Ring in the spring at these 15 festivals and events across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Offerings include the Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton, Arts in Bloom in Downtown McKinney and Cajun Fest in Celina. This list is not comprehensive, and event details are subject to change.
1. North Texas Irish Festival
Explore the world of Irish traditional music with performances by musicians, dancers and storytellers. The festival also features a fun run around Fair Park on March 7.
- March 6-8, times vary by day
- Festival tickets start at $20; fun run tickets start at $30
- 1010 First Ave., Dallas
- www.ntif.org
2. TEXFestThe city of Carrollton will celebrate all things Texas in Historic Downtown Carrollton. The event includes craft beer, barbecue, local vendors, live music and a mechanical bull.
3. Texas Storytelling FestivalThis four-day festival presents a range of storytelling activities, from folklore and ghost stories to poetry slams and oratory workshops. The festival also features a liars contest, an event where participants compete to see who can tell the most outlandish and entertaining story.
4. Frisco Festival of ColorsCelebrate Holi, the festival of colors, at this event hosted by the city of Frisco and the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. Color bags and water shooters will be available for purchase at the event.
5. Thin Line FestThis event in Downtown Denton is the longest-running documentary film festival in Texas. The festival also includes a photography showcase and a music lineup featuring Dallas band Luna Luna.
- March 18-22, times vary by day
- Suggested $10 donation
- 317 W. Mulberry St., Denton
- www.thinline.us
6. Texas Forever FestThe city of Plano presents Texas food, art and music in Haggard Park. Attractions include a beer garden, kid zone, whiskey tasting and food trucks.
- March 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 901 E. 15th St., Plano
- www.plano.gov
7. Arts in BloomExplore art, wine and culture in Historic Downtown McKinney. Highlights include an Art Demo Stage, Kids Creation Station and a wine tasting package available for preorder.
8. Spring Wine TrailBrowse local art and try new-release wines along Grapevine’s Main Street. The event will start with the Blessing of the Vines, a traditional ritual to ensure a good harvest.
9. Main Street Fort Worth Arts FestivalEnjoy art galleries, live music and food courts filled with local vendors at one of Fort Worth’s largest entertainment festivals.
10. Dallas International Film FestivalCatch film screenings, red carpets and industry panels at the 20th annual Dallas International Film Festival. The event centers around this year’s theme, “See the World from Here.”
- April 23-30, times vary by day
- Tickets start at $75
- 2365 Victory Park Lane, Dallas
- www.diffdallas.org
11. Frisco UncorkedTaste over 100 wines, food from local restaurants and a selection of beer and spirits in Frisco Square.
12. MayfestThis family-friendly festival includes live music, visuals arts and a children’s area with interactive activities.
- April 30-May 3, times vary by day
- Ticket prices vary
- 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth
- www.mayfest.org
13. Salt the RimThis margarita-themed event in Downtown Plano features live music and a margarita hunt with local businesses.
- May 2, 6-10:30 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 998 E. 15th St., Plano
- www.plano.gov
14. Cottonwood Art FestivalRichardson’s biannual art festival showcases art and music in Cottonwood Park. Attendees can compete in Chalk the Walk, a sidewalk art contest.
15. Cajun FestGet a taste of Cajun culture with a crawfish boil, gumbo and jambalaya, live music and educational alligator shows in Celina’s Downtown Square.
