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There may not be any federal holidays in August, but there’s still plenty to do around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Check out our favorite festivals and events throughout DFW.
We’re officially into the dog days of summer, but there’s still plenty to do besides lazing on the couch with the AC on full blast. Dallas-Fort Worth hosts a handful of unique festivals and events in August, from foodie favorites to creative outlets.
We’ve got the scoop on cool ways to beat the heat. Perk up the summer months with these eight festivals and events.
Dallas’ Original Watermelon Day
August 3
Dallas Farmers Market
Few things say “summer” better than munching on a slice of watermelon. With the average August high temperature hitting 96 degrees, every bite is like cannonballing into a swimming hole. When you can support local farmers while eating, that’s all the better.
The Dallas Farmers Market is hosting its annual Watermelon Day, with festivities including live music, face painting, chef demonstrations, and a watermelon printmaking workshop. Of course, there will be plenty of watermelons, too, with more than 15 varieties on display to see and, more importantly, eat.
Dallas Zoo Dollar Day
August 6
The Dallas Zoo
Daily admission to the Dallas Zoo ranges from $8 to $24, depending on the seasonal period. On August 6, admission is $1. It doesn’t matter if you’re an adult, a teenager, a senior citizen, or somewhere in between—you’re getting in for a dollar.
Even better, Whataburger sponsors the Dallas Zoo Dollar Day. That means you can collect Whataburger-themed items, like cooling towels and fans. Not in a burger mood? The zoo will also have discounts on drinks and snacks, such as popcorn and ice cream.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend
August 9-11
Various locations
Here’s one you can enjoy anywhere in the state. To encourage supporting local businesses, the Texas Comptroller designates a tax holiday where shoppers can purchase clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks, and other items without sales tax. If you’ve been eyeing a new outfit or pair of shoes or want a deal on back-to-school items, this is the weekend to add it to your cart.
To qualify for the tax-free discount, buy the items directly from a store in person or online from a seller doing business in Texas.
Dallas Vegan Tour
August 10
Dallas Bites & Sights Tours (4925 Greenville Avenue)
Can’t decide what to eat when the weekend rolls around? Just let a guide choose for you! The Dallas Bites & Sights Tours crew has a bounty of events during the summer, including the Dallas by Chocolate and the “We Love Pizza, Tacos, Cake & Ice Cream!” tour for the more decadent sweet tooth.
The Dallas Vegan Tour highlights the blooming vegan scene in DFW. Former VEGWORLD Magazine editor Courtney Garza McCullagh hosts the mystery tour format as you’re ferried around town. Admission is $75 (or $65 for kids ten and under), but you’ll leave with a full stomach—and perhaps a giveaway or two.
Plano Water Lantern Festival
August 10-11
Haggard Park
The nights aren’t nearly as long during the summer, though it still gets quite dark once the sun finally goes down. That darkness doesn’t seem as scary when hundreds of lanterns illuminate the sky. At the Plano Water Lantern Festival, you’ll get to create your own lantern while enjoying music and food from local vendors.
Your ticket includes a floating lantern kit, as well as extra goodies like an LED candle, conversation cards, and a commemorative drawstring bag. Admission starts at $34.99 and goes toward cleaning up after the event. Tickets gradually get more expensive closer to the event date, so don’t delay getting them.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Rummage Sale
August 18
South Main Micro Park (105 South Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76104)
Fort Worth’s longest-running outdoor monthly market is a rocking good time. Jam out to live music as you comb through over 50 local vendors showcasing their art, jewelry, music memorabilia, hand-crafted items, and vintage clothing. With how sticky and sweaty the summer vibes get, picking up a few extra fashion pieces is never a bad idea.
The Rock ‘N’ Roll Rummage Sale has free admission and is pet and family-friendly. If you can’t make it in August, Honeysuckle Rose Events hosts the rummage sale on the third Sunday of every month.
Fort Worth Taco & Margarita Fest 2024
August 24
Dickies Arena
Tacos and margaritas are perhaps the best food and beverage duo around, and this Fort Worth festival pairs them in glorious harmony. With “tacos, tacos, and more tacos” and multiple margarita flavors, you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. Enjoy shopping from local Texas vendors, bring the whole family for kid-friendly activities, and cheer on live pro wrestling. Thankfully, you do not have to enter the ring to attend the festival.
Admission starts at $12, with kids five and under getting in free. You can also splurge for different VIP levels, which include goodies like drink vouchers, all-you-can-eat taco and snack bars, and a festival T-shirt.
PlantCon Dallas
August 31-September 1
Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center
After a successful launch in Houston last year, PlantCon has extended its roots to Dallas, allowing North Texans to learn from field experts worldwide. The seeds of the event started in November 2020 as a way to safely share enthusiasm about plants and gardening while social distancing. Since then, it’s blossomed into a full-fledged community of thousands of hobbyists and hundreds of sellers.
Tickets start at $37.89 (tax included), and you’ll receive a t-shirt and two drink tickets for the opening reception. You’ll be in good hands here whether you’re a regular green thumb or can’t tell your pothos from your lithops. (Pro tip: One is green and leafy; the other looks like a bunch of tiny, colorful brains.)
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
