Trail Mix

With our annual magazine-style Zest issue to keep throughout the year, this calendar column also extends beyond this week with events happening now thru early summer. Along with the broad-reaching dates, I’m also expanding geographically, covering events up and down the bluebonnet-lined highways of North Texas. Is it because one of my favorite writers has a fancy dinner event coming up in the far east of here? Damn straight. We’ll just start there and work our way back home.

DALLAS

The brilliantly named Tables of Content on Sat, Mar 28, at 6pm in the Gene and Jerry Jones Grand Atrium at the Owen Arts Center (SMU Campus, 6101 Bishop Blvd, 214-768-2516) is the signature fundraising dinner for SMU Libraries. Led by influential voices from the university and the city, each table explores ideas that connect the community and spark curiosity. Proceeds from this event support the Friends of SMU Libraries and their ongoing efforts to advance library initiatives and elevate student spaces. The dinner will also feature the presentation of the Literati Award to journalist Robert Wilonsky, a columnist for the Dallas Morning News and former writer for the Dallas Times Herald and the Dallas Observer. Pricing starts at $200 per person for A Seat at the Table. For tickets, full table reservations, or sponsorship info, contact Amy Carver at 214-768-1939 or acarver@smu.edu.

GRAND PRAIRIE

Looking for a cheap date? Lone Star Park (1000 Lone Star Pkwy, 972-263-7223) suggests Sat, Apr 18. The annual Dollar Day celebration includes admission, beer, hot dogs, popcorn, sodas, and even programs, all for just $1 each. Gates open at noon, and the first horse race is at 1:35pm.

The Texas Country Reporter Festival takes over Downtown Grand Prairie (300 W Main St, 800-288-8386) on Sat, Mar 28, from 11am to 7pm.  This celebration of Texas culture kicks off with the Backroads to Main Street Parade, led by Grand Marshal Joe Zavala. The vendor market features products made in Texas, and the entertainment is very Texas-centric, too. There will be armadillo races, a showcase of local art, meet-and-greets with famous Texans, and a vintage car show

Grand Prairie is also home to the second annual Texas Monthly Taco Fest North. On Sat, Jun 6, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, EpicCentral (2961 State Hwy 161, 800-288-8386) will offer samples from 15 taquerias. General admission tickets are $60 and include tacos from all the featured restaurants. For $25 more, you can purchase a VIP ticket and enter the event 30 minutes early. Less time in line, more taco time! For updates and ticket links, go to Facebook.com/VisitGrandPrairie/events.

ARLINGTON

Lone Star Smokeout, the annual country music and barbecue festival, is back with an event this spring: three full days of barbecue, beer, and live music from artists like Riley Green, Koe Wetzel, Shaboozey, and more Fri-Sun, Apr 24-26, in the parking lot of AT&T Stadium (1 AT&T Way, 817-892-8687). Tickets start at $69 at LoneStarSmokeout.com.

Texas Live! is hosting Michelada Fiesta on Sat, May 16, at noon, promising that at this celebration of the spicy, tangy, refreshing liquid treat, “the drinks are cold, the vibes are hot, and the fun never stops!” General admission packages are $30, and VIP packages are $50 at the door, but discounts are available if you book in advance at AXS.com. The packages include your first two or four micheladas, respectively, an access lanyard, food and drink specials, and entry into prize giveaways. (VIP includes a free food voucher). Must be 21+ to attend.

KELLER

The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party. The Derby Soiree of Hope at The Kalla (121 S Elm St, 808-435-2552) on Sat, May 2, from 4pm to 7pm includes Southern-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, live race viewing, and casino games. Proceeds will benefit the Community Storehouse, which serves North Texas families by providing food assistance, educational support, and other essential resources that help children succeed. Tickets start at $125 at CommunityStorehouse.org/KentuckyDerby.

FORT WORTH

On Sat, Apr 18, from noon to 5pm, Martin House Brewing Company (220 S Sylvania Av, Ste 209, Fort Worth, 817-222-0177) is hosting Pickle Fest 2026, featuring Best Maid Pickle Beer, a fan favorite, plus four new varieties of pickle beer. Admission is free, but if you’d like to drink, a $20 wristband at the door includes a souvenir glass and four beer pours of your choice. This family- and animal-friendly event will also include a foam machine, food trucks, a pickle-eating contest, and vendors. For updates about the musical acts and more, follow the brewery on Facebook.com/MartinHouseBrewing/events.

Then on Sat, Apr 25, from 2pm to 8pm, the fourth annual Texas Street Food Festival is taking over the inside and outside of Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817-624-7117) with more than 40 food trucks and restaurants serving fare from around the world priced at $10 or less, including some $5 bites. The live entertainment includes breakdancing showcases, live music on multiple stages, and DJs spinning tunes. Along with the mechanical bull rides and dance lessons always on deck at Billy Bob’s, other activities include axe throwing, cooking demonstrations, eating contests, and kid-friendly zones. Tickets are $6.99 to $61.99 on Eventbrite.com.

For its 25th anniversary, ZestFest (no relation to us, but we do like their style) is once again including the Firey Food Challenge Awards at its annual spicy expo at Will Rogers Memorial Center (3401 W Lancaster Av, 817-392-7469) Fri-Sun, May 29-31. Thousands of heat-seekers from across the globe will gather to experience a fiery celebration of taste — from small-batch hot sauces and gourmet salsas to blistering snacks and next-level barbecue rubs. Sample the hottest new products, meet the makers behind the heat, and test your limits in competitions. Show hours are 1pm-6pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, and 10am-5pm Sun. Tickets start at $24.12 on Eventbrite.com.

WEATHERFORD

Now thru Sun, Apr 5, Clark Gardens (567 Maddux Rd, 940-682-4856), the 35-acre nonprofit botanical park in Palo Pinto and Parker counties, is hosting Grow @ Clark Gardens. The annual spring festival brings together art, nature, horticulture, and hands-on activities designed to help guests of all ages discover their wild side. The gardens are open 10am-5pm Sun and 8am-5pm Mon-Sat. Admission is $10 per adult, $8 per senior, and $5 per child (ages 4 to 12). Children 3 and under get in free.

If you’ve got little ones at home, Sat, Mar 28, is when you’ll want to go to Clark Gardens. Hop Into Spring: An Egg-citing Garden Day includes a bounce house, food trucks, lawn games, and a vendor market. At 2pm, there is an Easter egg hunt and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Live music will be performed by Jesse Jennings, Cabe Choate, and William Wallace. (For more Easter coverage, meet us back here next week. Our Wed, Apr 1 issue will be a fun one, and that’s no #AprilFools joke!)

RUNNING THE ROADS

Finally, if you do stop to take pictures with the bluebonnets this spring, be sure to park in a safe place and stay aware of your surroundings. #BacktheBLUEbonnets