With this past winter in Dallas-Fort Worth barely happening at all, spring got an early start in the area. But mid-April is typically when spring festival season kicks into high gear, and we're here again to let you know about all of the best options.
As always, the festivals encompass a wide range of categories, including music, food, wine, art, movies, and more. Below are 23 of the best festivals taking place throughout the remainder of spring.
Dallas Festival of the Arts (April 13 and 14)
The Dallas Festival of the Arts is a two-day fine arts outdoor festival featuring approximately 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalworkers, glass artists, jewelers, and more. The festival will also offer artist demonstrations, music, food trucks, and beverages with some healthy alternatives. It takes place at Kidd Springs Park in Dallas.
Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival (April 13)
The Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate's 3rd annual Smokedown & Music Festival will feature samples from some of the best barbecue joints around, as well as music from headliners Shane Smith & The Saints, as well as Max Stalling, Two Tons of Steel, Gary P. Nunn, Muscadine Bloodline, Mike & The Moonpies, and Bones Owens. The one-day event will be at Fort Worth Stockyards Station.
54th Annual USA Film Festival (April 17-26)
The 2024 USA Film Festival will feature 24 separate programs, including tributes to iconic actors and filmmakers like Martin Sheen, Billy Dee Williams, and Footloose screenwriter/songwriter Dean Pitchford, who will all be in attendance. Also in attendance will be actor John Magaro (Past Lives) for his new film, LaRoy, Texas. The main festival takes place April 17-21, with the Billy Dee Williams salute taking place on April 26. All screenings will be at Angelika Film Center in Dallas.
Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival (April 18-21)
The annual Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival will showcase 215 jury-selected visual artists, live music on two stages, authentic local cuisine, the family-friendly “TCC Makers Zone,” craft beer, wine tastings, and more across 18 square blocks throughout Downtown Fort Worth. Music performers will include Shinyribs, Danni & Kris, Angel White, Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, and more.
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival (April 19-21)
This year's early spring means that the bluebonnets started blooming toward the end of March, which means that this annual festival may be happening a bit late this year. But there will still be an abundance of activities, like arts and crafts, shopping, and live music throughout the weekend, in addition to the array of hopefully still blooming Texas bluebonnets across 40 miles of trails. The festival is located in downtown Ennis.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Japanese Spring Festival (April 20 and 21)
Fort Worth Botanic Garden's annual Japanese Spring Festival celebrates the season and the beauty of the Japanese Garden. Performers include a Taiko drumming group, traditional dancers, the Fort Worth Judo Club, the Dallas Sumo Club, and more. Other activities include Japanese music, theater, a tea ceremony, and more. There will also be a variety of food trucks and vendors.
Dallas International Film Festival(April 25-May 2)
The 18th Dallas International Film Festival will feature films from both established and emerging artists in a wide range of styles with screenings of more than 100 films. Highlights of the festival include opening night film Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot, about the local trick shot masters; closing night film Sing Sing starring Oscar nominee Colman Domingo; The Dead Don't Hurt, a Western from writer/director Viggo Mortensen; and more. Screenings will take place at Violet Crown Cinema in Dallas.
Southlake Women's Club presents Art in the Square (April 26-28)
The 24th Art in the Square is a weekend filled with art, music, food, spirits, and children’s activities. The event showcases the artwork of 150 juried renowned artists, and also includes the Youth Art tent featuring artwork from high school students of Northeast Tarrant County. There will also be music performances from DJ Mike Barbee and Free Fallin, The Tom Petty Concert Experience. The event takes place at Southlake Town Square.
City of Grand Prairie presents Main Street Fest (April 26-28)
Main Street Fest includes live music from Mark Chesnutt, Michael Salgado, and Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton, carnival rides, arts & crafts, food & beverage gardens, an array of entertainment at the Kidzone, and more. The event takes place on Main Street in Grand Prairie.
Festival of Joy (April 27)
At the Festival of Joy, visitors can kick off spring with a colorful celebration of spirituality and Indian culture. Taking place at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, it will be a day of bright colors, beautiful flowers, and a free vegetarian feast, along with music, dance, and interactive holistic living and cultural exhibits.
Frisco Uncorked (April 27)
The 5th Annual Frisco Uncorked will feature hundreds of award-winning wines, local restaurants, a VIP experience, a craft beer garden, shopping with a large variety of boutiques and artisans, grape stomping competitions, activations, and more. The event takes place in Frisco Square.
