Summer events happening in Dallas

Summer’s here and Dallas is so ready. From live music and Fourth of July celebrations to berry picking and festivals, summer is when the Big D comes alive.

Get ready to get outside with this guide featuring 59 summer events — including ideas for the Fourth of July — happening between May and August.

Photo via @carneasada_fest

Festivals

Summertime is festival season, and Dallas has plenty of them to go around. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, foodie fests, or celebrations specific to D-town, we’ve got the 411 on festivals.

Dallas Cinco de Mayo, throughout Dallas
Saturday, May 4, Times vary
Dallas hosts the biggest and longest-running parade in North Texas each year to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. This year, the mile-long parade on historic Jefferson Boulevard will start at 10 a.m., followed by fiestas featuring music, food, games, arts + crafts, and rides. Check out our full guide to celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Dallas.

Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, Galatyn Park Urban Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19, Times vary
Beyond a lineup that includes Grouplove, Randy Rogers Band, and AWOLNATION, the festival taking place ~25 minutes away in Richardson will also include an art guitar auction, battle of the bands, cornhole tournament, songwriter workshop, and more. A three-day package costs $65.

Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival, CheapSteaks, 2613 Elm St.
Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19, Times vary
Deep Ellum’s Elm Street Tattoo shop will host this festival with live music, food trucks, and plenty of permanent ink. Pre-sale one-day tickets cost $20, and pre-sale weekend passes cost $55.

Main Street Fest, 636 S. Main St., Grapevine
Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19, Times vary
Head to Grapevine near the DFW International Airport for this family-friendly craft brew festival. The three-day event will feature live music, craft beverage experiences, food, shopping, and a KidZone. Adult tickets are $9, and tickets for children ages 6-12 are $5.

Future Filmmakers Festival, Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Sunday, May 19, 3 p.m.
Junior Players will showcase the cinematic work of students from four different North Texas schools at this film fest. The event includes a one-hour screening of film projects followed by a 30-minute Q&A with the participants. RSVP for free.

TwoGether Land Festival, Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave.
Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26, Times vary
Lil Wayne + Summer Walker will headline this annual music festival. Single-day general admission costs $99, and a two-day pass will run you $199.

Madaraka Festival, House of Blues Dallas, 2200 N. Lamar St.
Saturday, May 25, 7 p.m.
A celebration of African music, culture, and community, the 10th annual Madaraka Festival will kick off in Dallas before traveling across the country and ending in Seattle, WA. Tickets start at $59.

Juneteenth 4K Freedom Walk and Festival, MLK Jr. Community Center, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saturday, June 15, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join the city in a 4K Juneteenth freedom walk that will end with a free community festival filled with live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for the whole family. Register for $15.

Carne Asada Fest 2024, Gilley’s Dallas, 1135 S. Botham Jean Blvd.
Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m.
On the menu at this food + music festival celebrating Dallas’ Latin culture are BBQ, tacos, waffles, elote, sweets, and — believe it or not — even some veggie options. General admission starts at $50; kids 12 and younger get in free.

Taste Addison, Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, Addison
Friday, May 31-Sunday, June 2, Times vary
Grab a single day ticket for $5-$10 and enjoy admission to this nearby culinary arts experience. Taste Addison will feature live music by Sugar Ray, Toadies, and Hunter Hayes + food and drinks from Addison restaurateurs and concessionaires.

So What Music Festival, Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth
Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2, Times vary
The annual rock music festival will feature Boys Like Girls, Reliant K, Switchfoot, and Skillet, among other bands and artists. Grab a two-day general admission ticket for $145.

KHYI’s 28th Annual Texas Music Revolution, Downtown Historic McKinney Square, 111 N. Tenessee St., McKinney
Friday, June 7-Saturday, June 8, Times vary
Head to downtown McKinney for a music festival featuring artists like Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, and Ray Wylie Hubbar. Tickets start at $70.

