Dallas Events
The Dallas events calendar is jam-packed with a variety of Dallas events for work or play, all year round. Attend nearby corporate functions at the Dallas Convention Center, or plan a day of fun at one of the exciting festivals and Dallas events spanning the Metroplex. Whatever brings you, Comfort Suites Dallas Park Central Hotel is perfectly located for your full enjoyment of all the things to do in Dallas, TX. Please take a moment to browse our calendar of Dallas events.
January
Holiday in the Park
January 1 | Six Flags Over Texas
A Dallas calendar of events favorite, explore the wonders of Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington decked out in full holiday regalia. High-flying rides that take your breath away, holiday themed entertainment, roaming carolers and more come together to celebrate the joy of this magical season.
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic
January 6 | Dallas Cowboys Stadium
A New Year’s Day tradition in DFW, this classic bowl game is an edge-of-your-seat battle against two of the nation’s best collegiate football teams. It’s only fitting that such a legendary clash would be hosted in the equally epic Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
Southwest Dental Conference (Private)
January 12 – 14 | Dallas Convention Center
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festival
January 14 | Dallas City Hall
Features over 200 entries, including floats, marching bands, drill teams, vehicles, walkers and more, ending at the State Fair Grounds of Texas. Afterwards a festival is held in Fair Park’s Tower Building with a health fair, vendors, children’s activities, and gospel concert, to name a few.
Kid Film Festival
January 21 – 21 | Angelika Theatre
The kiddos will delight in this happy event featuring both classic and modern films, and guest appearances by the authors of their favorite bed-time stories. As the longest running children’s festival in the country, years of work have gone into perfecting this informative and family-friendly event.
Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
January 13 – February 14 | Fort Worth Stockyards
One of the most anticipated Dallas, TX events, enjoy 23 days of stock shows, midway fun, live music and eclectic shopping. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, it is not to be missed.
February
ASI Show (Private)
February 1 – 3 | Dallas Convention Center
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Banquet
February | Dallas Convention Center
Established in 1926 and standing proudly as the longest running Black Chamber in the nation, this event awards the DBCC Community Service Award, which has been handed out annually since 1985 to a member who has gone above and beyond in significant volunteer contributions.
Dallas International Boat Show
February 3 – 5 and 9 – 12 | Dallas Market Hall
Exhibitors from all across the nation come together to participate in the Dallas International Boat Show, one of the largest in the nation. Bring the whole family because there are plenty of activities for the kids including Bubble Runners and the Kids Fish Tank.
HELI-EXPO (Private)
February 12 – 14 | Dallas Convention Center
Dallas Autorama
February 17 -19 | Dallas Market Hall
Gleaming classic cars, shiny celebrities and a generous charity auction are the meat and potatoes of this hot-rod lover’s heaven. Unite with fellow gear heads and classic-car enthusiasts to take-in amazing stunt driving, Chip Foose designs and live-action pinstriping of both conventional and unconventional items.
Russian Festival
February 31 | SMU McFarlin Auditorium
Celebrate Russian music, food and culture with the Russian American Center. Displaying their proud traditions in ballet, art and more, the 2012 Russian Festival is an exciting cultural experience that is not to be missed.
March
Dallas Spring Home & Garden Show
March 2 – 4 | Dallas Market Hall
Stay “in the know” with the latest trends in gardening, remodeling, home décor and more. This seasonal event is your chance to speak face-to-face with over 500 experts and try out more than 1,000 cutting-edge products and services for the home enthusiast.
Six Flags Spring Break Out!
March 10 – 18 | Six Flags Over Texas
Welcoming Spring Breakers from across the nation, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington commemorates the season opening with a celebration of all things Spring Break. Featuring world-class musical acts, heart-pumping rides and more.
Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17 | Greenville Avenue
Over 25 years and going strong, this all day affair includes activities for the entire family and has come to be known as the St. Patty’s Day Celebration of Dallas, TX. Kicking off with a 5k run and culminating in lavish floats, Irish music, dance and live entertainment, everyone enjoys the one time of the year we can all be Irish.
Dallas Bridal Market
March 18 – 20 | Dallas Market Center
You’re one-stop shop for bridal and special occasion wear, consumers and retailers alike convene for this veritable bridal extravaganza. You won’t find a wider variety of wedding dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses, Mother-of-the-Bride wear and more in one place.
