With Uptown Dallas Inc. turning 25 this year, of course it's time to party. In addition to all the community events that the public improvement district (or PID) plans throughout the year, there are a few special soirees coming up later in 2018 — mercifully when the weather cools down enough to enjoy being outside.
Pack up your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets each Thursday night in September and head to Griggs Park, where UDI is hosting Movies in the Park. Marvel at the vibrant downtown Dallas skyline while you watch a flick, all for free. Though the film doesn't start until 8 pm, you'll want to arrive a little early to stake your claim on a good spot —roughly 300-500 people attend these popular screenings.
Take the highway to the danger zone on September 6 with Top Gun and break out the blue sweater on September 13 for The Devil Wears Prada. Warm up your voice to shout "Wakanda forever!" on September 20 when Black Panther is screened, and pack a meringue pie on September 27 in honor of Mrs. Doubtfire. On Halloween, Uptown Dallas Inc. is showing a special feature of Hocus Pocus, as it too is celebrating its 25th year.
Another outing is the Uptown Kiddo's Carnival, celebrating back-to-school time for its third year on September 15 from 9 am to noon in Griggs Park. Kids can go wild with carnival games, train rides, magic demonstrations, live music, face painting, balloon artists, snacks for purchase, and more. It's the largest kid-focused event in Uptown, and you won't want to miss out.
Though Uptown has been around for about 130 years, the area has only been benefitting from the care and attention of UDI for the past 25. It's this nonprofit management group that plants the neighborhood's 30,000 blooming flowers, maintains the 4.5 miles of McKinney Avenue Trolley track, installs public art, secures off-duty police officers to patrol the area, and takes care of Uptown's 58 acres of green space.
On June 19, the first property owner and managers breakfast was held at the new Canopy by Hilton, and thanks to its success another will be held on October 4. Seating and tickets will be limited, so follow Uptown Dallas Inc. on social media and be sure to sign up for its bi-monthly newsletters to make sure you secure your spot.
It's no surprise, then, that this year's Uptown Block Party is going to be the biggest yet. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, UDI has secured rock band Bowling for Soup for the free concert on October 18 in Griggs Park, which will be surrounded by food trucks, bevvies, and plenty of dancing.
Cyclists, get ready for the second annual Dallas Bike Ride, of which UDI is a founding partner. Registration is now open, and participants can pick up their packets November 1-2 in Uptown's West Village.
For a more intimate celebration, consider chowing down at the Uptown Signature Dinner on November 8 from 6-10 pm. Held at One McKinney Plaza, this formal event will include dinner, cocktails, and live entertainment, along with a keynote speech from millennial expert Matt Britton, CEO of Suzy and author of the best-selling book YouthNation. Seating is limited and tickets will go on sale at the end of September, so stay tuned to be one of the first to snag those tix.
For a full list of events in the Uptown district, go to uptowndallas.net/events.
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Stay up to date with events and all things Uptown year-round by visiting UDI's website, signing up for its newsletter, and following on social media.
The Uptown Kiddo's Carnival is set for September 15.
The Callback Bar.Photo by Anna Dolmany
