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DFW Fireworks 2012 | The Best 4th of July Events in Dallas Ft Worth

26 Jun

Rice Krispy cereal isn’t the only thing that can Snap, Crackle and Pop! Watch as the DFW skies light up July 3rd through July 4th all across the metroplex. Various cities will be celebrating Independence Day with heart pumping fireworks shows. Just the thought of it might give you an adrenaline rush. Last year we had some issues with the dry land and risk of grass fires which prevented certain counties from having their annual show. This year we want to hone in on the best of the best. Check out some of the biggest Fireworks shows in Dallas and surrounding cities. (We’ve listed our favorites below)

Apart from the country gaining their freedom, it’s one of the best things about the July 4th holiday and one attraction most of us look forward to. Surrounding the fireworks shows are festivals and day-long events. With the 4th of July being smack dab in the middle of the week this year, pay attention to some of the 2012 dates for these DFW Independence Day events. Let the skies light up and the festivities begin!

Addison Air Show featured at Kaboom Town!


Kaboom Town! Addison
Date: Tuesday, July 3rd
Time: 5:00pm to Midnight
Location: Addison Circle Park
Fireworks Showtime: After Dusk

Addison’s Kaboom Town! has been nationally recognized for its fireworks display. Enjoy 30 minutes of choreographed fireworks to patriotic music along with live entertainment taking place throughout the evening on the Dos Equis Stage. There is also an Air Show set to amaze onlookers from the large Addison park below. After the #3 fireworks show in America is done, families can stick around for the after party featuring a performance by Emerald City. Expect great food, fun and an energetic atmosphere!

Fair Park Fourth
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Event Time: 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Location: Dallas Fair Park – 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd, Dallas 75210
Fireworks Showtime: 9:30pm

Fair Park Dallas hosts an Independence Day festival with family friendly activities and eye popping fireworks. Fair Park Fourth is FREE to the public with reduced admission to the area’s museums between 4:30 and 7:30pm. The Dallas Wind Symphony will give a performance at 8pm in front of the Hall of State.Stadium seating, swan boats and concessions will all be available at the 2012 Fair Park Fourth, which ends at 10pm.

Lone Star Park – Lone Stars & Stripes Celebration
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: First Live Race at 5pm, Gates open at 3pm
Location: Lone Star Park –
Fireworks Showtime: After Dusk

Fun 4th of July activities paired with live Thoroughbred racing make up the annual Lone Stars & Stripes celebration which takes place in Grand Prairie’s Lone Star Park. The kids will love jumping around in bounce houses, going on pony rides, visiting the petting zoo, meeting clowns and other games. Adults and children alike can watch fast races right on the track and then witness a dazzling 20-minute fireworks display to music. Between 6 and 11pm Incognito will provide live music on the Courtyard Champions Stage.

Arlington Highlands 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Date: Wednesday, July 4th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Arlington Highlands
Fireworks Showtime: 9:30pm

The Independence Day Celebration taking place at Arlington Highlands includes live music from The Chant Band, free sno cones and fireworks. The first 3,000 people get a complimentary sno cone from 7 to 9pm, and after that each sno cone will cost $1. Fireworks viewing for attendees is recommended by Dave & Busters.

Lake Grapevine Fireworks Extravaganza
Date: Wednesday, July 4th
Location: Lake Grapevine
Fireworks Showtime: 9:30pm

The 30th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Lake Grapevine will be on July 4th. Viewers can grab a post along the lake before they shut down Fairway Drive at 9pm thirty minutes before the 9:30 fireworks show. Most lakeside viewing locations are free. However, some parks might charge a minimal admission fee. Several spots can be found throughout Grapevine as the city celebrates the 4th of July.

Irving – Patriotic Parade and Fireworks
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Time: 9:00am
Location: Intersection of Las Colinas Blvd and Lake Carolyn Pkwy
Fireworks Showtime: After Dusk

The City of Irving’s 4th of July parade begins at 9:00am downtown. It will loop around Irving Boulevard beginning at Sowers Road, and then end with a free celebration featuring watermelon and a live concert held in Heritage Park (217 Main Street). Event parking can be found at Irving Convention Center for $5. The fireworks spectacle will commence after dusk.

Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie

2012 Summer Concerts at the Dallas Arboretum

24 Jun

What do rose petals, rock bands and red wagons all have in common? Each can be found at the Dallas Arboretum summer concerts. Back again for more seasonal outdoor performances by local artist the 2012 Arboretum concerts present a variety of musical selections in the midst of some of God’s most beautiful creation. Soak in nature and the sounds of the blues, symphony, rock, pop and country ringing from the gardens every Tuesday and Thursday evening through the end of July. It’s an event that’s fun for the entire family – all ages!

Photo compliments of dallasnews.com

Now there’s a theme for each night also. Contests are held along with prizes so you can get even more involved in this traditional Dallas summer event!

Check out the 2012 Summer Lineup for Dallas Arboretum Concerts:

    June 21 | Key West – Jimmy Buffet Tribute
    “Best Beach Costume”

    June 26 | Frontiers – Journey Tribute
    “Best 80s Costume”

    June 28 | Professor D – Variety
    “Best Disco Costume”

    July 3 | 36 Infantry Division Band – U.S. Military Band
    “Best Patriotic Attire”

    July 5 | Lime Light – Variety
    Best Reality Star Look-Alike

    July 10 | Asleep at the Wheel – Kings of Texas Swing
    “Best Country Western Attire”

    The Spazmatics perform on 80s Night


    July 12 | Good Question Band – Variety
    “Best Movie Star Look Alike”

    July 17 | Killdares – Celtic Rock
    “Best Foreign Celebrity Look Alike”

    July 19 | Molly Ringwalds – 80s
    “Best 80s Costume”

    July 24 | Blaze of Glory – Bon Jovi Tribute
    “Best Rock Star Look Alike”

    July 26 | Brave Combo – One of A Kind
    “Best Action Star Look Alike”

    July 31 | Spazmatics – 80s
    “Best 80s Costume”

Summer Concerts at the Dallas Aboretum are sure to be a hot topic! Gates open at 6pm and the concerts are from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Spread out on the Martin Rutchik Concert Lawn with your blankets, picnic mats and lawn chairs. To get your tickets for Dallas Arboretum concerts call 214-515-6615, e-mail Reservations@dallasarboretum.org for subscription passes or CLICK HERE. By becoming a Dallas Arboretum member now one can save up to 50% off single ticket prices.

Here are a few Can’s and Can’ts while attending the Concerts at the Arboretum

You Can:

  • Sit wherenever you want on the concert lawn – first come, first serve
  • Bring picnic baskets & coolers
  • Bring Alcohol
  • Buy food items at the Dallas Arboretum – chips, salads, sandwiches, drinks (alcohol not available for sale)
  • Get complimentary parking only in the main parking lot
  • Bring blankets & lawn chairs
  • You Can’t:

  • Smoke on the concert lawn
  • Receive refunds on your concert tickets (all sales are final)
  • Bring lawn chairs over 4in in height
  • Bring your pets (only special assistance animals allowed)
  • Bring bikes inside the garden grounds
  • Have open flames inside the garden grounds
  • Take pictures or videos of the performances during the concert
  • Play with toys like Frisbees, skates, kites, balls, etc. on the grounds


  • The Dallas Arboretum
    8528 Garland Road
    Dallas 75218

    H2O Music Festival Dallas 2012 – Cotton Bowl

    3 Jun

    H2O Dallas is set to go!! The Cotton Bowl will be flooded with talent and North Texan music lovers Saturday, June 9th! The stadium hasn’t seen such a diverse and mind blowing concert lineup in weeks! Fair Park will be on fire by the time the night is over. H2O Music Festival only takes place in Dallas and L.A. Here are the headliners of the 2012 H20 Music Festival:

    Bobby Pulido
    Damian Marley
    Duelo
    Gym Class Heroes
    Intocable
    Juanes
    Mana
    Ozomatli
    Paty Cantu
    Paulina Rubio
    Prince Royce
    Ramon Ayala
    Romeo Testa
    Snoop Dogg
    Tiesto
    Weezer
    Yelawolf

    All of this year’s headliners will perform live and DIRECTly from the Cotton Bowl Stadium while other musical guests will be at the Cotton Bowl Plaza stage. Click here for a concert schedule!