Photo by @FTWtoday

Flower + garden displays

Spring may have a monopoly on blooms, but that doesn’t mean summer isn’t bursting with colorful greenery and flowers. From butterfly gardens to roses and native plants, check out these spots to take in nature around the Dallas area.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd.
In June, the arboretum showcases 65,000 new plantings to create its signature summertime look. Head to Jeanne’s Pavilion on summer weekends from 12 to 2 p.m. for live music + stay tuned for the Cool Thursdays Concert Series lineup. General admission tickets start at $10.

Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Explore the native gardens and butterfly house at this local spot. Bonus: Texas Discovery Gardens also hosts summer camps for children ages 4-12 and 13-17 in June + July. General admission starts at $6.

Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch, 2610 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch
Make the ~25-minute trip to Farmers Branch to take in the 1,500 rose bushes that bloom throughout the city each spring and summer. Follow the rose garden walking map to best experience the roses.

Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 S. Great Trinity Forest Way
Free entry at the local Audubon center will continue through June 30 of this year, so be sure to check out the center’s trails full of native plants while you can do it without spending a dime. Pro tip: Register online in advance.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
During May and June, don’t miss the colorful perennials at the botanic garden’s Long Bed or the overflowing blooms at the Trial Garden. In July and August, head to the Japanese Garden for a lush, green paradise that provides shady spots to escape the Texas heat. Tickets start at $6. Make it a weekend trip and check out what else Fort Worth has to offer.

Native Texas Butterfly House and Garden, 1 Nature Place, McKinney
The Heard Museum’s butterfly garden will open for the season on June 8 and remain open through September 28. Walk through the garden filled with native plants while butterflies and other pollinators fly around you. Tickets to the museum start at $9.

Lakeside Park, 4601 Lakeside Dr.
Lakeside Park and its beautifully landscaped grounds are scheduled to reopen with improvements in May 2024. Once completed, stop by to take a stroll on the trails and view the blooms.

Photo via Jimmy Bartlett + Dallas Pride

Pride

Let’s celebrate love. The US Census Bureau recognizes June as Pride Month, and many celebrations in the Dallas area happen that month — but don’t forget to mark your calendars for Pride in Dallas in September.

Pride At Legacy Hall, Legacy Food Hall
Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Kick off Pride Month with this drag show headlined by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Vanessa “Ms. Vanjie” Mateo. Tickets start at $30.

Dallas Pride, Fair Park
Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2, Times vary
This two-day celebration begins with the Pride Music Festival on the first day with music and dance performances, vendors, and animal adoptions from local organizations. The day also includes Teen Pride and a Family Pride Zone. On the second day, the Pride parade will proceed down a mile-long route and showcase 150+ entries.

Pride Block Party, Dallas Arts District
Friday, June 21, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Celebrate Pride through the arts. This free event will let you meet artists with themed gallery tours and enjoy live performances, drag shows, vendors, and more.

Legacy Pride Variety Show, The Rose Room Saturday, June 22, 6:30-9 p.m.
Get dazzled by performers ranging from dancers to comedians to drag acts at this Station 4 venue. Tickets cost $50.

Turtle Creek Chorale Benefit Gala, Omni Dallas Hotel
Saturday, June 1, 6:30 p.m.
This organization, known for its predominantly gay men’s chorus, opens Pride month with a show featuring pop legend Cyndi Lauper — an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Arlington Pride, Levitt Pavilion Arlington
Saturday, June 8, 6-11 p.m.
Express yourself at this donation-based celebration and check out performances and local vendors — this year’s lineup includes pop star Betty Who and drag star Alyssa Edwards.

Photo via @libatwa

Live music

We’re totally amped for summertime music, and many big names will stop by the Dallas area this season. Here’s a sample of the set lists you won’t want to miss.

Hootie & the Blowfish, Dos Equis Pavilion
Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Relive your favorite jams from the 1990s as the rock group performs with Collective Soul + Edwin McCain at the “Summer Camp with Trucks Tour.”

Megan Thee Stallion, American Airline Center
Tuesday, June 11, 7 p.m.
Things will heat up when GloRilla joins the rap star for the “Hot Girl Summer Tour.”

The LOX, House of Blues Dallas
Sunday, June 11, 8 p.m.
The New York rap trio — featuring Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss — rocks the mic on their “30th Anniversary Tour.”

