Spring is festival season in Big D. And thanks to the welcoming 70-degree weather, blue skies and little rainfall, it's the perfect time to venture out and enjoy the Texas sunshine. Throughout April and May, Dallasites take full advantage of the springtime weather. The summer months usher in a whole new scene: blaring heat and infamous southern humidity.
The annual spring happenings provide the perfect opportunity to get to know Dallas... Before summer shuts the city down.
Scarborough Faire
April 12-June 1
If you really want to get away from it all (and I mean the 21st century), the annual Scarborough Faire Renaissance festival, now in its 23rd year, is your best bet. A 16th-century village comes alive with costumed characters (including a look-alike Henry VIII), food and drinks, jousting, jugglers, magicians, arts and crafts and skill demonstrations.
Saturdays and Sundays (and May 26) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Interstate 35E at Exit 399A, Waxahachie (30 minutes south of Dallas)
$16.99, $6 for children 5-12, free for children under 5
972-938-3247.
Dallas Blooms 2003
March 15-April 20
Every year, cars wind around the block to get into the Dallas Arboretum's annual spring flower festival. This year's theme is "Windmills of Color," featuring (not surprisingly) more tulips than you can count. Sloping hills, grand villas, elaborate waterways... and (yes) flowers, provide the perfect afternoon escape from the city. Factor in the stunning views of White Rock Lake and downtown Dallas in the distance, and you've got a swell outing.
Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dallas Arboretum
$7, $6 for seniors, $4 for children 3-12, free for children under 3; $4 for parking
214-327-4901.
Latin Food Fest
May 4
The Latin culture in Dallas is strong and growing. This fest will feature live Latin music and dance, a Mexican-style market, an art show, cooking demonstrations, children's activities and food.
May 4 from noon to 10 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market and along Marilla Street.
Free. 214-824-7495.
Taste Addison 2003
May 17-18
Dallas' suburban gastronomical neighbor, Addison, is the home of restaurant row. According to the Dallas Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City. And a handful of them are clustered in Addison. Taste Addison features samples from 50 of the city's restaurants, national and local musical acts, a wine-tasting tent, a classic car show and midway games and rides.
May 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and May 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Addison Arts & Events District
$5, free for children under 5
1-800-233-4766.
Grapevine Main Street Days
May 16-18
Our close northwesterly neighbor, Grapevine, is known for its many wineries, as well as its small town feel. Their 19th annual family street event will showcase arts and crafts, a carnival, five entertainment stages, living-history demonstrations and food (not to mention wine).
May 16 from 6 to 11:30 p.m., May 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and May 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Main Street between Wall Street and Dallas Road, Grapevine.
$6, $3 for seniors and children 6-12, free for children under 6; $10 festival pass.
817-410-3185 or 1-800-457-6338.
Safari Days
May 17-18
The Dallas Zoo is a fun destination anytime, but a visit during Safari Days will have you swinging from the trees! The zoo's fourth annual family day will include live music, children's crafts and a bounce house. Instead of driving, take the DART rail, which drops off visitors right at the gates.
May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and May 18 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Dallas Zoo
Zoo admission: $8, $5 for children 3-11, $4 for seniors, free for children under 3; $5 parking.
214-670-5656.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
