Get your pen and calendar ready! There’s a lot happening in Dallas this year and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to jot all of the year’s events down. From food festivals and cultural events to live music performances and art displays, these are the 2017 Dallas events you absolutely cannot miss that we’ve included on our Dallas Bucket List.
1.Shop Local at The Market
Where: 920 S Harwood St
When: January – December
Take your pick of fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and more at the Dallas Farmer’s Market this year. The market offers local food from regional growers and hosts fun events throughout the year, including cooking courses, yoga classes, and a pumpkin patch in the fall. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat in the food hall or grab a cup of coffee for a quick caffeine fix. The market is open 7 days a week, however, hours may vary. Be sure to check the market website beforehand.
2. Mardi Gras Texas Style
Where: Dallas Fairgrounds (Fair Park Automobile Building)
1010 1st Ave
When: February 18
Celebrate Mardi Gras, Texas Style, at this annual event. The one day festival will showcase 20 bands across five stages at the historic state fairgrounds. The event is sure to be a boot-stompin good time.
3. North Texas Irish Festival
Where: 7324 Gaston Avenue
When: March 3-5
Irish-style ales will be flowing at the 2017 North Texas Irish Festival. In addition to the suds, visitors can immerse themselves in all things Irish culture, from music to food. Catch a harpist playing a tune or dive into a bowl of stew at the two-day event.
4. Dallas Art Fair
Where: Fashion Industry Gallery (1807 Ross Ave)
When: April 6-9
Adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Arts at the Fashion Industry Gallery, this three-day arts event will feature both prominent international and national galleries and dealers. Artworks that will be on display will range from from paper works, photography and video, sculpture, and more. Tickets can be purchased via the Dallas Art Fair website.
5. Homegrown Music & Arts Festival
Where: Main Street Garden Park (1902 Main St)
When: May 13
This year marks the eighth anniversary of the annual music fest, and it’s sure to be bigger, and louder than ever. Here, bands with ties to Texas will be showcased for the entire family to enjoy, playing a variety of different styles of music. The Downtown Dallas event is easily accessible by public transportation.
6. Taste of Dallas
Where: Fair Park (3600 Grand Ave)
When: June 9-11
Foodies rejoice! The ultimate Texas foodie event is happening in June 2017 and you won’t want to miss it. Savor tastes and flavors from local and regional chefs, check out a live culinary demo, sip craft beer and wine and enjoy what the summer’s largest food festival has to offer.
7. Fair Park Fourth
Where: Dallas Fair Park (3809 Grand Ave)
When: July 4
Shake out your blanket and bring your lawn chair to celebrate Independence Day at the park. Grab a seat under the fireworks and take in the display in all of its glory. Just east of Downtown Dallas, you can take public transportation to a nearby restaurant or bar after the show.
8. McKinney Oktoberfest
Where: Downtown McKinney (111 N Tennessee St)
When: September 22-24
Say cheers and toast to Oktoberfest, Dallas! This year’s McKinney Oktoberfest, taking place in historic Downtown McKinney, will feature music and dance, games like the beer stein races, a parade, petting zoo, and even carnival rides.
9. State Fair of Texas
Where: Fair Park
When: September 29 – October 22
Take a stroll through the wine and beer gardens, stop by the celebrity chef kitchen, place a bid at the auction, or catch a live music performance at the 2017 State Fair of Texas. There will plenty of fun and food to go around.
10. Holiday at the Arboretum
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (8525 Garland Rd)
When: November 15 – December 31
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The holiday event features 500,000 lights throughout the gardens and a special 12 Days of Christmas outdoor display for the entire family to enjoy. Santa Claus will also be making appearances for photos and there will be a towering 30-foot tree at the center of the property.