Alanis Morissette, Dos Equis Pavilion
Friday, June 14, 7 p.m.
“You Oughta Know” that the Canadian singer is performing the “Triple Moon Tour” with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade.

Jennifer Lopez, American Airline Center
Saturday, July 6, 8 p.m.
Jenny from the Block performs her greatest hits at her “This Is Me…Live” show.

New Kids On The Block with Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dos Equis Pavilion
Sunday, July 14, 7 p.m.
“Step by Step,” we think “Opposites Attract” to make the perfect 1980s throwback show in the “Summertime.”

Tate McRae, Toyota Music Factory
Saturday, July 20, 8 p.m.
Be “Greedy” and get tickets to see the rising pop sensation’s “Think Later Tour.”

Morgan Wallen, AT&T Stadium
Thursday, July 25 + Friday, July 26, 4:30 p.m.
The country star, known for “Dangerous: The Double Album,” gives us a double dose of the “One Night At A Time Tour.”

James McMurtry, Granada Theater
Friday, July 26, 8 p.m.
Join the Fort Worth native for a night of rock + folk music with guest BettySoo.

Niall Horan, Dos Equis Pavilion
Friday, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Follow this one direction: Check out “The Voice” judge’s “The Show” tour with guest Del Water Gap.

Iron & Wine, Majestic Theatre, Dallas
Saturday, Aug. 3, 8 p.m.
The indie + folk singer-songwriter brings the “Light Verse 2024" show to the downtown venue.

Jordan Davis, Toyota Music Factory
Friday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m.
“Buy Dirt,” er, tickets — the country star performs the “Damn Good Time World Tour” with Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke.

Train + REO Speedwagon, Dos Equis Pavilion
Monday, Aug. 26, 6:25 p.m.
“Hey, Soul Sister” — these soft rock acts bring the perfect music for the “Summer Road Trip 2024.”

Photo via @pecancreekstrawberryfarm

Berry picking

Nothing says summer like a big bowl of sweet berries. In Texas, prime picking season typically runs from mid-May through the end of July. Check out these farms near Dallas where you can pick your perfect berries — make a whole road trip day of it.

H Strawberry Farm, 1132 US 69, Greenville
There’s usually a line to get into this farm located ~52 miles northeast of Dallas, but once you’re in, the process of cutting your own strawberries straight from the vine is easy peasy. Keep an eye on the farm’s Facebook page — staffers will typically post a message if the farm is “picked out” for the day and closed.

Oneal Berry Farm, 7726 County Rd. 2580, Royse City
Located ~38 miles northeast of Dallas, this farm grows thornless + thorny blackberries, with its picking season typically running from mid- to late-May through July 4. Pro tip: Don’t leave without buying homemade jelly and blackberry lemon bread to take home (or eat in the car, we won’t judge).

Pure Land Farm, 7505 County Rd. 201, McKinney
Head ~30 minutes north of Dallas to pick your own fresh blackberries, cucumbers, bell peppers, hot peppers, summer squash, and cherry tomatoes this summer. The farm typically opens in mid-May.

Blackland Berry Farm, 230 Jones Rd., Royse City
Pick your own blueberries + blackberries at this farm ~32 miles from Dallas — picking season is typically late May through mid-July. After you’ve gathered your harvest, cool off with the farm’s famous shaved ice in all sorts of fun flavors.

Pecan Creek Strawberry Farm, 12141 Foutch Rd., Pilot Point
Big, beautiful strawberries ripe for the picking await at this farm located ~50 miles north of downtown Dallas open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until the fields are picked over for the day. Expect long lines and the berries to go quick — this spot is buzzy.

Ham Orchards, 11939 County Rd. 309, Terrell
Located ~37 miles from Dallas, this orchard is known for its sweet, juicy peaches grown since 1979 — but they’re picked for you, typically available from mid-May to mid-August. Ham Orchards does have a couple of blueberry patches, though, and those are open for you-pick during harvesting season. Pro tip: Make a whole day of your trip by shopping at the market store and eating at Ham Orchards BBQ by Eddie Deen; save room for the creamy soft-serve made with ripe berries + peaches.