    Tickets are still on sale ranging from $30 – $225. Ten percent of all Dallas H20 ticket sales will go towards the following organizations: Mi Escuelita Preschool, North Texas Food Bank & North Texas Cat Rescue.

    If you’re a fan of at least 3-4 of the artists listed above June 9th should be circled, starred, whatever on your calendar and tickets in hand come Saturday because you won’t want to miss the electrifying performances offered by the 2012 H2O Music Festival. You’re bound to pick up another 1 or 2 groups as your favorite by the time the night is over.

    Cotton Bowl
    3750 The Midway
    Dallas, TX

    The Shops at Highland Village: Jazz at the Fountain – Tuesdays in June

    3 Jun

    The month of May might have ended but the jazz concert series at The Shops at Highland Village continue in June. With more live jazz performances by UNT faculty, alumni and students Jazz at the Fountain brings a lovely musical retreat to North Texas every Tuesday evening. The concerts are Free and open to the entire public. Each Tuesday from 7 to 9pm, the courtyard located between Chico’s and Patrizio’s hosts Jazz at the Fountain. Attendees are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for a night of jazz right in the midst of south Denton county’s luxurious open air shopping centers. Boxed picnic dinners are available from Potbellys and Corner Bakery or enjoy a delicious Italian meal from Patrizio right next door. The music will follow you no matter where you go.

    The Shops at Highland Village are located at the Northwest corner of FM 2499 and FM 407.

    (EVERY Tuesday, weather permitting)

    Check out the JUNE 2012 LINEUP!

    June 7: James Riggs Quartet

    June 12: Luke Brimhall Quartet

    June 19: Adam Huteson

    June 26: Pete Clagett Quartet

    The Shops at Highland Village
    1701 Shoal Creek
    Suite 245
    Highland Village, TX 75077

    6th Annual Real Texas Festival – Mesquite

    16 Apr

    When I think of something or someone that’s REAL, this lady and her popular 1978 tune come to mind..

    As you let that tune play in the background…
    Think of some of things that make one a “REAL Texan”. Is it a Cowboy in a 10 gallon hat and boots? Not always. There are some, but that doesn’t necessarily qualify you as a “real” Texan. Someone who knows the Stockyards like the back of their hands? Eh, not even. I’m a born and proud Texan and I’ve never even been. Shame. How about someone with southern hospitality? Nowww we’re getting somewhere. Someone who naturally says “ya’ll” even if it’s four times a year without realizing it? A die-hard sports fan, whether it’s Mavs, Cowboys, Rangers, Longhorns, FC Dallas, Horned Frogs, Spurs (yuck) or Rockets – just a lover of sports? Someone who finds the tornado siren familiar even if it’s in the middle of the night? (not that it’s anything to brag about) Someone that can sing the full version of “Deep In the Heart of Texas”? If you love your state that’s all that matters, because Texas is compiled of a diverse mix of tried and true citizens.

    Since we’re keepin it REAL, April 27th and 28th mark the dates of the 6th Annual Real Texas Festival. It is held at Rodeo Center in Mesquite.

    Main Stage performers include: Chaz Marie Band, Josh Abbott Band, Pat Green, The Bird Dogs Band, Jolie Holliday, Maren Morris & Shutdowntown. There will be a few other groups performing from the Hooters Stage in addition to the Battle of the Bands competition. Meanwhile the Celebration Station Community Stage will feature local talent from dancers, musical acts to beard growing contest and a jalapeno eating contest. If you haven’t experienced Texas at some of it’s finest and wildest, you will at this year’s Real. Texas. Festival.

    Now let’s get even more real. You can’t have a Real Texas Festival without a real rodeo – the Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series to be exact. This summer the rodeo will enter its 55th season, but lucky for you (or RTF attendees) your ticket includes admission into the rodeo on both Friday and Saturday.

    To enter the Battle of the Bands, BBQ Cook-off, be a vendor or a volunteer click HERE for additional information. Information on tickets can also be found HERE, or stay tuned to 99.5 The Wolf.

