What: WestFest: Czech & Polka Festival
When: Friday, Sept. 2nd – Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 5:30PM (Fri) and 9:00AM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Westfest Fairgrounds
1110 S. Main St., West, TX 76691
Why: Head for the town of West, about an hour’s drive south of D-FW, for polka music and dancing, kolache eating, arts & crafts, carnival rides and games, and more. The long-running Labor Day weekend festival is a salute to the area’s Czech heritage. Friday Night Preview Party with the crowning of Miss WestFest and music by Wade Bowen and William Clark Green. $15 at the gate; free for kids 12 and younger. Westfest is in full swing on Saturday & Sunday with live music and dancing from noon until midnight in two pavillions. Brave Combo (Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, 2:30 p.m.) and Gary P. Nunn (Sunday at 10 p.m.) headline the music line-up.
What: Bedford Blues & BBQ Labor Day Weekend Festival
When: Friday, Sept. 2nd – Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 6:00PM(Fri) – 2:00PM (Sat & Sun)
Where: Bedford City Hall
2000 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, TX 76021
Why: New Orleans blues greats Dr. John and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue headline the 2016 Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival, Sept. 2-4. The annual Labor Day weekend fest features live music, barbecue competitions, tastings and vendors. The outdoor event takes place across from Bedford City Hall, rain or shine. Music kicks off on Friday and continues on two stages on Saturday and Sunday. Among the performers: Tommy Castro, Janiva Magness, The Stratoblasters, Mike Morgan and The Crawl, Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat, Bnois King Band, Tutu Jones & His Twisted Soul Band and more. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue take the stage at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday. Dr. John plays Sunday at 9:15 p.m. BBQ competitions take place Saturday and Sunday with pit masters from around the world cooking in a Kansas City Barbecue Society competition. Barbecue tasting tickets will be for sale on site in addition to other concessions.
What: Irving Laughs by the Lake
When: Friday, Sept. 2nd @ 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Where: Lake Carolyn
501 E. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039
Why: There is no better way to end a week than with a laugh. Lake Carolyn, located in the Las Colinas Urban Center, provides a beautiful backdrop for an evening of comedy and live music. Laughs by the Lake is the largest outdoor comedy show in North Texas, complete with food court and beer vendor. Performers include Matthew Broussard, Wendy Liebman, Myq Kaplan, and Comedian Q. Following the comedy, the band The Black and Blue will perform.
What: Dallas DanceFest
When: Friday, Sept. 2nd – Saturday, Sept. 3th @ 8:00PM
Where: Dallas City Performance Hall
2520 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Now in its third year, Dallas DanceFest is an exhilarating festival that showcases excellence in dance and celebrates the outstanding contributions of distinguished leaders in the field.
What: SummerFest: Queen of Hearts Light Up the Night Party and 3D Light Show
When: Friday, Sept. 2nd – Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 9:00PM – 10:00PM
Where: Gaylord Texas
1501 Gaylord Trail., Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: SummerFest at Gaylord Texan hosts a free, Alice in Wonderland-themed 3D light show, Friday and Saturday and Sundays night. The party starts at 9 p.m. in the Lone Star Atrium with strolling characters, balloon artists, music and more. The Breaking Through the Looking Glass 3D visual light show begins at 9:30 p.m. See the Mission Plaza walls magically transform into a live 3D canvas with spectacular Alice-themed imagery. Watch as the walls change shape, giant mushrooms appear and animals creep out from the shadows.
What: Ethiopia Day 2016
When: Saturday, Sept. 3rd – Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 12:00PM – 1:00AM
Where: Plano Centre
2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074
Why: Ethiopia Day and the Taste of Ethiopia showcase the rich heritage, culture and foods of Ethiopia. The two-day event includes historical displays, soccer matches, health screenings, a talent show, fashion show and vendors market. Ethiopian food such as Tibs (sauteed meat and vegetables) as well as pizza, sandwiches and snacks will be available. Live modern and traditional music will be performed by Ethiopian artists and DJs including Abbie Lakew (on Sept. 4) and the Ras Band. By popular demand, Kebebew Geda returns with his comedy show.
What: Zip Line Day
When: Saturday, Sept. 3rd @ 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069
Why: Soar through the treetops of the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary as you travel down the Ropes Course’s zip line! Preregistration required and spots are limited. For ages 10+; see ropes course program information page for information on size requirements.
