Dallas has never been short on food and music festivals. Moreover, every year, there are at least a couple of new festivals that pop up, adding to the bouquet of options. It seems they either fold before the gates open (think of Bulladora and Go Figure Fest) or become local staples. And then there are some fairs and festivals that are always worth your time, like the following:
Deep Ellum Arts Festival
Music, arts, and food all play a major role in Deep Ellum Arts Festival every April. The 3-day celebration welcomes more than 200 visual artists and 100 musicians to blow the minds of thousands of festival-goers. Five blocks of Main Street in the Deep Ellum Entertainment and Cultural District are transformed into one mega festival. Past line-ups have included Tony Williams, Remy Reilly, RL Grime, Maya Piata, The Dirty Shirts, Sarah Johnson, and Carley Bearden.
American, Asian, Caribbean, and Mexican delicacies further delight the senses as you dance to the tunes of rock, hip-hop, punk, and ska. You can also stroll through displays of cutting-edge décor items, and purchase/commission/admire the works of painters, jewelers, muralists, sculptors, and wood and leather crafters. Some specialized fine artists create original pieces right on the spot too. And best of all, you don’t have to pay a dime to enter the festival.
Homegrown Music And Arts Festival
Twelve Texas acts, two stages, and more food trucks than you can count – that’s what music fans can expect from one of the best music festivals in Texas. Every May, people flock to Main Street Garden Park to see local artists from different musical genres take the stage for a day of fun and dancing. Throw in food trucks, live art demonstrations, and free entry for children 10 and under, and you’ve got the perfect way to kick off your summer!
Old 97’s County Fair
This is an annual alternative country music festival that’s all about rock n’ roll, great bands, and carnival games. Everything you love about Texas is merged into one day of unforgettable fun, lively music, and finger-lickin' food. The fair is held at the Main Street Garden where the Old 97’s, Jayhawks, Mavis Staples, Lucinda Williams, Valerie June, The Mavericks, and Lord Huron have performed in the past.
ArtFest
This arts festival showcases the crème-de-la-crème of artists from around the US. It is held over Memorial Day weekend along with the CityArts Festival at Fair Park in Dallas TX. ArtFest has remained a juried art show for over 40 years and has always been free to the public.
You’ll get the opportunity to discover the talent of over 200 artists and their wide range of work, from mixed media to ceramics, glass, sculptures, wearables, wall hangings, and more. And with an equally wide range of prices, there’s bound to be something for everyone, be it a casual collector or a serious art lover.
Even if you’re not interested in purchasing anything, you can personally meet with the artists, enjoy live music, sample a variety of culinary delights, and partake in other family-friendly entertainment and events. Whether you live in Dallas or nearby areas like San Antonio or Fort Worth, you don’t want to miss ArtFest.
State Fair of Texas
This is an annual affair held at the historic Fair Park in Dallas. This is one of the oldest and longest-running fairs in the US that began in 1886! Except for certain periods during World War I and World War II and well, the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Fair of Texas has taken place every year. It typically starts on the last Friday night in September and lasts throughout October.
The event famously embodies all the beloved aspects of Texas: for 24 days, you have something exciting to look forward to every single day, from the legendary Dallas music festival nights, fried food and beer, pig races, football, exhibits, and even barn animals. People of all ages will find something to enjoy and experience at the fair.
And did we mention the numerous rides? If you don’t have time to try them all, make sure you at least go on the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. The views from this iconic ride are breathtaking: you can see the Fair Park, the Cotton Bowl, and the sparkling Dallas skyline.
Proceeds from the fair are used to support Fair Park, museums, as well as to fund scholarship programs and community initiatives to support students throughout Texas pursuing higher education.
Oaktopia
It used to be located in Denton, but due to its growing popularity and the significant increase in the number of attendees, Oaktopia was moved to Dallas in 2017. The festival hosts concerts for a wide range of subgenres and has featured headlining performances from 21 Savage and Norah Jones in the past.
The eclectic music festival invites music fans from all walks to a weekend-long party with musicians from around the country. For a small fest started by two UNT grads, Oaktopia has grown into something of a phenomenon that is now home to the biggest music innovators.
"So What?!" Music Festival
For 10 years, this festival has been demonstrating the best and brightest acts of the metal, hardcore, punk, and alternative scenes. Over the long course, it has endured several changes in the name, event details, and stage venues. And yet, it has continued to grow each year. What started as a one-day event, So What?! has now turned into a full-weekend extravaganza that takes place twice a year.
The festival has become one of the best spots for musical artists in the last couple of years with a lineup that features the likes of Oxymorrons, Hawthorne Heights, Kublai Khan TX, Rebecca Black, Hail The Sun, State Champs, Pouya, Mod Sun, Lil Skies, Wage War, Big KRIT, and many more. If you want to dance to some of the wildest rock sounds, don’t miss So What?!
Women Thing Vendor Expo
Okay, so this is technically an expo and doesn’t fall into the category of Dallas fairs and festivals but it’s incredible enough to warrant a mention in this list. It combines the very best offerings in speakers, shopping, rejuvenation, and makeovers for women – and those who identify as women.
If you’ve been struggling with uncovering your soul’s calling or finding your own personal style, Women Thing Vendor Expo in Dallas might hold the answers for you. At the event, you can connect with inspiring keynote speakers and learn the tools and techniques you need to unleash your potential once and for all.
The expo features hundreds of shopping pavilions that are perfect for thoughtful holiday gift ideas for all your loved ones. Massages and spa treatments are also available to pamper and recharge you. You can also indulge in cosmetics, delicious cuisine, gourmet tastings, fashion, entertainment, and tons of free samples. It’s also the best place to discover the season’s most promising emerging designers and luxury boutiques.
Untapped Fest
Untapped Fest is held in November and features the best in both craft beer and up-and-coming national and local music bands. The addition of quality food vendors, local artisans, and a unique venue add a fun atmosphere to the event. There’s just something about a cold beer accompanied by live music in the crisp fall season that makes people flock to the fest in droves. Located in Fair Park right in the heart of Dallas, Untapped features over 400 brews, 100 breweries, and an exceptional musical lineup.
Fortress Festival
This is a fairly brand-new festival that was introduced in 2016 to bring world-class live music and arts to North Texas. Their past line-ups have been impressive, with the likes of Flying Lotus, Purity Ring, and Run the Jewels. A lot of local Dallas and Fort Worth based artists also perform at the event. Music fans will be delighted to see the new multi-stage outdoor venue that just launched in 2022.