    *Tickets are only $10/day and can be purchased at one of the following outlets:

      Hooters
      Resource one Credit Union
      McAlister’s Deli
      The City Administration Offices
      Mesquite Arena box office

    A Car Show, BBQ Cook-Off and Food Drive will all be part of the two-day festival, but Check out some of the NEW ATTRACTIONS to this year’s Real. Texas. Festival.

    Hours:
    Friday, 4/27 – 5:00pm -11:00pm
    Saturday, 4/28 – 10:00am – 11:00pm

    Be a “real Texan” and saddle up for Mesquite’s upcoming 2012 Real Texas Festival! There’s so much excitement at this event and it’s only days away. You’ll have the ride of your life without even getting on one of the bulls.

    “Got’s to be real…got’s to be REEEALL!”

    Texas Real Festival Location
    Rodeo Center
    1818 Rodeo Drive
    Mesquite, TX

    2012 Main Street Arts Festival – April 19-22

    15 Apr

    The Main Street Arts Festival is back with street performances, a variety of art and music! Every Spring downtown Fort Worth fills up with North Texans looking for outdoor free fun. Browse the many pieces of Main Street and enjoy some food and beverage vendors with the Main Street coupons which can be purchased at booths throughout the area. Admission to the 2012 Main Street Arts Festival is Free!

    Start your weekend on Thursday and head to Sundance Square for great artistic energy that Fort Worth has to offer. The dates for Main Street Art Festival are April 19-22. When considering available Parking for the festival check HERE for street closures before you leave the house. Other transportation options include riding your bike (free parking for cyclists at Biek Corral at 4th and Houston St), Park and Ride Bus service from Billy Bobs, or the TRE. Again, be sure to plan ahead because there will be streets closed off downtown.

    Explore a wide variety of diverse art in all just about all forms (i.e. ceramics, graphics, print, paint, photography, metalwork.). Artists close down at 8:00pm every night Thursday through Saturday, and at 6:00pm on Sunday. There will be two whole blocks of kids creative and interactive artistic activities for all ages.

    Take a look at the Food selection offered at Main St Art Festival : http://www.mainstreetartsfest.org/experience-main-st./culinary-arts/


    MUSIC SCHEDULE

    There will be three stages along downtown Fort Worth streets featuring some of the best entertainment from the local community and around the country as well.

    Get out of the house this Spring and head to lively downtown Fort Worth for one of the city’s largest music festivals held April 19 – 22. You have four days to choose form and it’s FREE to attend. Experience the vibrancy of Funk Town at the largest festival in the Southwest.

    MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH MAP

    Thursday – Saturday………….10am – 11pm

    Sunday………………………..………10am – 8pm

    *Coupons at the Festival are $10 for a book of 10 and $1.00 per coupon.

    2012 Jazz Nights at The Dream Café

    20 Mar

    Once upon a time (about two decades ago) an aspiring entrepreneur dreamed up a place where people could eat healthy, get tasty food, let the kids run free and be able to let their hair down while doing so. It would be a safe haven for adults and children alike that allowed them the freedom to be themselves and let their imaginations run wild. This place came into existence in the DFW metroplex, and the owners were so pleased with themselves that they opened a second location. Both provided a relaxing patio atmosphere, occasional classic movie nights, easy going ambiance and an eclectic family friendly menu. “Let’s call it The DREAM Café!” they said. Then, a couple years later, another idea popped into their heads. “Let’s set aside special nights where customers can not only eat and drink, but hear live music outside on the patio at the same time. We’ll do it in the springtime, since this IS Texas.”

