Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Dallas from across the United States to feel the buzz of its city festivals. While the city hosts dozens of events, most center on music. These gatherings reflect Dallas’s rich cultural diversity. Read more at dallaski.
Old 97’s County Fair
First held in April 2016 at Main Street Garden Park, the rock-focused Old 97’s County Fair was dreamed up by the band’s frontman, Rhett Miller. From day one, it has drawn smiling crowds with performances by popular rock acts, rides on a custom Ferris wheel and prize giveaways. Fans can also browse vendor tents for festival t-shirts and tasty treats.
Over the years, notable artists such as Madison King, Brent Best, Nikki Lane and Justin Townes Earle have graced the stage.
Elm St. Music & Tattoo Fest
The Elm St. Music & Tattoo Fest combines a live music lineup with on-site tattoo artistry. Named for co-founder and tattoo artist Oliver Peck’s studio, the Fest always begins on Friday the 13th, and every attendee leaves with a matching “13” tattoo.
Located in Deep Ellum, the four-day event splits into two days of tattoo showcases, featuring over 50 of the city’s top artists, followed by two days of concerts at the Bomb Factory. In 2016 alone, The Bouncing Souls, Reverend Horton Heat and Dead Flowers were among the 30 acts that performed.
Lights All Night
Lights All Night launched in 2010 and takes place each year on December 28–29 at Dallas Market Hall. The festival, founded by Dallas native Scott Osborn, drew over 300,000 attendees between 2010 and 2020.
Specializing in house, techno, trance and bass, it features world-renowned DJs like Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Kaskade. Each year’s spectacular light show grows more elaborate, with massive LED installations, interactive visuals and aerial performers—like the 2019 balloon cloud installation of over 15,000 balloons and 18-foot LED palm trees.
Untapped Dallas
Untapped Dallas debuted in 2012 with just a few thousand attendees. After moving from Gilley’s Complex to Fair Park in 2016, it exploded into one of the nation’s largest beer-and-music festivals, inspiring editions in Austin and San Antonio.
Celebrating craft beer and live music, Untapped Dallas stands out with a locally focused program. Past headliners include Gogol Bordello, Kaleo, Supersonic Lips and Repel the Robot.
JMBLYA
JMBLYA is a high-energy festival known for its wild audience participation. Highlights include on-stage cake smashing, with fans passing slices back through the crowd. The music spans hip-hop, jazz, rap and pop, drawing a young crowd and surprising older fans alike.
Note that chairs are not allowed, and food vendors can have long lines. In 2019, one attendee waited over an hour for an order, sparking a major scene.
Homegrown Festival
Every spring, Homegrown Festival spotlights Dallas’s local musicians. Founded in 2010 by Joshua Florence and John Solis, it turned a profit on its first year despite early doubts. The inaugural lineup featured Grant Jones & The Pistol Grip Lassos, and in 2014, the Toadies celebrated 10 years of their album Rubberneck.
Since 2011, the festival has invited acts from across Texas—like Neon Indian and School of Seven Bells—to share the Main Street Garden Park stage with Dallas artists. Organizers credit the event’s location for its enduring appeal.
- https://www.dmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2017/04/the-old-97s-county-fair-knows-how-to-do-springtime-in-dallas/
- https://www.dallasnews.com/event/cGVnYXN1czpldmVudA-Mjc3MDgz-TWpjM01EZ3o/
- https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/12/23/dallas-biggest-electronic-music-festival-lights-all-night-gears-up-for-10th-anniversary/
- https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/homegrown-fest-from-humble-beginnings-to-shooting-for-the-stars-7046718