Rock & Roll Half Marathon
March 25 | Fair Park
A full weekend celebrating health and fitness, check out the sizeable fitness expo featuring numerous vendors and enjoy live music along the race route, a post-race concert and race lengths with varying degrees of difficulty so everyone can get in on the action.
Crest Expo
March 30 | Dallas Convention Center
People from all sectors of the commercial real estate industry come together for the commercial real estate trade show of Dallas/Fort Worth. Special guests include the Building Owners and Managers Association, The Appraisal Institute, American Society of Interior Designers and many more.
Savor Dallas
30 – 31 | Victory Park/Dallas Arts District
Decadent varietals and savory cuisine make Savor Dallas the premium wine and food event in North Texas. Stroll through the arts district wine-in-hand or attend a special wine-tasting class featuring Maximilian Riedel. This opulent weekend has something for everyone.
April
Dallas Blooms Spring
April 1 – 9 | Dallas Arboretum
Watch the gardens of the Dallas Arboretum come alive with the return of spring. Celebrating its 28th anniversary and named by MSNBC as “One of the Top 14 Places in the World to See Spring Flowers,” the spring blossoms are truly a sight.
Aviation Week (Private)
April 3 – 5 | Dallas Convention Center
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
April 7 – May 28 | Waxahachie, Texas
A nod to days gone by, explore this 135 acre village featuring food, performers, artisans and more. Take in over 200 performances daily on 21 stages and definitely make time to experience one of the three full-combat jousts held each day of the festival.
Dallas International Film Festival
April 12 – 22 | Victory Park/various locations
One of the fastest growing film festivals in the world and named by MovieMaker Magazine as “One of the 25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” DIFF has featured more than 900 films from 49 countries, including many Academy Award winners and nominees.
Lone Star Classic
April 13 – 23 | Dallas Convention Center
The Lone Star Classis is the largest of the junior national qualifiers for youth volleyball. Over 1200 teams were in participation at last year’s tournament.
Arbor Daze
April 28 – 29 | City Hall Complex in Euless, TX
Celebrating tree planting, preservation and forestry initiatives, this free event features live entertainment, food, exhibitors and demonstrations emphasizing the importance of trees and the role they play in our environment.
May
AMI, FMI UFP Joint Convention (Private)
May 1 – 3 | Dallas Convention Center
Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games
May 4 – 6 | Maverick Stadium UT/Arlington
Take in a variety of Scottish athletic competitions, Championship Scottish Highland and Scottish National dance competitions and world-class musical acts at the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games. This year’s festival will also host many workshops including fiddle and kilt-making sessions.
Cottonwood Art Festival
May 5 – 6 | Cottonwood Park, Richardson, TX
For over 40 years the Cottonwood Art Festival has been a premier Texas event proving that “There’s an Art to Having Fun.” Enjoy live music from all genres and over 240 local, regional and national artists competing in categories ranging from 3D mixed media to digital to painting, sculpture and much more.
Professional Assn. SQL Server (PASS) Private
May 10 – 11 | Dallas Convention Center
Asian Festival
May 12 | Main Street Garden in Downtown Dallas
North Texas’ largest celebration of Asian culture featuring martial arts, native art, food, dance and children’s activities .
Novo Nordisk (Private)
May 12 – 18 | Dallas Convention Center
HP Byron Nelson Championship
May 14 – 20 | Four Seasons Resort and Club, Las Colinas, TX
A premier sporting event in Dallas, this golfing tradition began in 1944 and is known as one of the most highly competitive tournaments on the PGA TOUR. This event extends on into the night with the Pavilion After Dark and kids activities go on all day at the KidZone.
Main Street Days – Grapevine
May 18 – 20 | Grapevine Historic District
Grapevine’s summer kickoff, enjoy international wines, craft beers and delectable pizzas all weekend long. Sunshine, live entertainment, shopping and the Pizza Piazza are a perfect way to say, “Hello summer.”
Taste of Addison
May 18 – 20 | Addison Conference Center & Theater
Three days of food, music and entertainment, partake in the top dishes of more than 60 Addison restaurants at special “Taste of Addison” prices. Celebrity chef demonstrations, carnival rides and award-winning children’s entertainment are just a few of the scheduled activities during this epic weekend event.
Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Golf Tournament
May 21 – 27 | Colonial Country Club, Ft. Worth, TX
This week-long tournament is hosted at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, one of the world’s highest ranked golf courses in terms of difficulty. More than 100 Tarrant County charities are beneficiaries of this annual event, including Cook’s Children, Birdies for Charity and The First Tee.