    This spring explore your dreams and find a place of evening refuge in Uptown Dallas at The Dream Café’s Jazz Nights every Monday and Wednesday from 7 to 9pm. Local artist Melanie Skybell, a regular performing artist at The Dream Café, along with The Brehms Duo will alternate nights giving live shows on location. In fact, Melani Skybell will be having her Album Release Party on Wednesday, April 11th at the Uptown Location. Help her celebrate her newest CD with Pete Brewer on sax, Jaelun Washington on drums and Jonathan Fisher on bass at her second home – The Dream Café. (outside on patio, weather permitting)

    *While you’re at Jazz Nights on Wednesdays, those who like to sip after a long day’s work, can enjoy ½ priced bottles of wine, every Winey Wednesday.*

    Check out the full 2012 Spring Jazz Nights Schedule:

    Mon. Mar 19: The Brehms Duo
    Wed. Mar 21: Melani Skybell
    Mon. Mar 26: The Brehms Duo
    Wed. Mar 28: Melani Skybell
    Mon. Apr 2: The Brehms Duo
    Wed. Apr 4: Melani Skybell
    Mon. Apr 9: The Brehms Duo

    Wed. Apr 11: Melani Skybell (CD Release Party!)
    Mon. Apr 16: The Brehms Duo
    Wed. Apr 18: Melani Skybell
    Mon. Apr 23: The Brehms Duo
    Wed. Apr 25: Melani Skybell
    Mon. Apr 30: The Brehms Duo
    Wed. May 2: Melani Skybell
    Mon. May 7: The Brehms Duo

    The Brehms Duo

    The Dream Café is very casual restaurant (with vegetarian friendly items offered on their menu) found right in the heart of Uptown Dallas located at the Quadrangle off Routh Street. Parking is Free either in the Quadrangle lot or the nearby garage. Although The Dream Café is also in Addison, Jazz Nights will just be taking place in Uptown for now, as the Addison location is typically closed during the evenings – but perfect for Brunch. This hidden treasure is no longer remaining a ‘secret’. (I personally came across it a couple of summers ago when looking for new things to do.) So For the next 2-3 months, don’t just dream about Free Jazz Nights, but make it a reality. By the end of the evening -between the wine and the soothing sax sounds- you may be walking on clouds.

    Now if we could just get those Classic Movie Nights back up and running! 😉

    Uptown Location
    2800 Routh Street
    Dallas, TX 75201

    Addison Location
    5100 Beltline Road
    Dallas, TX 75254

    *Check out the Dream Cafe Menu here*

    8th Annual Dallas Blues Festival

    18 Mar

    North American Entertainment’s 2012 Dallas Blues Fest will be March 24th at the Dallas Convention Center. The 8th annual Dallas Blues Fest is open to the public with ticket admission. All Blues fans are welcome to come out for soul stirring performances by artists like Sir Charles Jones, Mel Waiters, Latimore, Millie Jackson, Floyd Taylor, Clarence Carter and Denise LaSalle.

    Enjoy classic themes and sounds of the blues resognating through the convention center from 10:30am to 11:30pm. Last week the city went Green. Now it’s time to go “Blue”! Celebrate a form of music that has forever impacted America and continues to live on in the South. It will be a full day of everything blues, high energy performances, community and fun.

    *Tickets to the Dallas Blues Festival are about $55 each.*

    Dallas Convention Center
    650 S. Griffin Street
    Dallas, TX 75202

    Farmers Insurance SWAC Basketball Tournament 2012 – March 6-10

    4 Mar

    March Madness is heating up and to add more flames to the fire, the Farmers Branch 2012 SWAC Basketball Tournament, presented by Verizon, comes to North Texas March 6-10. It will all be taking place at the Special Events Center in Garland, Texas beginning Monday through Saturday. The Southwestern Athletic Conference, headquartered in Birmingham, AL, is made up of historically black universities throughout the south who participate in the NCAA’s Division 1. It contains schools from 5 states: Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. The winners of this tournament will receive the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

    Eight teams have qualified for the 2012 SWAC Tournament. Unfortunately Southern and Grambling won’t be playing since they received one-year postseason bans in men’s basketball.


    SWAC Schools:
    Alabama A&M
    Alabama State
    Alcorn
    Grambling State
    Jackson State
    Mississippi Valley State
    Prairie View
    Southern (Baton Rouge)
    Texas Southern
    University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff



    Follow the 2012 SWAC Tournament Bracket HERE!

