What: SummerFest at Gaylord Texan
When: Friday, May 27th – Monday, September 5th @ 10:00AM (9:00PM- Light Show)
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: SummerFest at Gaylord Texan hosts a free, Alice in Wonderland-themed experience with a 4D Wonderland Adventure, This Way & That Way Scavenger hunt, Cups & Canvases, a Hatter’s Tea Party and a 3D light show, Friday and Saturday nights, and on Sundays night over Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends.
What: Sheed Film Festival
When: Friday, May 27th – Monday, May 30th @ 6:00PM(Fri) and 2:00PM (Sat-Mon
Where: Angelika Film Center & Cafe
5321 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, TX 75206
Why: As an attempt to promote and present Iranian art and culture in the international community, AramArt Culture and Art Institute is presenting the Sheed Film Festival, the first Persian film festival in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The festival will feature nine Iranian films produced in recent years. The term “sheed “ is an old Persian word meaning a light from above; an illumination coming from the sky. Persian cinema, and especially Iranian cinema, has been witnessing the emergence of several young and admirably ambitious directors during the past decade.
What: The National Polka Festival
When: Friday, May 27th – Sunday, May 29th @ 7:00PM (Fri) and 10:00AM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Downtown Ennis
101 N Main St., Ennis, TX 75119
Why: If you love a good performance on an accordion, this 50th annual Czech heritage festival is for you. The fun kicks off with a dance featuring polka music and the King and Queen Dance Contest, where dancers will be clothed in traditional Czech kroje (folk costumes). There’s also a 5K Polka Run, a parade, performances by 19 polka bands including Brave Combo, a country concert by Lonestar with Jamie Richards, arts and crafts, kids activities, a kolache-eating contest and plenty of chances to dance. The whole shebang takes place throughout the historic downtown area and in three nearby event halls. Don’t worry: There’ll be plenty of Czech foods during the fest to keep you going.
What: Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival
When: Friday, May 27th – Sunday, May 29th @ 8:00PM
Where: Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
500 E. Border St., Arlington, TX 76010
Why: The Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival runs Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, featuring free concerts in a family friendly setting with open lawn seating. Friday: Pleasant Grove and The Polyphonic Spree, Saturday: Reagan James and Blood, Sweat and Tears with Bo Bice, Sunday: Doug Burr and Bowling for Soup
What: Cinema on the Square
When: Friday, May 27th – Saturday, May 28th @ 8:30PM
Where: Pioneer Park
600 Cedar St., Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Why: Bring a chair/blanket, grab some popcorn and settle in for an outdoor movie screening in Cedar Hill’s Historic District. Movies start at dusk (around 8:30 pm.) May 27 – Fiddler on the Roof, May 28 – The Searchers (in honor of John Wayne’s birthday anniversary)
What: Thai Culture & Food Festival
When: Saturday, May 28th – Sunday, May 29th @ 10:00AM
Where: Buddhist Center of Dallas
8484 Stults Rd., Dallas, TX 75243
Why: Dishes representing Thailand’s four regional cuisines will be offered, including common ones, such as pad Thai and chicken satay, and some rarities, prepared by more than a dozen local restaurants and vendors. The festival, presented by the Thai Community Center of North Texas, will also include cooking demonstrations and traditional arts, crafts and performances.
What: Cruisin’ Granbury
When: Saturday, May 28th – Monday, May 30th @ 10:00AM
Where: Granbury Square Plaza
205 E. Pearl St., Granbury, TX 76048
Why: The Historic Granbury Merchant Association kicks off summer with a ’50’s themed festival dedicated to the era of cool cars and rock ‘n’ roll. There will be dancing, hot rods, arts and crafts, and music including a top notch Elvis tribute artist on Sunday evening, May 29, from 5-6:30 p.m. Kids Zone attractions include a water runner bubble, bungee jumping, petting zoo, face painting and more. On Saturday, May 28, Granbury’s Roller Derby team will be showing off their skating skills and everyone is invited to a street dance from 5 until 8 p.m. The festival will also mark the importance of the holiday with a traditional Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m
What: Memorial Day Celebration featuring Touch a Truck
When: Saturday, May 28th @ 10:00AM -1:00PM
Where: Rowlett Community Centre
5300 Main St., Rowlett, TX 75088
Why: A Memorial Day Service at the Rowlett Community Center at 10 a.m. pays homage to fallen soldiers. This special day continues with Touch-A-Truck, a fun and educational opportunity for children of all ages to touch, climb on and explore a variety of trucks and other vehicles including a fire truck, ambulance, 18 wheeler, school bus and more.
What: National Beer Mile
When: Saturday, May 28th @ 11:00AM
Where: Fair Park
1121 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: Now in its second year, National Beer Mile comes to Dallas. The one-mile course designed for fitness enthusiasts, social drinkers, and party-goers is capped off by an after party featuring food, games, and live music.
What: Memorial Day Weekend Great Train Robberies
When: Saturday, May 28th – Monday, May 30th @ 1:00PM-6:00PM
Where: Grapevine Vintage Railroad
709 S. Main St., Grapevine TX 76051
Why: Enjoy a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad Memorial Day weekend. The train departs Grapevine at 1 p.m. and pulls into the Fort Worth Stockyards at 2:15 p.m. Passengers can spend time in the historic Stockyards before departing at 4:15 p.m. for the return trip to Grapevine. As an added treat, The Great Train Robberies reenactments are back starting May 28-30. Join in the excitement as Wild West desperadoes stop the train. The Great Train Robberies continue on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day.
