Seasonal Events in Dallas: Enjoy Your Extended Stay in a WoodSpring Suites Hotel
Dallas is full of seasonal events that showcase the city’s energy and cultural variety. From lively spring festivals and summer concerts to cozy fall fairs and winter holiday lights, each season offers unique ways to experience the best of Dallas. Staying at a WoodSpring Suites hotel puts you close to the action, with affordable extended stay accommodations that make it easy to enjoy concerts, parades, and holiday celebrations nearby.
Types of Seasonal Events in Dallas
Dallas brims with energy year-round, with each season offering its own mix of events. You’ll find vibrant springtime blooms and summer music festivals, fall fairs with local food, and winter neighborhoods covered in lights. Many of these events are free or have affordable ticket options, so it’s easy to enjoy the city without spending much. From a picnic in the park to walking through holiday displays, a WoodSpring Suites hotel offers convenient extended stay accommodations to make the most of every season in Dallas.
Spring Festivals
As spring arrives, Dallas transforms with vibrant outdoor festivals, including popular events like the Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum, where general admission is around $20 for adults, $12 for children, and free for Arboretum members. The gardens feature more than 500,000 blooming flowers each year.
Another spring festival option is the free-to-attend Deep Ellum Arts Festival, which brings local artists, musicians, and unique eats. Many vendors offer budget-friendly food options under $10. These spring gatherings are perfect for families, art lovers, and anyone ready to soak in the season’s warmer weather.
Summer Concerts and Outdoor Gatherings
Summer in Dallas means outdoor concerts, food fests, and sports events. The AT&T Performing Arts Center’s summer concert series often offers free lawn seating. For a relaxed evening with great food, Klyde Warren Park’s Food Truck Fridays bring a rotating lineup of local vendors. They serve meals that typically run between $5 and $15, from quick snacks to hearty sandwiches. You can also enjoy free live music in a scenic downtown setting. Many people bring a blanket and combine snacks from home with a food truck treat for an inexpensive night out.
Fall Fairs and Oktoberfest Events
The State Fair of Texas is a must-see autumn event featuring thrilling rides, live performances, and food competitions. General admission ranges from $15–$25, but you can save with weekday discounts or grocery store ticket deals.
Another popular fall event is Oktoberfest, which typically has an entry fee of about $25 for adults, $12 for kids ages 4–17, and free admission for children under 4. This Dallas celebration around the city typically includes traditional music, lively beer gardens, and seasonal food. Many guests skip the pricier food booths and simply enjoy the free entertainment, making these events flexible for any budget.
Winter Holiday Celebrations
In winter, Dallas comes alive with holiday lights and festive parades. The Dallas Holiday Parade downtown is free for all and fills the streets with marching bands, decorated floats, and costumed performers.
For another budget-friendly holiday outing, you can explore Highland Park’s Christmas Lights on a self-guided driving or walking tour through one of Dallas’s most festive neighborhoods. The experience is free, with the only cost being gas or parking.
Seasonal Events in North Dallas and Surrounding Areas (Plano, Denton, McKinney)
North Dallas and its neighboring towns of Plano, Denton, and McKinney offer seasonal events that reflect each community’s character. Even those on a budget can enjoy events from the breathtaking hot-air balloon displays at the Plano Balloon Festival to the Victorian-era nostalgia of Dickens in Downtown Plano. As the year draws to a close, McKinney’s Christmas Parade of Lights illuminates the streets with festive cheer, drawing families and friends to share in the holiday spirit.
Plano Balloon Festival
The Plano Balloon Festival is a beloved North Dallas event held each September, drawing crowds to enjoy the mesmerizing sight of vibrant hot-air balloons dotting the skies. Tickets are typically $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3 to 12, while children under 36 inches tall have free admission. Admission is also free for military personnel, including veterans, with a valid ID.
Attendees can experience everything from breathtaking morning launches to illuminated balloon glows at dusk, set against the scenic backdrop of Oak Point Park. Alongside the balloons, visitors can enjoy live music, family activities, carnival food stands, and a kids’ play area.
Dickens in Downtown Plano
Dickens in Downtown Plano is a nostalgic holiday event that brings the magic of a Victorian Christmas to Historic Downtown Plano. Attendance for this event is entirely free. Enjoy free s’mores, a real snow slide, ice-themed games, festive music, and free photos with a Victorian Santa. The streets are filled with festive decor, live entertainment, and performers dressed in Dickensian garb.
Local artisans and vendors offer seasonal crafts, while carolers add an enchanting musical backdrop. The festive atmosphere also features cozy holiday treats and carriage rides, making it a memorable holiday outing that’s easy to enjoy on a budget.
Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas
Grapevine’s rich holiday tradition brings the Christmas spirit to life with more than 1,400 events over 40 days. Many, like the Parade of Lights, are free to attend, while ticketed attractions such as the North Pole Express and ICE! at the Gaylord Texan are great, memorable, once-in-a-while splurges.