    Since teams and college basketball fans will be in North Texas for about 6 days they might as well have some entertainment in between the games. From comedy shows and golf tournament to college expos and live concerts, there is an entire week of events surrounding the basketball tournament. Here are some of the ones worth mentioning:

    Monday, Mar 6
    Charity Golf Tournament – 7am – 12noon
    $340/Team
    Pecan Hollow Golf Course (4501 14th St, Plano)
    Click here to Register.

    Erykah Badu will perform Live Wed Night at the Prophet Bar


    Wednesday, Mar 7
    College Expo – 8am
    Special Events Center

    Live Hip Hop Concert
    featuring Erykah Badu & DJ Premiere – 10pm-2am

    $10
    The Prophet Bar (2548 Elm St, Dallas)

    Thursday, Mar 8
    College Expo – 8am
    Special Events Center

    HBCU Alumni Mixer – 5pm-12am
    Live performances by Anthony David, Logan 7 Just a Few Cats
    $5
    Beamers Night Club
    (2343 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas)

    Friday, Mar 9
    Step-off Competition
    $10 – standing
    $15 – seated
    $20 – day of events
    The Palladium (1135 S. Lamar St, Dallas)

    Annual Ballers of Comedy – 7:30–11:30pm
    Damon Williams, Rod Thompson,
    Jeremiah “JJ” Williamson & Kelly “K Dubb” Walker
    $20-$30
    Dallas Black Academy of Arts & Letters (650 S. Griffin St., Dallas)

    Lance Gross hosts the Official SWAC After Party Sat night

    Saturday, Mar 10
    FREE Super Saturday featuring Miguel – 10am – 1pm
    Family Fun: Battle of the Bands, Step Show, Slam Dunk Contest, Vendor Village & Live performance by Miguel)
    Special Events Center

    The Official After Party Hosted by Lance Gross – 9pm – 2am
    $15 cover
    Victory Tavern
    (2501 N. Houston St, Dallas)

    **For a complete schedule of the entertainment events click here.



    To check game results click here.
    The Championship Game for the Women will be Saturday at 5pm and the Men’s will be at 7pm.

    Click Here for Tickets and Tournament Packages!

    Special Events Center - Garland, TX

    ~2012 SWAC Tournament~
    Special Events Center
    4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard
    Garland, TX 75040

    Free Outdoor Spring Concert Series at Mockingbird Station

    3 Mar

    Finally a Free Concert series is coming to Mockingbird Station! This is their first time doing it and it’s bound to go well. The location is just right and the weather is warming up so why not bring some live music to Mockingbird Lane? The 2012 Spring Outdoor Concert Series kicks off March 1st and will be every 1st and 3rd Thursday until July 5th. Sounds of a variety of local artists will ring throughout the hip shopping spot found right off Hwy 75 (North Central Expressway). It’ll all be coming from the Mezzanine Level in front of the Angelika Dallas Film Center.

      Dates: Every 3rd Thursday of the Month in Spring
      (Mar 1, Mar 15, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 5)
      Time: 6pm – 9pm
      Location: Mockingbird Station in front of the Angelika Theatre
      (5307 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas)

    The Concerts will be held right in front of the Angelika

    Check out the Lineup!

    March 1: Club Wood

    March 15: Devin Leigh

    April 5: Greg Reichel

    April 19: The O’s

    May 3: Aaron Woods Band

    May 17: Mockingbyrd Station

    June 7: SouthWestern Playboys

    June 21: Achachay!

    July 5: The Carters

    Although this is a “Spring” concert series, the shows will go well into early summer. Plus spring is short-lived in North Texas, if it occurs at all, so bring a lawn chair and cool drink or find something to cool off with from a nearby eatery (i.e. Vapianos, Cold Stone Creamery, Rockfish, Café Express, Urban Taco or Starbucks). You’ve sat in traffic most of the evening anyways so why not ring in the weekend (on Thursday nights) with Mockingbird Station’s Free spring concerts? The DART stops right there at Mockingbird Lane too!

    Keep an eye on Mockingbird Station this year. They seem to be adding a nice list of fun activities and events to their calendar. If you don’t hear it from us first, you’ll hear it from them.

    *Parking is Free around the stores, and the garage is also be available for complimentary parking.