Artfest
May 25 – 27 | Fair Park
Featuring more than 200 artists from across the nation, this juried event is open to the public and is managed by members of the 500 Inc. Club, a group of volunteers who have been raising funds to support the arts in Dallas for more than 60 years.
June
Dallas Gun and Knife Show
June 9 – 10 | Dallas Market Center
The biggest gun show in Texas and a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Rifle Association, the Dallas Gun and Knife show is for collectors of arms and accessories to increase their awareness in their arms and their values.
American Water Works Association
June 12 – 14 | Dallas Convention Center
The only water conference where all sectors of the water industry are represented, ACE12 aims to bring together consumers and clients to introduce new and safer water technologies.
AVID Summer Institute (Private)
June 18 – 20 | Dallas Convention Center
Dallas International Lighting Market
June 21 – 25 | Dallas Market Hall
Covering more than a million square feet with lighting fixtures for business or home, this incredible collection of portable and fixed lighting draws about 3000 buyers from across the globe.
Texas Restaurant Association (Private)
June 24 – 26 | Dallas Convention Center
Junior Olympic Taekwondo Championships (Private)
June 30 – July 5 | Dallas Convention Center
July
Boys Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships (Private)
July 1 – 8 | Dallas Convention Center
Kaboom Town
July 3 – 5 | Addison Circle Park
This 30 minute fireworks spectacular has been named one of the best places to watch fireworks in the country by the American Pyrotechnics Association, USA Today, Travel + Leisure and the Wall Street Journal. This weekend-long event also includes amazing food, live music and an air show by the Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Flyover.
4 Fair Park Fourth
July 4 | Fair Park
Enjoy a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic concert, dancing water shows, a dazzling fireworks display and much more at Fair Park Fourth. Participating Fair Park museums will also be offering free or reduced price admission. Come celebrate our country’s independence with a variety of patriotic activities all afternoon.
Taste of Dallas
July 13 – 15 | Fair Park
Mark your calendars for the 26th annual Taste of Dallas event. Top chefs and restaurants come together with the area’s favorite local bands, sports teams and a variety of kid activities to make this one of the most anticipated DFW events of the year.
Til Midnight at the Nasher
July 13 – 15 | Nasher Sculpture Center To usher in spring the Nasher Sculpture Center is offering free admission till midnight. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music and a screening of Martin Scorseses’ Hugo in 3D. Refreshing sandwiches, salads and more are available for purchase.
Dallas Summer Boat Show Expo
July 13 – 15 & 20 – 22 | Dallas Market Hall
The ultimate summer boat and outdoors show, browse boats, docks, accessories and more or participate in a whole host of family activities including rock climbing, archery and fishing. Enjoy live entertainment by professional BMX and trick cyclists as well as Radio Disney.
Mary Kay, Inc. – Seminar (Private)
July 18 – August 4 | Dallas Convention Center
Dallas Bridal Show – Summer
July 28 – 29 | Dallas Market Hall
Providing brides with a unique one-stop-shopping experience and businesses with a fantastic opportunity to meet their clientele face-to-face, this well-respected bridal trade show features over 300 wedding professional exhibitors.
Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus
July 28 – 29 | American Airlines Center
“The Greatest Show on Earth” returns to Dallas in all its pulse-pounding, high-flying glory. Experience the newest show “Dragons,” where the past and present collide or the red-hot action show “Fully Charged” featuring thrilling stunts and explosions.
August
Viva Dallas! Hispanic Expo
August 4 – 5 | Dallas Market Hall
This flagship event of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce includes business, entertainment and health exhibitors geared towards the Hispanic community. With activities for the whole family, try your hand at bailes folkloricos or take advantage of free health screenings.
MetroCon
August 9 – 10 | Dallas Market Hall
The nation’s largest design-related regional expo and conference, the Texas Chapter of ASID and the Texas/Oklahoma Chapter of IIDA have come together to help strengthen the design community by offering top exhibitors and continuing education workshops for everyone.
ASAE - Annual Meeting & Exposition (Private)
August 11 – 14 | Dallas Convention Center
Europa Super Show
August 17 – 18 | Dallas Convention Center
Be inspired at this health and fitness expo featuring a wide variety of “get fit” events including Zumba, body building, wrestling, kids activities and much, much more.