What: Advocare Classic: USC vs Alabama
When: Saturday, Sept. 3rd @ 7:00PM
Where: AT&T Stadium
1 Legends Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Why: The college football season will kick off at AT&T Stadium with a matchup between perennial powers USC Trojans and defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide
What: Revamp the Runway
When: Saturday, Sept. 3rd @ 8:00PM
Where: JOQ Wellness Center
300 N. Akard St., Dallas, TX 75202
Why: Revamp The Runway is a platform for emerging artists in the fashion, art and music industry. Revamp will be donating proceeds from the show to benefit CitySquare. They are an organization that fights poverty in the streets of Dallas, and have helped many of our homeless neighbors with job training, food and enrichment classes. Revamp will bring the hottest brands, local music and art in one place to give back fashionably.
What: Movies in the Park: Iron Man
When: Saturday, Sept. 3rd @ 8:30PM
Where: Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Enjoy a movie at Klyde Warren Park, the downtown deck park, presented by GuideLive.
What: Rangers Labor Day Weekend Race
When: Sunday, Sept. 4th @7:30AM
Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington
1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Why: The Texas Rangers will present a scenic 5K through Arlington’s entertainment district and finish on the field at Globe Life Park. There will also be a family-friendly 1K for anyone looking for a shorter run. Each participant One (1) ticket and complimentary parking voucher for the Astros vs. Rangers 2:05 pm game after the race.
What: Deep Ellum Mimosa Walk – Labor Day Weekend
When: Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 12:00PM -3:00PM
Where: Deep Ellum
2650 Main St., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: The shops of Deep Ellum invite you to a Sip-n-Shop adventure around the neighborhood as you toast the holiday with mimosas, in-store events and special promotions. Stop by Kettle Art, 2650-B Main St., to purchase day-of tickets and pick up your commemorative glass.
What: La Grande Fiestas Patrias
When: Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 2:00PM
Where: Reunion Tower at Hyatt Regency Dallas
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: La GRANDE 107.5 FM will present a free, family-friendly celebration of Mexico’s independence in Reunion Park. Fiestas Patrias will be hosted by La GRANDE 107.5 FM’s El Chiquilin Todas Las Mañanas, Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo, Doña Mela, La Polvorita and more. The team will broadcast live on site throughout the event, which will also offer exhibitor booths, product sampling, auto displays, and authentic Mexican food and drink available for purchase. No pets, coolers, blankets or chairs are allowed. The third annual Fiestas Patrias will feature performances by Duelo, Los Rieleros Del Norte, Noel Torres, Adriel Favela, La Dinastia De Tuzantla, Alberto Pedraza, Los B-OK and Los Luzeros.
What: 5th Annual Labor of Love Homebrew Festival
When: Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 6:00PM
Where: Deep Ellum Brewing Company
2823 St. Louis, Dallas, TX 75226
Why: The fifth annual Labor Day weekend Homebrew Festival celebrates homebrews and the teams that make them. Taste beer from many Dallas-Fort Worth homebrew teams who are competing for top honors at the Festival. Admission includes: Sample cup for 12 2-oz pours, Live music, Games, 1 DEBC canned beer. Bites from food trucks at the DEBC kitchen, and additional canned beer sold separately.
What: Fair Park Blues & Jazz Festival
When: Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 6:00PM – 11:00PM
Where: African American Museum
3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: The African American Museum of Dallas presents the annual Fair Park Blues & Jazz Festival, Labor Day weekend on the Museum lawn. Radio One Dallas’ Mark McCray and WFAA’s Angela Madison will host the show. Performers include the Herbie Kay Johnson Quartet, Ahyonz featuring Kenya C., Sherel Riley, Joyce Lofton, Def To Radio featuring Ruben Lael, The Effinays, and the David Whiteman Band. Various food vendors will be on site.
What: Fifth Harmony: The 7/27 Tour with JoJo
When: Sunday, Sept. 4th @ 7:00PM
Where: Gexa Energy Pavilion
1818 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: The African American Museum of Dallas presents the annual Fair Park Blues & Jazz Festival, Labor Day weekend on the Museum lawn. Radio One Dallas’ Mark McCray and WFAA’s Angela Madison will host the show. Performers include the Herbie Kay Johnson Quartet, Ahyonz featuring Kenya C., Sherel Riley, Joyce Lofton, Def To Radio featuring Ruben Lael, The Effinays, and the David Whiteman Band. Various food vendors will be on site.
What: Labor Day Parade and Festival
When: Monday, Sept. 5th @ 9:00AM
Where: Historic Downtown Garland
108 N. 6th St., Dallas, TX 75040
Why: The 71st annual Labor Day Parade in Downtown Garland is not to be missed. A true community event, come out and see local bands, sports groups and floats during the parade. The parade will begin at the intersection of Glenbrook Drive and Ninth Street, then will head north on Glenbrook toward Main Street. Follow the parade east on Main, and then north on Fifth Street; the parade will continue down Fifth and will end near the Granville Arts Center. Following the parade, gather at the Downtown Garland Square for a classic car show.