Fort Worth Aviation Museum presents Hops and Props Beerfest (April 27)
Hops and Props is an annual craft beer tasting festival featuring local brewers, live music, food, family-friendly vendors, airplane rides, games, activities, and more. The event will also showcase many veteran support organizations and family vendors. Taking place at Fort Worth Aviation Museum, it is their primary annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting their educational and preservation programs.
Trinity Collaborative presents Mayfest (May 2-5)
Mayfest is an annual four-day family festival that features live music on three stages, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts on four stages, pet adoptions, more than 60 art and gift market vendors, children's activities, special attractions, and more. The event takes place at Trinity Park.
Dallas International Guitar Festival (May 3-5)
The Dallas International Guitar Festival is the largest and oldest guitar show in the world, blending musicians, fans, collectors and celebrities together into one huge musical extravaganza. Visitors can buy, sell, trade, or just browse instruments and accessories, and also listen to performances by more than 50 local, regional, and national bands. The event takes place at Dallas Market Hall.
Cottonwood Art Festival (May 4 and 5)
Cottonwood Art Festival is a semi-annual event that features works from the nation's top visual artists. The prestigious art show has been a part of Richardson life for over 50 years. Jurors select over 240 artists to exhibit their museum-quality work, with the artists competing in 14 categories. The festival also features performances by a variety of local bands. The event takes place at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.
Tacos & Tequila Festival (May 5)
The Tacos & Tequila Festival will feature some of Dallas-Fort Worth’s best taco chefs and restaurants, handcrafted margaritas, Lucha Libre wrestling, and more. In addition, there will be a live music showcase with performances by 2 Chainz, Juvenile, DJ Skribble, and Travis Porter. The event takes place at Riders Field in Frisco.
The Other Art Fair (May 9-12)
The Other Art Fair is a global art event dedicated to showcasing independent artists. It combines affordable and original artworks and 130 independent artists with immersive installations, performances, DJs, and a fully stocked bar. The event takes place at Dallas Market Hall.
Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival (May 17-19)
The annual Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival will include live performances by national, regional, and local bands, the Singer Songwriter contest, the family friendly WF! Kids, the WF! Eats, the WF! Marketplace and Performers Row featuring strolling entertainers, buskers and acrobats, and more. Headlining bands will include Randy Rogers Band, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Sister Sledge, GROUPLOVE, and AWOLNATION. The event takes place at Galatyn Park in Richardson.
Main Street Fest: A Craft Brew Experience (May 17-19)
The 40th Annual Main Street Fest: A Craft Brew Experience is a family-friendly celebration showcasing a unique blend of craft brews, live entertainment, and community spirit. This year's event will feature a variety of golf-themed activities, as well as a Carnival Midway, KidZone, food and shopping vendors, and more. The event takes place in Historic Downtown Grapevine.
Tacos & Tequila Festival (May 18)
Fort Worth's version of the Tacos & Tequila Festival will also feature tacos, margaritas, and Lucha Libre wrestling, but its music showcase will be even bigger. Visitors will get to see performances by Ludacris, Ashanti, Xzibit, Chamillionaire, David Banner, Trick Daddy, Yung Joc, Bubba Sparxxx, DJ Ashton Martin, and more. It takes place at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth.
Ubbi Dubbi Festival (May 25-26)
The annual Ubbi Dubbi Festival is a two-day event featuring performances by over 40 electronic music artists, including Alison Wonderland, Dabin, Le Youth, RL Grime, Troyboi, Align, Crankdat, Kaleena Zanders, Sabai, Tobehonest, and more. It takes place at Panther Island Pavilion.
Taste Addison (May 31-June 2)
A celebration of food, music and fun, Taste Addison features music headliners Sugar Ray, The Toadies, and Hunter Hayes, food from a variety of Addison eateries, wine and spirits tastings, special performances, activities for the whole family, and more. The event takes place at Addison Circle Park.
So What?! Music Festival (June 1 and 2)
The 2024 So What?! Music Festival will feature performances from 60 bands over two days, headlined by hard rock bands Underoath and Skillet. Other notable bands include Boys Like Girls, Asking Alexandria, Mayday Parade, P.O.D., Silverstein, Switchfoot, The Devil Wears Prada, Relient K, and The Amity Affliction. The event takes place at Panther Island Pavilion.
The Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival takes place at Galatyn Park in Richardson, May 17-19.
