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Bikinis and martinis

Dip into the 10 most fabulous hotel pools in Dallas this summer

Megan Ziots
Jun 18, 2018 | 10:49 am

Dallas has some of the coolest hotel pools in the country — from rooftop infinity pools that surround you with city views to sparkling pools set in the swankiest courtyards you've ever visited. Usually you must plan a staycation to take a dip. But this summer, some of Dallas’ most marvelous pools are opening their sun-soaked, bartended decks to the public.

Here are 10 top Dallas hotel pools for a summer swim. Some are brand new, and some are favorites for good reasons. Most are available for a daily fee or by RSVP to special events, but some do require you to be a hotel guest to swim. They're included because they're worth it.

The Adolphus
The recently renovated Adolphus hotel also is opening its pool to the public all summer — for free. It’s open to non-hotel guests every Friday night for Sundown on Seven from 8pm-midnight. Take a night swim and have cocktails by the fire pit, all while listening to DJ Souljah. The pool itself is 4 feet deep and has a refreshing limestone waterfall.

Hotel Crescent Court
Although the pool is exclusively for guests, The Crescent is worth the overnight stay. After its recent multimillion-dollar renovation, the iconic Uptown hotel has modernized and spruced up its lobby, guest rooms, and spa and fitness center. It is possible to become a member of the Crescent Club and gain access to pool on the second-floor urban oasis.

The Joule
For breathtaking skyline views, reserve a spot at The Joule any Sunday through September 2. For $50, gain one day of access to the plexiglass-fronted rooftop pool, even if you're not a guest of the hotel. A day pass includes valet, one snack, and one drink from the pool menu. Test your courage by swimming to the edge that hangs off the building by 8 feet or kick back and relax on a chaise lounge.

Le Meredien Stoneleigh
The historic Stoneleigh's pool is open to the public on weekends — for free. You can tread water at one of the pool parties, wade around on floats, and listen to a live DJ. While you're there, you can try the hotel's new French restaurant, Perle on Maple Restaurant & Bar, which serves "bistro classics with a Texas twist."

NYLO Dallas South Side
Located on the rooftop patio of the NYLO, this beautiful pool allows swimming for guests only. But the bar is for everyone, and the view of the Dallas skyline from The Cedars is worth the trip. Stop in for a drink before a show at South Side Ballroom or dinner at the Terrace Bistro.

Omni Frisco
Omni Frisco opened last summer at The Star, the popular new entertainment district in Frisco. The Edge pool deck and bar is for guests only, but worth paying for a night after checking out the Dallas Cowboys headquarters or going to a FC Dallas soccer game at Toyota Stadium. The pool overlooks events on the Ford Center next door and includes a bar and grill, cabanas, and fire pits.

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West
Although you have to be a guest for this one, the new Legacy West hotel in Plano is worth the cost to stay. Take a little staycation 30 minutes outside of Dallas and enjoy the scenic rooftop pool, but stay to dine at OMA (an Asian fusion restaurant) and explore all of the “West of Zen”-themed art displayed throughout the building.

The Statler
Renovated in February and open for business, The Statler is hosting Secret Sundays for non-hotel guests at the hotel pool bar, Waterproof. You must RSVP on Facebook or Prekindle to attend the party, but make sure to get there early as entry is first come-first served. The rooftop pool is immersed between skyscrapers and downtown views; a free ticket includes access to the pool and an opportunity to jam out with DJ Blake Ward.

The W Wet Deck
On Sundays, or "Sundaze," The W hotel opens the Wet Deck on the 16th floor to everyone. Just go to Eventbrite.com and buy a Sundaze pass for $20. Spend Sunday Funday at the downtown hotel, floating across the panoramic rooftop infinity pool and taking in some city views with a drink in hand.

Hotel ZaZa
At Hotel ZaZa, you must be a guest to swim, but the bar is open to all. Grab a drink at the Dragonfly next door, while still enjoying the ambiance of the lap-style pool in the swanky backyard setting. Or, if you absolutely cannot resist the charming little pool, pay for a room and join the cool kids in the water.

The Omni Frisco's pool overlooks events on the Ford Center next door.

The Edge at Omni Frisco Hotel
Photo courtesy of The Edge at Omni Frisco Hotel
The Omni Frisco's pool overlooks events on the Ford Center next door.
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Free Fair Fun

State Fair of Texas adds dazzling drone show and more free events in 2026

Alex Bentley
Sep 15, 2026 | 1:12 pm
State Fair of Texas Ferris wheel at night
Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas
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Spending money at the State Fair of Texas is easy to do, so it's nice to know that there's also a long list of free activities for visitors each year, including music, performing artists, educational exhibits, and more.

A number of new free entertainment options are also on the docket for the 2026 event — running September 25-October 18 — including a dazzling new drone show among other highlights, according to a release.

Stars of the Fair, a three-night drone show on October 2-4, features images of Big Tex and other State Fair icons lighting up the sky. Created by Coppell-based Sky Elements, each of the three nights will feature two shows, beginning at approximately 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm.

Other new entertainment choices include Wacky Chad, who delivers an action‑packed, interactive stunt comedy show; daily fountain shows at The Esplanade of State, running every 30 minutes from 1-5 pm; two new exhibitions at the Hall of State; Texas in the Saddle, an innovative and educational horse show; and more.

Drone show at the State Fair of Texas A drone show will be one of many free entertainment options at the 2026 State Fair of Texas. Photo by Kevin Brown

Music and more free performances
As previously announced, the State Fair’s live music lineup will include nearly 100 artists performing across four stages, with the reimagined Chevrolet Main Stage now located inside Fair Park Coliseum.

Main Stage headliners will include Clint Black, La Alianza Norteña, Bowling for Soup, Paul Wall’s Fall Ball, Kansas, 3OH!3, Gym Class Heroes, and more.

Other performers include “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!,” in which a small village of more than 85 handmade marionettes come to life to celebrate a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity, and World of Magic, featuring award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements.

Free fun for the kids
The new children's area called Little Lone Stars Land will feature a variety of kid-friendly entertainers, including Wacky Chad (September 25-October 6), USA Breakdancers (October 7-18), and strongman Mighty Mike.

And visitors should be on the lookout for State Fair-inspired inflatable characters like Little Big Tex, Amy-Dillo, and Champ, who will entertain guests with their wild antics.

Other free fair favorites
At night, the Starlight Parade will light up the Fair Park skyline, featuring over-the-top spectacular floats. The parade wanders through the fairgrounds all 24 nights of the event, bringing a colorful assortment of floats, life-size puppets, animated characters in ornate costumes, and more.

Car lovers can get their fix in two different ways: At the Texas Auto Show, where auto enthusiasts can browse the latest and greatest models, and via Chevrolet's brand-new take on its Ride & Drive event, which gives qualified drivers the chance to get behind the wheel of the most anticipated vehicles of the year.

The fan-favorite Pig Races will return to Chevy Park Plaza, with piglets dressed in racing silks running the course four times a day.

Find these free events and more interactive experiences, photo opportunities, games, product samples, and giveaways offered by State Fair of Texas partners. A full lineup of entertainment options is available at BigTex.com/Attractions.

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