It’s Friday, and we’re feeling the weekend vibes around here! Blue skies are smiling on us and the sun is shining! As Texans, though, we know that could change at any second, but we will take it while we got it!  April’s coming to an end and May is knocking on our door. That can only mean one thing, outdoor festival time. If you are looking to get out of the house for some family-friendly entertainment, look at these fun happenings around town. Just be sure to pack an umbrella!

5 Ways to Enjoy the Weekend in DFW

Hooray! It’s the weekend, and we all need to get out of the house and enjoy all the joy North Texas has to offer.  Maybe bead out of work early enjoy yourself this afternoon! We won’t tell.

ALL WEEKEND

Art in the Square, Southlake

Friday, April 26, 4–10:30 pm

Saturday, April 27, 10am–10:30pm

Sunday, April 28, 11 am–6 pm

This arts festival celebrates 20 years returning to the Southlake Town Square, so tradition calls for an anniversary gift to be made of china, platinum or emeralds, right? Of course, you’ll find original artworks made from all types of materials when the 160-plus juried artists from every medium put their creations on display. Join in the creativity with your kids at the Kids Korner, making stained glass and decorating wings to wear. Free admission and parking. Tickets required for kids’ activities in The Zone play area.

Denton Arts & Jazz Festival

Friday, April 26, 3–11 pm

Saturday, April 27, 10am–11pm

Sunday, April 28, 11 am–9 pm

There’s no mistaking the red top hat donned by Carl Finch, accordion player and front man for polka band Brave Combo. Hear them headline at Quakertown Park on Sunday night, rounding out a full weekend of live bands and performing groups on seven stages and kid-friendly arts entertainment. Get to crafting inside the children’s art tent and pick up some noise-makers in the instrument petting zoo. Free.

EarthX2019, Dallas

Friday–Sunday, April 26–28, 10 am–6 pm

Do you recycle at home? Remind the kids what it’s all for by watching the new Wonders of the Sea 3D documentary, zone out in virtual reality headgear and strap on an oxygen tank for an above-ground scuba dive—all this and more fun at Fair Park for the ninth annual Earth Day festival. $5; free for kids 12 and younger. You’ll find the complete schedule of events and maps on the free EarthxApp.

Plano ArtFest, Plano

Saturday, April 27, 11 am–9 pm

Sunday, April 28, 11 am–5 pm

Let your creativity flow at this annual festival by and for art lovers. Bring your littles to join in the family chalk art and bounce in the kid’s zone. A mix of contemporary art installations, artisan market of wares made by local doers and stages for live music fill up Haggard Park and the downtown Plano Arts District all weekend. Free admission.

Saturday ONLY

Day to Play, Dallas

Saturday, April 27, 11 am–2 pm

This event brings families together for a day filled with activities and discoveries geared to children. From lawn games and yoga to live music and crafts, entertainment will be paired with a focus on volunteerism and community service, including a basic overview of the scope of families who are experiencing or are near homelessness in Dallas.

Enjoy music by DJ Kaivan “KB” Bazleh and kids’ DJ lessons from OontzKids, a live performance by singer, dancer, and HeARTS of Maya founder Maya Delgado, group yoga by Hanuman Homies, bounce houses, inflatable slides, an obstacle course and climbing wall, life-size Hungry Hungry Hippos game, dunking booth with local celebrity guests, bungee run, gaming truck, Giant Chess, Jenga, and Connect Four, hamster ball races, kids’ disco, Lego building, robo-surfing, dual hoop basketball, superheroes and characters, photo booth, and more.

$50 for a family pass. No restriction on the number of attendees in each family.

Attendees may also sponsor a $50 Family Pass for a family affected by homelessness to attend. Bring a new pair of tennis shoes for a homeless child at Family Gateway. Proceeds benefit Family Gateway in its mission to provide stability and life-changing supportive services to children and families affected by homelessness.

Ladybug Release Party, Valley Ranch

Saturday, April 27, 10am–1pm

Come dressed in your ladybug attire to enter the ladybug costume contest and enjoy a bounce house, craft tent, dancing and more at Valley Ranch Association’s annual party fit for the cutest bug of all.

For questions, contact the Valley Ranch Association at 972/869-1430.

valleyranch.org