Grapevine transforms its historic downtown and Main Street into a magical holiday destination with festivities for all budgets. You can stroll through the town’s illuminated streets, shop for handcrafted gifts at local markets, or take a ride on the North Pole Express. No matter your plans, Grapevine offers holiday fun for every budget.
McKinney Christmas Parade of Lights
Each December, McKinney’s Christmas Parade of Lights brightens the downtown streets with decorated floats, marching bands, and Christmas carolers. The free parade is a simple and festive way to start the holiday season with family. As one of the area’s largest holiday parades, this annual event draws big crowds for an evening full of holiday cheer.
You can be close to the festivities, including hot-air balloons in Plano, free holiday events in Grapevine, and McKinney’s parade by staying at WoodSpring Suites Dallas Plano Central Legacy Drive, WoodSpring Suites Plano - North Dallas, and WoodSpring Suites McKinney. With affordable, extended stay options and in-room kitchens, you can enjoy the season while keeping costs in check.
Seasonal Events in Northwest Dallas and Las Colinas
Northwest Dallas and the Las Colinas area host seasonal events that draw the community together year-round. In the fall, Addison Oktoberfest fills the air with music, dancing, and the flavors of Bavarian culture. Summer lights up with Kaboom Town!, a Fourth of July celebration known for its spectacular fireworks show. When winter arrives, Vitruvian Park Lights and Holiday at the Arboretum turn these neighborhoods into sparkling holiday destinations that are easy to enjoy on any budget.
Addison Oktoberfest
Each September, Addison Oktoberfest brings a touch of Germany to Northwest Dallas with lively polka music, delicious bratwursts, and authentic German beer. Held at Addison Circle Park, the festival creates a Bavarian village experience with stein-hoisting contests, traditional dancing, and activities for all ages.
Admission is typically $10–$15, with food and drinks sold separately. Guests can save by purchasing tickets online in advance, looking for weekday discounts, and enjoying the free entertainment rather than spending on multiple food items. Outside food is generally not permitted, but empty, reusable water bottles are allowed.
Addison Kaboom Town!
Every July 3rd, Addison Kaboom Town! turns Addison Circle into one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in North Texas. It showcases a spectacular fireworks display, a classic air show, family-friendly games, and live music, all free for everyone to attend and enjoy. Set in the lively Addison Circle, this event draws locals and visitors alike for an unforgettable celebration, making it a summer highlight in Dallas.
Vitruvian Park Lights
Each winter, more than 1.5 million LED lights illuminate the trees at Vitruvian Park in Addison, creating a holiday scene from late November through January. The season starts with a lighting ceremony that includes live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. After opening night, you can stroll through the park and enjoy the glowing displays all season long without spending a dime. With its scenic paths and picture-perfect views, Vitruvian Park Lights offers a festive outing that’s easy on your budget.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum transforms the Dallas Arboretum into a winter wonderland with its spectacular 12 Days of Christmas displays, which feature elaborate, life-sized Victorian gazebos depicting scenes from the classic carol. The event also includes a Christmas village, holiday treats, and twinkling lights.
General admission is about $20 for adults and $12 for children, with discounts for members, seniors, and advance online purchases. Guests can save even more by visiting on weekday afternoons when the gardens are less crowded and parking is easier. Outside food is allowed in the Arboretum, so packing your own snacks or a thermos of hot cocoa can make the outing more budget-friendly.
Located near Northwest Dallas’s most popular events, WoodSpring Suites Las Colinas - Northwest Dallas provides extended stay options just minutes from Addison Oktoberfest, Kaboom Town!, and the holiday lights at Vitruvian Park. Enjoy each season’s festivities with all the comforts of a long-term stay nearby.
Seasonal Events in East Dallas and Rockwall
East Dallas and Rockwall host seasonal events rooted in local history and community. From Rockwall’s small-town celebrations to the vibrant displays at the Dallas Arboretum and Fort Worth Botanic Garden, you’ll find free and low-cost ways to join in that won’t stretch your budget.
Rockwall Founder’s Day Festival
Rockwall Founder’s Day Festival is a lively celebration of community spirit held each May in downtown Rockwall. The festival features live music performances, arts and crafts vendors, and delicious food trucks, all set in the charming setting of Harry Myers Park. With family-friendly activities, including a kids’ zone and a petting zoo, much of the event is free to enjoy, with optional purchases for food and some activities. You can save even more by bringing your own food and drinks to enjoy in the park’s shaded picnic areas.
Autumn at the Arboretum
Autumn at the Arboretum is one of Dallas’s most iconic fall events, transforming the Dallas Arboretum into a breathtaking display of seasonal colors. Admission typically costs $20 for adults and $12 for children, with discounts available for members, seniors, and online purchases.