Sage Quick Technology (Private)
August 20 | Dallas Convention Center
KRLD Restaurant Week
August 15 – 28 | various locations
With over 125 participating restaurants and delectable 3-course dinners for just $35/person, KRLD Restaurant Week is a Dallas foodie’s paradise. Spend $25 or more at Dallas Central Market and get a voucher for a FREE fourth course at participating restaurants.
Visions – Women’s Expo
August 25 – 26 | Dallas Market Hall
In their 23rd year, at Visions Women’s Expo women come together to discover the latest in beauty, fashion, and general fun. As the largest women’s expo in the Southwest, this year’s exhibitors include Mary K, Scentsy, the Red Hat Society and many more.
September
Freedom Run & Festival
September 7 – 9 | Dallas City Hall Plaza
This 5k fun run and festival honors the victims and heroes of 9/11. After your 5k run, bring the whole family to the Freedom festival where there’s even a child-friendly Kids’ Zone
Dallas Fall Home & Garden Show
September 8 – 9 | Dallas Market Center
As the air turns chilly and the leaves begin to fall, stay up to date on all the latest trends in gardening, remodeling, home décor and more. This fall event is your chance to speak with more than 500 experts and try out a variety of the latest products and services for the home.
Dallas Bridal Market – Fall
September 9 – 11 | Dallas Market Hall
You’re one-stop shop for fall bridal and special occasion wear, consumers and retailers combine for this extreme bridal showcase. You won’t find a larger variety of wedding and bridesmaid’s dresses, Mother-of-the-Bride attire and more.
Grapefest
September 13 – 16 | Grapevine Historic District
Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the ever-popular Grapevine Grapefest is taking an Australian spin this year with a focus on Australian wines and entertainment. Of course traditional Grapefest activities are still in the line-up including the Grape Stomp, Grapefest Golf Classic and the lively KidZone.
Southwest Veterinary Symposium (Private)
September 21 – 23 | Dallas Convention Center
InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival
September 21 – 23 | Oak Point Park, Plano, TX
Take part in an event-filled weekend that includes hot air balloons, sky divers, a massive kid’s fun zone, exhibitors, food and more. A must see is the beautiful glow of the balloons against the night sky on Friday and Saturday evenings.
State Fair of Texas
September 28 – October 21 | Fair Park
Say hello to Big Tex at this massive festival featuring rides, entertainment and the most scrumptious fair fare you’ve ever imagined. Indulge in the likes of fried bubble gum, buffalo chicken in a flap jack or a fried PB & J sandwich. If you can dream it, somebody is probably frying it.
Greek Festival of Texas
September 28 – 30 | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Partake in amazing cuisine, artistry and tradition at the Greek Festival of Texas. Enjoy cooking demos, traditional Greek music and dance or shop the wares of authentic Greek artisans. This festival is a celebration of North Texas’ flourishing Greek culture.
October
Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas
October 1 – 31 | Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington
Weekends are a scream during Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. Wind your way through haunted mazes, explore Cadaver Hall Asylum or bear witness to extreme Monstertainment like Welcome to Arania’s Nightmare. FrightFest guarantees you’ll have the “fright of your life.”
Med Assets Business & Technology (Private)
October 9 | Dallas Convention Center
National Council Of Teachers Of Mathematics - Regional Conference & Exposition (Private)
October 10 – 12 | Dallas Convention Center
SBC Red River Rivalry – Texas vs. Oklahoma
October 13 | Cotton Bowl in Fair Park
Considered one of the major rivalries in the NCAA, this clash of the titans pits the Longhorns against their rival to the North, the Oklahoma Sooners. This intense rivalry brings fans from all over Texas and Oklahoma to watch as their favorite teams battle it out for extreme bragging rights.
American Numismatic Association (Private)
October 18 – 20 | Dallas Convention Center
Race for the Cure
October 20 | NorthPark Center
Join the Warriors in Pink as they Race for the Cure. Benefitting breast cancer research, this celebrated organization hosts an annual 1K and 5K running/walking event to raise awareness and funding, celebrate survivors and educate the public.
North American Spine Society (NASS) (Private)
October 24 – 27 | Dallas Convention Center
“Hallo”ween Nights at the Dallas Zoo
Dates TBA | Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo reopens at 6:00 p.m. for a not-so-scary Halloween celebration including fun activities like Witch-ercize, dancing the Monster Mash, themed candy stations for trick or treating and a haunted carousel ride.
Chili Pepperama
Dates TBA | Old Town Shopping Center, Lovers Ln. and Greenville Ave.
