Dallas hosts more than 280 festivals and events every year and just hearing that number instantly tells you how lively, colorful, and celebration-filled the city really is.
When I first learned this, it felt like Dallas turns into one big festival stage almost every single day. But here’s the challenge: with so many events happening throughout the year, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are truly worth your time.
So today, let’s focus on the festivals that people actually talk about the most, the ones known for their popularity and impact. This way, you’ll get a clear picture of the events that can genuinely make your trip to Dallas unforgettable.
Let’s start with …
Every year, Dallas comes alive with the excitement of the State Fair of Texas one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. The fair kicks off on the last Friday of September and runs for 24 lively days at the historic Fair Park. With more than a million visitors attending each year, it’s widely recognized as one of the top fairs in both Texas and the entire United States.
The State Fair truly has something for everyone. From food and rides to concerts, pig races, and endless shopping, there’s never a dull moment. Since the fair spans nearly three weeks, many people visit multiple times just to experience everything.
Ticket prices vary by day:
- Adults: $15–$29
- Children (age 5+): $10–$24
This year’s fair is packed with new thrills and entertainment. Rides like the Thunderbird, North America’s tallest portable swing, and the high-speed Defender are already fan favorites. Each evening, Levi’s Denim Club hosts live music and offers custom merchandise. Family-friendly acts like the USA Breakdancers Show and Her Majesty’s Secret Circus keep both kids and adults entertained. And yes, the classic Log Ride is back too.
Live performances add even more energy to the fairgrounds. On the Chevrolet Main Stage, artists such as TLC, Paul Wall, and Hoobastank perform for huge crowds. Beyond music, visitors can enjoy rodeo events, art exhibits, car shows, cookie and food contests, and so much more.
Of course, food is a huge part of the experience. New vendors and drink options bring fresh flavor to the fair, while shoppers can explore 232 booths offering everything from crafts to collectibles. Meanwhile, the Auto Show showcases 234 cars and even 8 golf carts.
Overall, the State Fair of Texas delivers the perfect mix of rides, shows, food, and shopping. Whether you’re going with family, friends, or on a date, it’s the kind of event that makes every visit feel memorable.
2. Dallas International Film Festival
The Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) takes place in Dallas, Texas, and is one of the top film events of the year. In 2026, the festival will proudly celebrate its 20th anniversary, running from April 23 to 30. DIFF naturally brings together filmmakers, screenwriters, and audiences from around the world, offering much more than just film screenings.
The festival warmly encourages conversation and creative collaboration between filmmakers and audiences. DIFF 2026 will feature:
- Film Screenings from Around the World – Narrative and documentary features, short films, and special premieres, carefully selected to captivate audiences.
- Filmmaker Panels and Q&A Sessions – A chance to speak directly with filmmakers and gain deeply insightful behind-the-scenes perspectives.
- Festival Lounge and Happy Hour – Open discussions with artists, writers, and audiences in a comfortably relaxed atmosphere.
- City Tours and Local Culture – Enjoy Dallas’ food, restaurants, and notable landmarks thoughtfully curated for visitors.
- Fun Themes and Surprises – Past festivals have delightfully included attractions like the Pickle mascot.
At DIFF, audiences don’t just watch films; they genuinely connect with new stories, meet talented artists, and experience international culture in a meaningful way. The festival naturally combines entertainment, learning, and art in one lively setting.
If you want a memorable, enjoyable, and enriching experience in Dallas, DIFF is absolutely worth attending. It beautifully enhances the city’s cultural life and connects people from across the globe.
3. FIFA Fan Festival, Dallas 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament – it’s a global celebration where sports, fun, and culture come together. Dallas will host the FIFA Fan Festival at historic Fair Park, a city landmark expected to welcome 60,000-80,000 visitors each day. The Dallas Tourism Board says it will be the largest free-entry event in the city’s history.
Fans can enjoy:
- Feel the excitement and energy of the game by watching the match live on the big screen.
- Be part of the festivities with thousands of football fans in a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
- Enjoy live local music, dance, and art performances.
- Experience Texan country music, Latin rhythms, hip-hop, and blues performances on multiple stages.
- Taste a variety of foods at the “Taste of Dallas: World Cup Edition” zone, including tacos, Brazilian barbecue, Asian noodles, Middle Eastern kebabs, Texas corn dogs, smoked brisket, and local craft beer.
