Wild for Wildflower
A by-the-numbers look at the most exclamatory festival in North Texas
Finally, it’s that time of year when people head outside looking for any outdoor activity they can find to enjoy the cooler temps before the dog days of summer hit (which, in Dallas, is usually, what, next month?). Well, as luck would have it, Richardson’s 24th annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival is coming up May 20-22, and we can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend, given that this event covers pretty much everything on our checklist — good music, yummy food, stuff for the kiddos, and more good music.
Here’s a by-the-numbers look at what this three-day musical bonanza has to offer:
17
The number of bands performing at this year’s event. The lineup includes The Guess Who, Finger Eleven, Peter Frampton, John Waite, Toadies, Survivor, Soul Asylum, Black Joe Lewis, and Jimmie Vaughan, among others. New York-based Unforgettable Fire, the world’s longest-running U2 tribute band, also performs each night. Check the lineup for times.
70,000
The number of people who attended Wildflower last year. This year’s projected attendance is expected to be even higher.
3
The number of locations the festival has had since opening in 1993. First held at a small park in northeast Richardson, Wildflower began as a springtime community event celebrating the wildflowers in the area (hence the name). Headlining bands were added in 1995, and, eventually, the festival moved to its second location, the Greenway Corporate Office Park, where it expanded to a three-day event. Finally, in, 2002, it moved to its current location, Galatyn Park.
50
The average number of kids who try out each year for the festival’s Budding Talent program, a vocal competition for youths that takes place a month before the festival. This year’s auditions (which are closed to the public) will be held April 24, 1-5 pm, at the Senior Citizens Center in Richardson, and winners perform on the last day of the festival. To register for the competition, click here. Registration closes April 18.
200 million
The number of monarch butterflies expected to migrate through North Texas this spring. What does this have to do with Wildflower, you might wonder? Well, the festival happens to offer a Kidz Korner full of activities for the little ones, including the Texas Native Butterfly Tent, which gives an up close and personal look at butterflies. Very educational. Very cool. And very fun.
$40
The cost of a three-day pass, which is available until 5:30 pm on May 20, via Tom Thumb or the Wildflower website. Single-day adult tickets can be purchased for $25 at the gate, as well as through the festival website starting April 18. Kids ages 5 to 12 can get in for $5 each; admission for kids 4 and under is free. For more ticket info, visit the website.
