Dallas is host to many annual events that reflect the city’s rich diversity in cultures, tastes and lifestyles. There are celebrations of important victories in the history of certain ethnic groups. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in 1862. Juneteenth celebrates African American Emancipation Day, observed on June 19th. There are festivals that revolve around art and music, such as the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. There are events that revolve around food, such as the Greek Food Festival. Regardless of your background, you’re sure to find a Dallas event that will interest you.
Dallas Blooms, an award-winning floral festival, is held at the Dallas Arboretum for about five weeks in early spring every year. Readers of "Southern Living" magazine voted the Dallas Arboretum one of the top 10 public gardens. MSN called it one of the top 10 places to visit in the spring. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, azaleas and pansies are among the tens of thousands of blooms you’ll see at the festival.
The Deep Ellum Arts Festival is a three-day, outdoor street party held in the progressive, eclectic neighborhood of Deep Ellum, east of downtown, in the springtime every year. Admission is free. Food and drinks are available for purchase. You can view and purchase original work by decorative and visual artists and enjoy performances by local bands and singer/songwriters.
At Taste of Dallas, a three-day event held at Fair Park every summer, there's more to do than sample food from different restaurants and watch cooking demonstrations, although both are enjoyable. You can also listen to music performed by local and visiting bands, view some of the best local artists at work, and participate in the Taste of Dallas 5K Race and Fun Run, which benefits the American Heart Association.
The State Fair of Texas, the largest state fair in the United States, is a 24-day event held in the fall every year. Fair Park, the location of the event since 1886, is a national historic landmark. In addition to activities you would expect to see at a state fair, such as livestock shows and cooking contests, the State Fair of Texas has an annual automobile show. A college football game between long-time rivals Texas and Oklahoma is played during the fair every year.