- Test soccer skills, take penalty shots, and try VR soccer in the “Interactive Football Zone.”
At night, Fair Park will shine with lights, music, and festival energy. The main goal is to let everyone feel the excitement, joy, and unity of the World Cup, even if they can’t go to the stadium. Fair Park will transform into a modern “Global Celebration Zone” in 2026.
4. Dallas Blooms Festival
The largest spring flower festival in the Southwest usually runs from mid-February to mid-April. The exact dates for 2026 aren’t out yet, but it will likely be around the same time.
Every spring, Dallas comes alive with color, art, and nature at the Dallas Blooms Festival, held at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Week by week, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and cherry blossoms change beautifully, making each visit feel fresh.
At the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden:
- Garden tours run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Adult tickets cost $13 to $22, and parking is $11 to $15.
The festival’s main charm is the thousands of colorful flowers that brighten the gardens and create perfect photo spots. Live music plays joyfully at Jeanne’s Pavilion on weekends. Visitors can also enjoy chef demos, art workshops, and fitness activities.
For dining, there’s a three-course tea service at DeGolyer Tea Room, light meals at Café on the Green, and family-friendly options. You can also bring your own food to picnic in the garden. Every corner is photogenic, with flowers, art installations, and charming streetlights that make lasting memories or great Instagram shots.
Dallas Blooms Festival isn’t just about flowers – it’s a lively celebration of art, color, and life, full of cheerful moments that capture the spirit of spring.
5. BMW Dallas Marathon
The BMW Dallas Marathon takes place in Dallas every December and draws runners and visitors from all over. It’s a great way to see the city’s landmarks, enjoy local culture, and spend time with family or friends.
The festival happens over three days on the second weekend of December. Races start on Main Street in downtown Dallas and finish at City Hall Plaza. Options include a full marathon, half marathon, 50K ultra, 5K, 10K, Friday Night Lights Mile, and kids’ races.
Spectators can cheer enthusiastically along the route. There’s live music, performances, food trucks, and a craft beer garden for everyone to enjoy. At the Race Expo, attendees can browse and buy new jerseys, sports gear, and other equipment.
The BMW Dallas Marathon is more than a race—it’s a lively, social event that blends fitness, entertainment, and community, creating a fun and memorable experience for all.
6. Musical Festivals in Dallas
Dallas is a great city for music lovers. It hosts a variety of annual music festivals featuring local and international artists. In April, the Dallas International Guitar Festival lets guitar fans enjoy live performances, workshops, and meet guitarists directly. The same month, the Deep Ellum Arts Festival includes live jazz, rock, blues, and indie music along with its art displays.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs classical concerts throughout the year, which are an important part of the city’s cultural life. In September and October, the State Fair of Texas hosts lively music concerts, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.
The Dallas Jazz Festival takes place in May, featuring local and international jazz artists. The Klyde Warren Park Concert Series offers free outdoor concerts in spring and summer. The Big D Music Festival happens in October, with rock, pop, hip-hop, and other modern music played energetically.
These festivals and concerts have truly made Dallas a lively, exciting city for anyone who loves music.
Final Thoughts
Dallas’s popular festivals and events truly bring the city’s culture, history, and everyday life to the spotlight. When you join these celebrations, you get a real look at local traditions, food, music, and art. Each event offers its own special experience that is not only fun, but also helpful for learning and meeting new people.
Enjoying these festivals during your trip to Dallas lets you step right into the city’s colorful atmosphere and create memories you’ll happily hold onto for a long time. So go ahead and plan to attend these events – because they beautifully show the heart and spirit of the city.
FAQs
The Deep Ellum Arts Festival (April) is highly searched for its bohemian vibe, visual artists, and multiple live music stages. Dallas Arts Month (April) and the Dallas Art Fair are also top queries for serious art lovers.
The Deep Ellum Arts Festival is the signature event, known for showcasing hundreds of musical acts across multiple stages throughout the neighborhood.
When the Fair is held is for 24 consecutive days, usually starting on the last Friday in September and running through late October
It’s one of the largest floral festivals in the Southwest, featuring over 500,000 blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
Deep Ellum Arts Festival, which runs until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and the State Fair of Texas with its nightly Starlight Parade and concert series.