Spice enthusiasts from DFW and the surrounding areas unite for a festival that will set your taste buds into overdrive. Neighborhood restaurants dish out their spiciest dishes while the annual chili cook-off is not for faint of heart. Artisans, craft booths and live music are the perfect backdrop to this celebration of Texas heat.
Rescue Round-Up
Dates TBA | Fort Worth Stockyards
Mingle with dog lovers from across DFW as the Fort Worth Stockyards are over-run by pure-bred rescue dogs of all shapes, colors and sizes. Designed to raise awareness about breed-specific rescue organizations in North Texas, this loveable, free event is the life-saving alternative to buying from a breeder.
November
Holiday at the Arboretum
Dates TBA | Dallas Arboretum
The DeGolyer house and gardens get a sparkling winter make-over for Holiday at the Arboretum. Featuring an astounding selection of Santas and seasonal themes including the North Pole, the 12 Days of Christmas and the Night Before Christmas, this jolly event is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season.
Galleria Holiday Kick-Off & Grand Tree Lighting
Dates TBA | Dallas Galleria Mall
The grand 95 foot tall Christmas tree at the Dallas Galleria Mall includes over 10,000 ornaments, 250,000 lights and takes two to three days to decorate. As an added bonus, this massive tree sits smack in the middle of the ice-skating rink for the adventurous folks who’d like to see the tree up close.
Bank One Trains at NorthPark
Dates TBA | NorthPark Center
A Dallas tradition since 1987, watch little eyes sparkle in amazement at the intricate workings of more than 35 detailed train sets. These zippy locomotives traverse the USA through a Dallas diorama to dioramas of New York City, San Francisco, New England and Washington, D.C.
Dallas Sample Sale
November 8 – 11 | Dallas Market Hall
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping with this once a year event featuring jewelry, toys, children’s clothing, home accessories, furniture and manufacturer samples at wonderfully discounted prices.
Collaborative Care Conference - Annual Meeting & Exposition (Private)
November 24 – December 1 | Dallas Convention Center
Holiday In the Park
November 25 – January 2 | Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington
Six Flags Over Texas gets a beautiful holiday makeover for this special season. Slide down glistening Snow Hill, enjoy outrageous holiday themed entertainment and shows, peruse a variety of holiday themed shops or warm up with hot cocoa, apple cider or a number of other festive holiday treats.
Dickens of a Christmas
Dates TBA | Historic Downtown McKinney, TX
A traditional Christmas celebration including horse-drawn carriages, strolling carolers, visits with Santa and official tree lighting ceremony. Spread out over 3 days, enjoy music, food and children’s activities sponsored by local organizations.
December
Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade
Dates TBA | Downtown Dallas
The Children’s Med Center Holiday Parade features lively marching bands, beautifully detailed holiday floats, immense balloons and so much more. Benefitting the Child Life Department at Children’s Med Center, this annual event is a staple in the DFW holiday season.
Run the Rock – Dallas White Rock Marathon
January 2 | Fair Park
Voted the best Texas running event for 2010, the White Rock Marathon is always a favorite among the Dallas running community. Try the full marathon, half marathon or 5K. If running isn’t quite your style there are plenty of other events including a health and fitness expo, the lively Runner’s Village or come-as-you-are happy hour.
Kwanzaa Fest
Dates TBA | Fair Park
A two day festival celebrating African American culture and traditions, Kwanzaa Fest draws world-renowned hip-hop and R&B acts as well as numerous arts and crafts vendors to celebrate Kwanzaa and promote unity among the community.
Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village
Dates TBA | Dallas Heritage Village
This beautiful holiday celebration redecorates Heritage Village into authentic, turn-of-the-century style. Enjoy candlelight performances by local groups, carriage rides, numerous children’s activities and the Guild’s scrumptious annual bake sale. Allow the friendly folks of Heritage Village to take you back in time.
Blue Yule Art Sale
Dates TBA | The Mckinney Avenue Contemporary
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season and support McKinney Avenue Contemporary at the Blue Yule Holiday Party and Fundraiser. Buy elegantly hand-crafted ornaments, participate in the silent auction or indulge in the infamous Blue Mystery Punch, either way you’re furthering a great non-profit cause.
Starbucks Jingle Bell Run
Dates TBA | Downtown Dallas
An exhilarating night-time dash through the twinkling streets of Downtown Dallas, the Starbucks Jingle Bell Run benefits Carter Blood Care and consists of a one mile fun run or 5K. Runners can also participate in a costume contest, pet pageant or let the little ones run wild in Santa Land.
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