Events

Spring

Held each March, Savor Dallas is a true feast for the senses, featuring a “wine stroll” in the Arts District, celebrity chef cooking demos, and the International Grand Tasting, offering more than 500 wines and 50 chefs serving samples. Call 888/728-6747 for more information.

The Prairie Dog Chili Cookoff is a big ol’ Texas-style event (don’t worry, prairie dogs aren’t part of the chili recipe), where chili tasting is only part of the fun (be sure to check out the Quail Egg–Eating World Championship). It’s the oldest and largest chili cook-off in the Metroplex area, at Traders Village (2602 Mayfield Rd.). Call 972/647-2331 for more information.

The Cinco de Mayo event in suburban Oak Cliff celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in 1862 and features “the Big parade,” carnival rides, food, and entertainment. Call 214/650-8381 for more information.

Summer

Each August, Taste of Dallas features restaurants, retail booths, Kids’ Taste Town, and multiple music stages at historic Fair Park. Visit www.tasteofdallas.org [1] for more information.

Fall

The legendary State Fair of Texas, held at Fair Park [2] for more than 70 years, runs from mid-September through early October and is an absolute must-see if you’re in the city at the time. Experience fried Twinkies, Big Tex, corny dogs, livestock shows, and the tallest Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere. Call 214/565-9931 for more information.

ZestFest, a spicy-food festival typically held each October, is now in suburban Irving. It offers plenty of spice for bold, flavor-seeking food enthusiasts. The festival features cooking demos by celebrity chefs, live music, and food samples. Call 972/252-7476 for more information and to confirm event dates.

Winter

The popular Trains at NorthPark runs November–January at the NorthPark Center Mall (1030 North Park Center). The event, completely redesigned with new trains and landscapes in 2010, features more than 35 toy trains and has been a holiday tradition delighting children and toy train lovers since 1987. Visit www.rmhdallas.org [3] for more information.

The Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade features floats, marching bands, and Santa himself. This annual event, complete with reserved bleacher seating, is a Dallas holiday tradition. Call 214/456-0113 for more information.