What’s on in Dallas Fort Worth

North Texas Irish Festival

1 — 3 March 2024

Fair Park

The North Texas Irish Festival has become a March tradition in Dallas. The festival celebrates all things Gaelic, encompassing anything from music, dance and theatre to gastronomy, Gaelic sport and art. Alongside the live music visitors will discover a variety of exhibitors, workshops and plays, while there has also been the extremely popular recent addition of the small pet adoption area. Many a festivalgoer has left with a new dog, cat or rabbit.

Website www.ntif.org

Texas State Fair

27 September — 20 October 2024

Fair Park

Running since 1886, the State Fair of Texas is one of the oldest and most revered traditions in the Lone Star State. The beaming face of Big Tex, a giant animatronic cowboy, greets crowds who flock to the 23-day flair offering an abundance of rides, exhibitions and livestock events, as well as parades and the massive Texas Star Ferris Wheel. Food forms a big part of the celebrations, with a culinary stage and celebrity chefs focusing on Texan specialities. Alongside the live music there are also motor shows displaying both classic and new cars. With over two million visitors, this state fair is the biggest of its kind.

Website www.bigtex.com

Deep Ellum Arts Festival

5 — 7 April 2024

Deep Ellum Entertainment District on Main Street, between Good Latimer and Hall Streets

The Deep Ellum Arts Festival shows off the hottest neighbourhood in Downtown Dallas, drawing over 100,000 devotees during its three day run. More than 200 juried decorative and visual artists display their works, including murals, fashion parades and a poetry circus, while loads of new bands and singers take to the stages. Food isn't forgotten, with a food village created by some of Deep Ellum's signature restaurants and vendors, ranging from Mexican, Caribbean and Mediterranean to the local favourite barbecues. There's also a selection of wine, craft beer and sodas when having fun becomes thirsty work. And the best thing is, entry is free.

Website deepellumartsfestival.com/

Taste of Dallas

TBC 2024

Fair Park, 1200 South Second Avenue

Taste of Dallas is a food and drink festival with a long and proud history. Visitors sample culinary delights prepared by top Dallas chefs with both local and international flavours. Over 60 restaurants, food trucks and companies set up their stalls, with anything from an army of street tacos to veggie eateries and bakeries. Aside from mouth-watering Texan barbecues, there is a myriad of other cuisines on offer like Middle Eastern, Thai and Korean. Eating is thirsty work but the festival has visitors covered thanks to its wine garden, beer garden and experimental mixologist area. Kids will love the play zone while the Texan market proudly exhibits and supports Texan businesses, keeping alive its legacy as a genuine cultural institution.

Website www.tasteofdallas.org

Dallas Fort Worth