Photo via Pexels + Designecologist

Fourth of July festivities

Keep an eye on the sky — the Dallas area will offer plenty of patriotic celebrations in honor of the Fourth of July either on the holiday or in the days leading up to July 4.

Red, White & Boom, Town Center Park, Sunnyvale
Friday, June 28, 6-10 p.m.
Sparks will fly at this free annual event east of Dallas boasting fun, food, and fireworks.

Independence Day Celebration, Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, June 29, Time TBD
Enjoy food trucks, games, live music, and the grand fireworks display synced to a playlist curated by Dallas native DJ Lucy Wrubel.

Party in the Park, Andrew Brown Park East, Coppell
Saturday, June 29, 6-10:30 p.m.
This free, family-friendly fest includes live music, lawn games, food vendors, and an 18-minute fireworks spectacular set to patriotic tunes beginning at 9:45 p.m.

Sparks Fireworks Show, Wilmer
Saturday, June 29, 6-9:45 p.m.
Head south to Wilmer (exact location has yet to be announced) for music, food trucks, face painting, a foam cannon, and a 16-minute fireworks spectacular.

Red, White & You, Downtown Garland Square, Garland
Wednesday, July 3, 5-9:30 p.m.
Live music from Randall King + Jon Stork, games, food vendors, and a drone show will make this free celebration one to remember.

Addison Kaboom Town!, Addison Circle Park, Addison
Wednesday, July 3, 5-11 p.m.
Poppin’ since 1985, this community event draws ~50,000 spectators to watch the Addison Airport Show followed by fireworks. Keep an eye out for tickets.

Sparks & Stripes 2024, Levy Event Plaza, Irving
Wednesday, July 3, 7-10 p.m.
This free community event will light up the skies of Irving over Lake Carolyn — bring chairs + a picnic and make a whole night of it.

Parade Down Parkway, Coppell
Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.
The 1.5-mile procession begins at Samuel Boulevard and Sandy Lake Road, then heads north to Parkway Boulevard and west to Town Center. Watch from a nearby trail or sidewalk.

Fourth of July Parade, Lake Highlands Aquatic Center
Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.
The Exchange Club of Lake Highlands hosts this patriotic parade that begins at the corner of Church Road and Garden Oaks Drive and proceeds west to the Lake Highlands Aquatic Center, where a free community carnival awaits.

Arlington Independence Day Parade, Downtown Arlington
Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.
The largest Fourth of July parade in Texas has been marching on since 1965. Today, it’s a two-hour, two-mile procession with 100+ participating groups, music by local high school bands, and ~75,000 spectators. This year’s parade theme is “Home Run for Heroes.”

Park Cities 4th of July Parade, Goar Park
Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.
Park Cities Rotary Club sponsors this parade through Highland Park + University Park. After the procession, head to Goar Park for a free festival featuring bounce houses, crafts, and a petting zoo.

A Star-Spangled Spectacular, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Thursday, July 4, 1 p.m.
The Dallas Winds perform their annual musical salute to all things America — complete with hot dogs, ice cream, and fireworks. Tickets start at $26.

Fair Park Fourth, Fair Park
Thursday, July 4, 4:30-10 p.m.
The largest free July 4 shindig in the Dallas area includes hands-on activities for the kids, local vendors, live music, food trucks, and, of course, the spectacular fireworks display.

Fireworks on Main, Pecan Grove Park, Rowlett
Thursday, July 4, 5-10 p.m.
Head to the eastern Dallas suburb for this free Independence Day celebration that includes live music from the Turnpike Tributedours (6-7 p.m.) + Emerald City Band (8-9:30 p.m.), a kids zone, food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks show.

July 4th Fireworks Celebration, Grimes Park, DeSoto
Thursday, July 4, 6-9:30 p.m.
The Dallas County communities of DeSoto + Lancaster join forces to host this free patriotic event featuring live music, activities for the kids, food vendors, and fireworks.

Seasonal essentials

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• This iceless cooler keeps your drinks cold for 7 hours.