks views from one of Dallas’ highest dining destinations.
Luckys Diner on Oak Lawn Avenue is celebrating Independence Day with a Stars, Strips & Sausage special available July 1-4. The $10.49 meal includes a grilled sausage plate with potato salad and pinto beans, with the option to add a slice of apple pie.
Monarch is marking Independence Day with Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a Fourth of July celebration atop The National on July 4. The experience features a prix-fixe dinner priced at $150 per person (with a $55 children’s menu), served from 5:30-10 pm, along with optional window seating for fireworks views. The menu will include dishes such as wagyu filet, wood-grilled branzino, hamachi crudo, hearth-grilled lamb ribs, and a shared s’mores dessert. Monarch is also offering a limited-time gift card promotion over the July 4 weekend: purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $50 bonus card for a future visit, available July 4-5.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a lineup of festive cakes and patriotic-themed desserts. Seasonal offerings include a patriotic decorated cake, Fireworks and Freedom Bundtini toppers, and the return of S’mores Made With Hershey’s through July 19, featuring chocolate cake with milk chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham streusel. From July 3-5, Bundtastic Rewards members can earn 250 bonus points on any purchase as part of the holiday promotion.
Nothing Bundt Cakes are getting patriotic for the 4th.Photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes
Sonic is celebrating America’s 250th with a limited-time America $2.50 Menu available through July 12. Participating locations are offering fan favorites for $2.50 each, including the returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float, Jr. Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, and medium onion rings. The chain is also serving drinks in limited-edition commemorative cups.
The Statler in downtown Dallasis celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with all-day dining, drink specials, and rooftop festivities across its venues, including Overeasy, Scout, and Waterproof. Overeasy is offering breakfast specials like BBQ Brisket Benedict, Red, White & Blue Pancakes, and Firecracker Omelets from 7 am-2 pm. Later in the day, Scout and Waterproof will serve classic American fare such as burgers, ribs, and smoked sausage alongside themed cocktails like Uncle Sam’s Punch, Star Spangled Spritz, and The Patriot. The celebration culminates at Waterproof with a rooftop pool and fireworks watch party from 7 pm-1 am, featuring a $35 cover charge, live entertainment, and patriotic frozen treats and cocktails.
Editor’s note: See World Cup standings and scenarios updated in real time
The Socceroos live on at the 2026 World Cup.
Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night, which was good enough for Australia to secure second place in Group D and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. Paraguay is likely to advance as a high-ranking third place team, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.
SHOP: Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets
Australia will head to Dallas where they will play their first elimination match on Friday, July 3 against the second-place team from Group G.
While we don’t yet know Australia’s opponent, we know the location, date and time of the match, which means tickets are already available. Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Australia World Cup tickets in Dallas.
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Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets
As of publication, the cheapest round of 32 ticket to see Australia in Dallas on Friday, July 3 is $937. Any ticket for less than $1,000 at this point in the tournament is a steal considering most other prices.
Australia Round of 32 opponent
As the runner-up of Group D, Australia will take on the second-place finisher from Group G. Australia’s opponent will be finalized on Friday, but given the current standings it could be any of the following four teams:
- Egypt
- Iran
- Belgium
- New Zealand
Shop Australia Round of 32 tickets
Australia World Cup schedule
- Australia vs. Turkey – WIN 2-0
- Australia vs. United States – LOSS 2-0
- Australia vs. Paraguay – DRAW 1-1
- Friday, July 3 – Australia vs. Group G runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (round of 32) – Shop tickets
World Cup Group D Standings
Shop Australia World Cup tickets
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