Pucker up! An inaugural pickle festival debuts this week, just before an okra festival the very next day. This week also brings three different culinary competitions: one featuring backyard barbecue pitmasters, one with chefs competing against culinary students, and one with bartenders showcasing their best tequila cocktails. Spectators - who get to sample all of the above - are the real winners.
Thursday, September 5
Fortaleza Tequila Single Barrel Launch Party at Chido Tacos & Tequila
Bartenders from around the city (from the likes of Parliament, Kinzo, and Victory Social) will visit Chido Tacos & Tequila to compete in a cocktail competition featuring the new single barrel Fortaleza Tequila. The $25 ticket grants spectators samples of all cocktails and a chance to vote for their favorite. The competition and sampling will run from 6-8 pm, with judging to take place from 8-8:30 pm and the winner to be announced at 9 pm.
Friday, September 6
The Ivy Tavern’s 10-Year Anniversary Bash
The Lemmon Avenue neighborhood bar and restaurant will mark a decade in business with an all-night party. Go for $5 ranch waters, live music (starting at 9 pm), and raffle ticket drawings, including two $500 Ivy Tavern gift cards. The party will run from 7 pm-2 am with prize drawings at midnight.
Saturday, September 7
Pickle Fest in Downtown Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie’s first-ever pickle-themed festival will include a pop-up pickleball tournament, pickle vendors, a pickle-eating contest, live music, food, beer, and more. The free event will take place downtown on Main Street, from 8 am-1 pm.
Smokeout Barbecue and Music Fest at Southfork Ranch
The inaugural event will pair a barbecue competition with a live music extravaganza at Dallas' famed Southfork Ranch. More than 50 backyard chef teams will present their best barbecue creations for attendees to sample and vote on. Following the competition, a concert will be held with live performances by Gary Allan, Paul Cauthen, Ryder Grimes, and Casey Donahew. Tickets start at $55 for access to the barbecue competition only (2-5 pm); or pay $110 for both the barbecue event and the concerts, which will run from 5-11 pm. (Note that parking is $20 per vehicle. Tickets for the concert only are $75.)
Sunday, September 8
Okrapalooza 2024
This annual festival, held at the Mineola Nature Preserve, will feature okra dishes created by chefs from North and East Texas. Participating Dallas-area chefs include Adam West of Local Yocal BBQ and Grill, Marshall Cole of Vestals Catering, and Andrea Shackleford of Harvest Seasonal Kitchen. Tickets are $50, and the event will run from 11 am-2 pm.
Monday, September 9
86 Cancer at The Adolphus
The downtown Dallas hotel will host Makeready’s annual 86 Cancer event, which will feature a “Chopped-style” culinary competition pitting top local chefs against culinary students from Dallas College El Centro Campus. Participating chefs include Henry Johnson of Bistro31, Dan Landsberg of Circle T Ranch, Aubrey Murphy of Ser Steak + Spirits, Travis Wyatt of Mirador, David Gomez of Tango Room, and Richard Blankenship of Te Deseo. Tickets are $130 and include hors d'oeuvres by The Adolphus and participating chefs and an open bar. The event will run from 6:30-10:30 pm.
