Festival Fun
5 ways to rock out at the wildest music festival in North Texas
When a beloved Texas festival turns 25, it's time to party. Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival is bringing in big-name bands, lots of locally made goodies, and plenty of food for its silver anniversary, happening May 19-21 at Richardson's Galatyn Park.
With more than 80 musical acts on six stages, 20 or so food vendors, and lots of kid-friendly activities — not to mention about 62,000 fans milling about during the weekend — it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't be. We're here to help plan out your ideal Wildflower! weekend.
Listen
This year's headliner is Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd, playing May 20 at 10 pm on the Methodist Richardson Amphitheater Stage. But they're not the only group you should check out. The B-52s, Guster, John Fullbright, Night Ranger, The All-American Rejects, Bowling for Soup, and A Hard Night's Day are just a few of the acts you can catch, along with dozens more national, regional, and local performers. The Queen tribute band Almost Queen even plays daily. Check the full lineup for times.
Eat
WF! Eats food vendors are dishing up an array of local cuisine and traditional festival treats. Stroll the grounds for everything from Conway's Corndogs to i Fratelli pizza, with a Maui Wowi snocone or Marble Slab ice cream to help cool off. There's also a craft beer and wine garden this year, complete with shaded seating and lawn games to make sipping that beverage truly relaxing.
Shop
Accessories, art, home decor, unique clothing — if you feel like shopping, you're bound to find something amazing at the WF! Marketplace, where local, handmade goods are the focus.
Play
If you have little ones, the WF! Kids area is a welcome escape from the festival chaos. From the hands-on activities to a contest for budding artists, Rock Star Karaoke to free face painting, there's plenty to keep everyone occupied. Be sure to swing by the Texas Native Butterfly Tent, which features over 250 native Texas butterflies and a display of the monarch butterfly metamorphosis. Eagle-eyed kids can spot different butterfly species and take their very own milkseed home to plant.
Watch
Performance Row is where you can see acrobats, magicians, dancers, and other street performers show off their remarkable skills. Times vary, but you're bound to see something cool no matter when you wander by.
Single-day adult tickets to Wildflower! are $30 ($40 at the gate), with kids' tickets only $5. A three-day pass is $65, and the VIP package — which includes two three-day passes, two VIP access wristbands, complimentary food and drink, and one commemorative poster — is $375. All are available here.