Visitors can explore the acclaimed Pumpkin Village, featuring over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash arranged into creative displays. The garden also hosts seasonal activities and live entertainment, making it a must-visit event.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
As one of the oldest botanical gardens in Texas, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers a seasonal escape with its themed gardens, like the peaceful Japanese Garden and the rose-filled Fuller Garden. General admission is about $12 for adults and $6 for children, with free entry for members and occasional free‑admission days throughout the year. These include quarterly events like Earth Day (April 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Celebramos Kick‑Off (around mid‑September), and Veterans Day (November 11), when general entry is complimentary.
Each season brings distinct blooms and exhibits, drawing nature lovers to explore the lush landscapes and scenic walking paths. Fall is especially beautiful, when the Japanese Garden’s maples and the Fuller Garden’s roses add rich color to an already peaceful walk.
Rockwall Founder’s Day Festival, the Dallas Arboretum in the fall, and quiet winter walks at Fort Worth Botanic Garden are all within easy reach when you stay at WoodSpring Suites Rockwall-East Dallas. With extended stay accommodations nearby, you’ll have a comfortable retreat to enjoy these events as the year unfolds.
Seasonal Events in Fort Worth and Surrounding Areas
Fort Worth and its surrounding areas come alive each season with events that showcase the city’s creative blend of Western heritage, culinary innovation, and artistic flair. From the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, a celebration of Texas’s ranching roots, to the vibrant Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival and the festive lights at Texas Motor Speedway, you’ll find easy ways to join in without stretching your budget. Each event brings out a different side of the city, giving you plenty of ways to experience its distinct character.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is one of Texas’s longest-running traditions, celebrating Western culture with rodeo competitions, livestock exhibitions, and Western-themed live entertainment. General grounds admission is usually $8 to $15, and children under 5 can get in free. Rodeo performance tickets are sold separately.
Held over several weeks, this festival includes activities for everyone, from rodeo fans to families, with carnival rides, a petting zoo, and daily musical performances. A visit to this venue is a simple way to take in Texas ranching culture across the grounds, with livestock shows, music, and kid-friendly stops.
Fort Worth Open Streets
Each spring, Magnolia Avenue closes to traffic and turns into a pedestrian-only festival space for Fort Worth’s Open Streets event. Hosted by the Near Southside community, the event features live music, fitness demos, street games, and food from local restaurants and food trucks. Admission is free, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks or drinks. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to spend the day and get a feel for the local community.
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Every fall, Fort Worth Oktoberfest fills Trinity Park with German-style food, beer, music, and games. Entry is usually $10 to $15, with food and drinks sold separately. A 3-day ticket can offer better value if you plan multiple visits, and kids under 12 are free with a paying adult. Many activities, like stein-hoisting contests, polka dancing, and games, are included in the ticket price.
While outside food and beverages aren’t permitted, guests can save by sharing larger menu items or attending during weekday sessions for lighter crowds and shorter lines. With live entertainment and a variety of traditional German brews, this event captures the spirit of Oktoberfest right in Fort Worth.
Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival
The Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival brings the heart of downtown to life each April, with streets lined with art booths, live music, and food vendors. Entry is free, so you can browse paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and crafts without spending unless something catches your eye.
Recognized as one of the top art festivals in the nation, the event showcases a wide range of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and crafts. The four-day event brings in local and national artists, making it one of the top art festivals in the country.
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
In the winter, the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway offers a two-mile drive-through holiday display with millions of LED lights. Admission is about $35 per vehicle, so carpooling is a good way to keep costs down.
You can bring your own hot cocoa or snacks to enjoy along the route, and take your time driving through themed illuminated tunnels, whimsical light sculptures, and holiday scenes that cover the Speedway grounds. It’s an ideal event for families and friends looking to enjoy holiday lights in a safe and scenic setting. The event also has stops for holiday treats, adding to the festive feel.
Discover Fort Worth’s best events, from the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to the flavors of the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival. WoodSpring Suites Fort Worth Trophy Club, WoodSpring Suites Fort Worth Forest Hill, WoodSpring Suites Fort Worth Fossil Creek, and WoodSpring Suites North Ft Worth Alliance TX Speedway offer extended stay accommodations that bring you close to every seasonal highlight. Enjoy the city’s unique celebrations and return to comfort each night at a Woodspring Suites hotel.
Explore Dallas Seasonal Events Through Woodspring Suites Hotels
From lively festivals in spring to twinkling holiday lights in winter, Dallas offers a range of seasonal events that make it an exciting year-round destination. WoodSpring Suites hotels offer extended stay weekly and monthly rates that make it easy to plan a longer stay without stretching your budget. You’ll have a comfortable place to recharge after a day of exploring the city’s concerts, fairs, and seasonal celebrations.
Located close to Dallas’s top seasonal attractions, WoodSpring Suites hotels provide comfortable, affordable accommodations that make it easy for you to experience the city’s best events. You can enjoy in-room kitchens, free WiFi, and other practical amenities that help you feel at home while keeping costs down. It’s the perfect balance of value and comfort for making the most of your time in Dallas.