What: Color Fun Fest 5K & Carnival
When: Saturday, May 28th @ 3:00PM- 10:00PM
Where: Myers Park and Event Center
7117 County Rd. 166, McKinney, TX 75071
Why: At the Color Fun Fest 5K & Carnival, participants are encouraged to wear their whitest running clothes and get ready to be showered with over 10,000 pounds of color as they navigate the 1.8 mile course. Runners have the option of running the course once, twice, or even three times to show off their athletic prowess. The race offers two runs on the same day: one for daytime runners and another for night owls that want to frolic through the blacklight-lit course while being covered with glow-in-the-dark color. Once you’ve completed the color walk & run, stay and enjoy the carnival attractions and high energy EDM music that make this a true festival. We have fun for all ages, including jugglers, face painters, balloons, carnival games, LED hoopers, and our famous ‘Inflatable Village’. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from all carnival attractions benefit the non-profit Just Care More foundation, which is committed to providing underprivileged kids a life-altering summer camp experience. So bring your family, loved ones, and friends to enjoy an epic day filled with music and fun for a worthwhile cause.
What: Liberty Fest presents Stars & Strings
When: Saturday, May 28th @ 6:30PM
Where: Farmers Branch Historical Park
2450 Farmers Branch Ln., Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Why: The Farmers Branch Memorial Day fest features a concert by the Dallas Wind Symphony followed by a low-level fireworks show. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with plenty of family friendly pre-concert activities including tours of the park’s historic General Store, blacksmithing demos in the Log Culture Cabins, bounce houses, photo booths and concessions. Visitors can also pre-order a picnic basket prepared by Central Market. Admission is free. Parking will be available at Metro Square Business Park, 12300 Ford Road, with free shuttle service to the park.
What: BeardFest 5
When: Saturday, May 28th @ 7:00PM
Where: Wit’s End
2724 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: Dallas Facial Hair Club presents Beardfest 5. This year, they will be sponsoring DFW Canines for Vets who provide service dogs for veterans who have PTSD or physical disabilities at no cost to the vet. Come drink a beer, see some amazing beards, donate to charity, and win a raffle prize.
What: Caliber Collision presents Dallas Memorial March
When: Sunday May 29th – Monday, May 30th @ 3:30PM
Where: Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Why: The national relay Carry The Load will conclude at the Dallas Memorial March. The Dallas Memorial March was created as a way to raise awareness for our veterans and military families. The 20-hour and 16-minute walk family-friendly event is a way to restore the meaning of Memorial Day and support our military heroes.
What: Memorial Day Block Party
When: Sunday, May 29th @ 4:00PM-8:00PM
Where: The Ginger Man (Lakewood)
6341 La Vista Dr., Dallas, TX 75214
Why: Come out and enjoy the annual Ginger Man Lakewood Memorial Day Block Party benefiting the Guns and Hoses Foundation. Lakewood Brewing Company’s All Call will be featured with live music by Ryan Berg & The Velvet Ears.
What: Dallas Margarita Meltdown
When: Sunday, May 29th @ 4:00PM-10:00PM
Where: West End Marketplace
603 Munger Ave., Dallas, TX 75202
Why: Dallas Margarita Meltdown 2016 is a mixology competition between some of the best restaurants and bars throughout the Dallas area. Competitors will concoct their finest margarita and offer samples to the public on May 29 4-7 p.m. in the West End. The winner will be announced at 8 p.m. Ticket includes samples of over 20 different margaritas from over 30 of your favorite restaurants and vote for your favorite. DJ Regs with live music from local artist will be performing. Local vendors and sponsors will also be on premise.
What: Run BIG 1K/5K
When: Monday, May 30th @ 9:00AM
Where: Nebraska Furniture Mart
5600 Nebraska Furniture Mart Dr., The Colony, TX 75056
Why: On Memorial Day 2016, walkers and runners across North Texas will have the chance to participate in the first-ever Run BIG 1K & 5K on the grounds surrounding one of the Dallas area’s biggest retailers, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and all for a good cause. The event benefits Cancer Support Community North Texas (CSCNT) and aims to bring together anyone impacted by cancer to celebrate surviving and thriving with the disease in a big way. The event will feature family fun activities including music, games, food and other activities for kids. The event will kick off with an inspirational ceremony representing the many kinds of cancers North Texans are living with today.
What: Trinity River Paddlefest
When: Monday, May 30th @ 10:00AM-6:00PM
Where: Panther Island Pavilion
395 Purcey St., Fort Worth, TX 76102
Why: Kick off the summer paddling season with free kayak and paddle-board demos and more at this Fort Worth fest hosted by Backwoods Paddlesports. Activities include: Half-price kayak, paddle-board and canoe rentals, Music by Blackland River Devils, 5K Stand-Up Paddle race, Burgers and beer for purchase and Nine-hole disc golf course.
What: Memorial Day Swim Party and Remembrance
When: Monday, May 30th @ 12:00PM-6:00PM
Where: Texas Pool
901 Springbrook, Plano, TX 75075
Why: During this free, open-to-the-public event enjoy games, prizes, and the Texas Pool Cannon Ball contest. Raffle benefits the Texas Pool Foundation. The event will pay tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes at 3 p.m. during the National Moment of Remembrance with taps performed by the Youth Trumpet and Taps Corps.
