For those looking to enjoy local events this summer, check out Community Impact's August to-do list. From book sales to cocktail tastings, there are a variety of events to attend in Lake Highlands and Lakewood.

June 1-August 31 | Taste cocktails

Enjoy 10 different cocktail specials at participating restaurants in the East Dallas Cocktail Tour through the end of August. The self-guided tour offers a diverse range of drink specials and pricing at several restaurants, including White Rock Alehouse & Brewery, Barnone, Lake House Bar and Grill and Ascension Coffee’s White Rock location.August 11-20 | Spice it up

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is hosting its third annual Pepper Palooza, an event celebrating peppers in its A Tasteful Place garden. The arboretum hosts cooking demonstrations in the garden that "showcase how to harvest, grow, prepare, and enjoy delicious and healthy produce,” according to the event's description. On Aug. 12-13, a market with around 20 vendors will sell pepper-themed products.
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Free with arboretum admission or membership.
  • 8525 Garland Road, Dallas.
  • 214-515-6615. www.dallasarboretum.org
August 17 | Join a monthly book club

The Audelia Road Branch Library’s mystery-themed book club meets every third Thursday of the month to discuss a predetermined mystery book. August’s book club pick is “Depth of Winter” by Craig Johnson.August 18 and 25, September 1 and 8 | Bike and get coffee


Pull Through Coffee Bar, a local bike-themed coffee shop, is co-hosting “Lake Laps and Latte Rides,” a weekly bike ride around White Rock Lake. The event includes an early morning bike ride around the entirety of the lake before ending at the coffee shop.August 25 | Have a night out at the zoo

The Dallas Zoo is hosting After Dark, an adult-only, summer camp-themed event with animal experiences, food trucks, drinks and music. Attendees can see an animal talent show, meet Dallas Zoo veterinarians, feed giraffes and make friendship bracelets for elephants.
  • Ages 21+.
  • 6-9 p.m.
  • $20-$35.
  • 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas.
  • 469-554-7501. www.dallaszoo.com
September 7 | Rock out

Infinite Journey, an international Journey tribute band based in Dallas, will perform at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden as part of the venue’s Cool Thursdays Concert Series. Food trucks from Mint Kitchen, Frios Gourmet Pops, Scary Tastes Good and Herb House Coffee will be at the event.September 7 | Play “Harry Potter” trivia

White Rock Alehouse and Brewery is hosting its monthly “Harry Potter” trivia night with tough questions for people from every Hogwarts house.September 8-10 | Time travel with music


The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is hosting “Prohibition: The Music of Moulin Rouge, Boardwalk Empire and More,” a concert that promises to transport audiences to the 1920s, according to the event's description. Grammy award-winning conductor Jeff Tyzik will direct the orchestra through the top hits of the decade.September 12-16 | Buy books

Find thousands of quality books and media items at bargain prices, including an extensive collection of “Better Books,” which include signed books, first editions, limited editions and more, at the Lakewood Library Friends Annual June Leftwich Book Sale. More than 20,000 items will be for sale, and all proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Branch Library. Sept. 12 will feature a members-only preview.