The 12 best annual events in Dallas

The State Fair of Texas is not just a major Dallas event—it’s legendary in Texas. What started in 1886 with 100,000 visitors has since grown to 2.5 million visitors over the last 130 years. The fair runs daily for almost three weeks, offering a massive mix of things to do and see from livestock shows and amusement park rides to shopping local artisans and live concerts across multiple stages. If there are two things every visitor to the State Fair must do, it’s take a picture with Big Tex, the 55-foot cowboy and official greeter of the fair, and sample unique offerings at the food stalls. 

When is it: September 25–October 19 

Every April since 2013, Dallas erupts with artistic events which culminate in one festival called Dallas Arts Month. Literary readings, dance performances, art shows, live musical performances, theatrical shows, and so much more are scheduled every day of the month in various parts of Dallas with an intent to highlight the vibrant local arts scene. While the scheduled events vary each year, there are a few that anchor the festival on a yearly basis such as the Dallas International Film Festival and the Dallas Art Fair. 

When is it: April 

With over 125,000 attendees, the St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival in Dallas is the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the Southwest. It all starts with a parade of 90 or more floats that follow a 2-mile path down Greenville Avenue. After the parade, the bars, restaurants, and shops that line Greenville Avenue open their doors to serve loads of green beer and celebrate the holiday well into the wee hours of the morn. 

When is it: Saturday near St. Patrick’s Day

Dallas Pride was long celebrated in Oak Lawn, the city’s official “gayborhood,” but the parade has grown tremendously over the years, leading organizers to move it to Fair Park. Pride begins each year on a Saturday with the ticketed Miller Lite Music Festival, a full day of live music, a family Pride zone, teen Pride events, and community and merchant vendor booths. On Sunday morning, the beating heart of Dallas Pride kicks off with the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, a free parade that circles the Cotton Bowl Stadium. 

When is it: June 6–7

Spectacular fireworks, live concerts, food trucks, and amusement rides are what you can expect at Fair Park Fourth, Dallas’ most notable Fourth of July celebration. The event takes place in the same space that hosts the State Fair of Texas, so visitors get a chance to experience some of the State Fair’s best amusement rides and games during Fair Park Fourth for just $5. (Those who run in the Fourth of July race can enjoy the rides for free.) The night ends with an extravagant fireworks show visible across the city.

When is it: July 4

Every year, Dallas gets into the holiday season with the Dallas Holiday Parade, the largest one-day outdoor parade in the city. It started in 1987 as the 75th annual celebration for The Adolphus and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Today, the parade continues the tradition with 350 television stations and 159 markets syndicating the event across the nation. The parade is free for all who attend and follows a path through Downtown Dallas.

When is it: December 

Dallas honors Martin Luther King Jr. with two weeks full of events that aim to bring the city together and remember his dream for America. Some of the biggest highlights of the week include a birthday celebration at MLK Jr. Community Center, a candlelit ceremony by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and a scholarship and awards gala. The most important event, though, is the MLK March and Parade which features 250 youth groups, nonprofit organizations, bands, floats, and more marching along the South Dallas road named after the activist. The parade ends at the African American Museum in Fair Park which hosts a family-friendly event full of workshops, entertainment, and food vendors. 

When is it: Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 

The biggest event of summer happens under the eye of the Reunion Tower. Dallasites gather on the lawn for a free Texas night out. Friends play lawn games like corn hole and bocce ball or throw frisbees and footballs, all of which are provided by the event organizers. Others jam out and dance to live music on the big stage or grab a bite to eat from food trucks and a drink from the beer garden.

When is it: Mid-June

DFW Restaurant Week doesn’t just happen in one week—it spans an entire month. Each August, participating restaurants in the DFW Metroplex offer special lunch and dinner menus that include three to five courses (sometimes with wine or cocktail pairings!) all for a fixed price of either $25, $39 or $49. In addition to providing people the opportunity to eat at upscale restaurants for a lower cost, a portion of the proceeds goes toward local charities such as the North Texas Food Bank. 

When is it: August

Deep Ellum Arts Festival began as a small one-block street party in 1994 but has blossomed into a large and internationally-recognized arts festival. During the first weekend of April, Dallas descends on Deep Ellum to explore the booths of 200 visual artists and listen to live performances by over 100 bands and musicians. The festival has expanded to cover six blocks and is free to the public with the only cost going toward food, beverages, and any art purchased. 

When is it: April 3-5

While New Yorkers bring in the new year with the ball drop, Dallas celebrates New Year’s Eve at their ball-shaped building, the Reunion Tower. The 10-minute, 360-degree panoramic fireworks show features pyrotechnic special effects that correlate to a changing light display by the tower's 259 LED lights. While many head into downtown to watch the show, the best views are from within the tower at an exclusive, ticketed party hosted by Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, the restaurant located at the top of the tower. 

When is it: December 31

Every September, thousands of automotive fanatics descend upon the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase to admire over 300 rare supercars, vintage and classic vehicles, and the newest lines of luxury cars, from brands like Rolls Royce and Bentley. Keep in mind that the showcase isn’t just a normal car show, but features a fashion show, kids zone, food trucks, bars, a haute hat contest, and a VIP section with dozens of food stalls serving cuisine from local restaurants.

When is it: September