Fest Fun

Two artsy, beloved festivals take the stage this month in Richardson

The artsiest fests on the block are back this spring in Richardson, blooming brightly with a creative wonderland of artistic works, mainstage-worthy music, culinary treats, and so much more.

It’s the 54^th year for Cottonwood Art Festival (May 6-7) and the 31st for Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival (May 19-21). Here’s what you need to know about both:

What to expect: No matter your art personality type, you’ll find something to love amid more than 200 global artists’ juried work, spanning paintings and sculpture to ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography.

Make sure to look for Artist of the Year Karina Llergo, who studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada.

There’s also live music across two stages along with an arts-and-crafts area for the kiddos and plenty of food and drink for all on tap.

Where: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd.

When: Saturday, May 6, 10 am-7 pm; Sunday, May 7, 10 am-5 pm.

Tickets: Admission and parking are both free, with shuttles running continuously between the park and the Richardson High School football stadium lot.

History lesson: Celebrating 54 years, the award-winning Cottonwood Art Festival is a twice-yearly juried show that has become a signature art event in the community and beyond. The festival also provides innovative outreach programs for students, with the goal of broadening interest in visual arts and bringing the art world into classrooms.

More details:CottonwoodArtFestival.com

Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival

What to expect: With five stages and 100-plus performers, including Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band, X Ambassadors, The Romantics, Little River Band, Judah & The Lion, and more, your listening schedule will be packed at this fest.

Beyond the stages, the Wildflower! Marketplace is a one-stop-shop for local and regional accessories, art, home decor, apparel, and more.

There’s also an art guitar auction, songwriter competition, and a Performance Row that features street performers, acrobats, and magicians. Plus, look for Wildflower! Kids, a family-fun zone with art, games, informative activities, and kid-friendly tunes.

Where: Galatyn Park Urban Center, located at Galatyn Parkway and U.S. 75.

When: Friday, May 19, 6 pm-midnight; Saturday, May 20, 11 am-midnight; Sunday, May 21, 11 am-6 pm.

Tickets: Friday and Saturday are $35, Sunday is $20, and kids 12 and under are free. A three-day pass is $75. Richardson residents can score tickets for only $15.

History lesson: Wildflower! began as a small community gathering in 1993 and has since become one of the most popular cultural events in North Texas, with tens of thousands of fans showing up for their favorite artists.

More details:WildflowerFestival.com

Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Art Festival

It's the 54th year for Cottonwood Art Festival.

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Smurfs News

Immersive show starring blue Smurfs makes U.S. debut in Arlington

SBX

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Beloved blue characters The Smurfs are making their way to Arlington with an immersive experience for families: The Smurf Experience, located at Esports Stadium at 1200 Ballpark Way, opens May 7.

Get ready to shrink down, turn blue, and journey into the land of the Smurfs to help save the world from the evil wizard, Gargamel in a show that started out in Europe and now makes its U.S. debut in DFW for a limited time.

“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but," says SBX Group’s CEO, Danny Fritz in a release. "From their origins in Europe in the 1950’s to their increasing global popularity, we are excited to bring the world of the Smurfs to life for families in DFW! Based on the success of the attraction in Europe, we believe US audiences will thoroughly enjoy the launch of The Smurf Experience."

This 13,000-square-foot, fully immersive attraction will transport families into the heart of Smurf Village. The 75-minute experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters and more. It’s hands-on, high-energy and full of Smurftastic fun for kids and parents alike.

The Smurf Experience is not to be missed and is only in Texas until the end of summer.

Tickets are now available at $30 for regular admission and $40 for VIP, as well as group and birthday packages.

“When my father first drew these little blue characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined that they’d one day jump off the pages and be able to physically interact with families around the world," says Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of Peyo Company and daughter of Peyo, in a release. "It is wonderful to see The Smurf Experience bring the Smurfs, their story and their values to life in such a meaningful way."

Timed with the release of Paramount Pictures’ new Smurfs movie, hitting theaters July 2025, this summer-long adventure builds on the excitement of the big screen.

The film stars Rihanna as both a producer and the voice of Smurfette. She’s also behind the soundtrack’s musical hits. The Smurf Experience lets fans step into the world of the Smurfs ahead of the film’s release—creating unforgettable moments for families to share together.

The Smurf Experience was designed by Belgium-based agency Cecoforma in collaboration with Smurf parent entity Peyo Company. SBX Group, a leader in entertainment attractions, is working with Cecoforma and Peyo Company to adapt the experience for North American audiences.

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