{"id":404475,"date":"2026-08-12T11:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T11:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/404475\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T11:46:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T11:46:41","slug":"dallas-best-annual-family-events-month-by-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/404475\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas\u2019 Best Annual Family Events, Month by Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you setting an intention of creating new traditions for your family? You don\u2019t have to wait until the holidays. Every month of the year, families who live in and around Dallas will find these annual events\u2014from kid-friendly festivals to live shows\u2014worth adding to their calendar. Here\u2019s what to expect\u2014and what\u2019s in it for the kids and the whole family.<\/p>\n

For specific dates as they are announced and many more events around DFW, search our calendar<\/a> for events closest to you.<\/p>\n

January Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"KidFilm,Photo courtesy USA Film Festival<\/p>\n

USA Film Festival\u2019s KidFilm<\/p>\n

Where: Angelica Film Center, Dallas
Why go? Move over, Sundance. This film fest is just for kids. And it\u2019s extra special because these short films are largely based on children\u2019s books too. Every year features a different lineup of new animated and live-action movies made for kids, as well as a featured children\u2019s book authors whose book has been adapted to film, and who will sign and give away free copies too.
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: The featured author\/illustrators include some legendary names and are typically announced just a few weeks before the event, so don\u2019t miss your chance to meet one of your own childhood idols too.
Plan your visit: usafilmfestival.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Dallas MLK Day Parade<\/p>\n

Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dallas
Why go? The spirit of Dr. King\u2019s message of hope and philosophy of nonviolence lives on forever. To show solidarity with your fellow citizens, families are welcome to take part in and watch this 40-plus-year annual parade honoring the late civic rights leader on his birthday. Hosted by the City of Dallas and nonprofit H.E.L.P (Hope. Encourage. Love. Protect). This year, there\u2019s some construction on the roads, so look online first for details about the new route.
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: Want to pay it forward throughout the year? Get involved by volunteering as a family with nonprofit Hope Encourage Love Protect (H.E.L.P.).
Plan your visit: help-dallas.org\/mlk-parade<\/a><\/p>\n

February Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"LunarPhoto courtesy Crow Museum of Asian Art of UT Dallas<\/p>\n

Lunar New Year Festival<\/p>\n

Where: NorthPark Center, Dallas
Why go? One of the biggest festivals around DFW is this one inside the luxury shopping destination, NorthPark, hosted in part by the Crow Museum of Asian Art. This big party stars not only a lively lion dance and other performances but also loads of kids activities, like origami crafts, and sometimes live animals, depending which zodiac animal represents that year.
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: For more Asian art and festivities, check out the Crow\u2019s two museum locations, in the Dallas Arts District and at the UT Dallas campus
Plan your visit: northparkcenter.com<\/a> and crowmuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Harlem Globetrotters<\/p>\n

Where: Typically at both American Airlines Center in Dallas and Dickies Arena in Fort Worth
Why go? You ever tried to spin a basketball on your finger? These pros make it look like a piece of cake\u2014and that\u2019s far from the only trick they\u2019ve got up their sleeves. Catch the Globetrotters exhibition basketball team when they visit both Dallas and Fort Worth every year like clockwork.
Cost: Seats generally start at the low $40s, and extra for other perks and experiences.
Parent tip: For the most fun on the court with the players, be sure to book the pre-game Magic Pass or the Celebrity Court Pass.
Plan your visit: harlemglobetrotters.com<\/a><\/p>\n

March Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"APhoto courtesy Dallas Camera Club<\/p>\n

North Texas Irish Festival<\/p>\n

Where: Fair Park, Dallas
Why go? Of all the entertainment\u2014Irish step-dancing, live animal demonstrations\u2014it\u2019s really the storytelling that best captures kids\u2019 imaginations. Bring your little kids to the Urchin Story Glen inside the Automobile Building to hear\u2014among other stories\u2014the epic, true story of Ireland\u2019s real-life Pirate Queen Grace O\u2019Malley.
Cost: Single-day tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for kids; under 6 free.
Parent tip: Half the fun here is the people watching, so feel free to go big with your own costumes if you\u2019re feeling creative.
Plan your visit: ntif.org<\/a><\/p>\n

April Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"WarbirdPhoto courtesy Henry B. Tipple National Aviation Education Center<\/p>\n

Warbird Weekend<\/p>\n

Where: Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center, Dallas
Why go? What does Darth Vader have to do with vintage airplanes? Well, we\u2019re not sure either, but it\u2019ll no doubt be exciting to witness light saber demonstrations from Star Wars reenactors at this annual flight fest. Admission gets you access to STEM activities in the aviation discovery zone and to special ride-alongs in vintage military vehicles.
Cost: Family passes available; children under 6 free.
Parent tip: If April\u2019s too far away for your family\u2019s history buffs, put a bookmark in November for the center\u2019s Aviation Discovery Fest.
Plan your visit: commemorativeairforce.org<\/a><\/p>\n

May Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"BalletPhoto courtesy Texas Ballet Theater<\/p>\n

Texas Ballet Theater<\/p>\n

June Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"DallasPhoto courtesy Dallas CASA<\/p>\n

Parade of Playhouses<\/p>\n

Where: NorthPark Center, Dallas
Why go? How would your kids like to play in their own backyard castle? Ice cream shoppe? Or conservatory? Every year, you can get a shot at winning one of a dozen or so custom-designed playhouse designed by local architects. Go see them on display for several weeks.
Cost: Raffle ticket purchases benefit nonprofit Dallas CASA. They\u2019re typically $5 for one or 5 tickets for $20.
Parent tip: Sadly, you cannot play inside and bounce off the walls inside these playhouses (they\u2019ve got to stay pristine for their future owners), but it\u2019s still worth the trip if you time your visit with the live kids entertainment at NorthPark (often on Wednesdays but check the schedule.) And of course, no visit to NorthPark is complete without letting the kids slide down the sloped planters, located near the indoor duck and turtle pond.
Plan your visit: dallascasa.org<\/a> and northparkcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n

July Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"DudeDude Perfect Facebook<\/p>\n

Dude Perfect Tour<\/p>\n

Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
Why go? Sports meets comedy meets outrageous challenges in these live performances by trick shot kings Dude Perfect, whose headquarters are here in Frisco). For the last few summers, their annual tour has included stops here in their own backyard (in Dallas and Fort Worth), so this is your shot to see the co-founders and of course mascot Panda bring the action from their YouTube channel to these lives shows. Don\u2019t miss their super silly and high-energy games on stage, and join in the fun at the preshow Fan Zone.
Cost: Tickets typically start in the $30s.
Parent tip: Want to try out some trick shots of your own? Head to the new Dig World in Grapevine, with an official Dude Perfect area with their construction-themed trick shots.
Plan your visit: dudeperfect.com<\/a><\/p>\n

August Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas\u2019 Original Watermelon Day<\/p>\n

Where: Dallas Farmers Market
Why go? If you\u2019re looking forward to cutting open a seasonal watermelon anyway, head here to choose from more than 20 varieties from local farmers (and wow your kids by making it an orange or yellow one). Dallas Farmers Market goes all out for its annual Watermelon Day with a weekend of kids activities, balloon artists, live music and watermelon eating contests.
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: Be sure to come on Saturday when they\u2019re offering mini tractor rides.
Plan your visit: dallasfarmersmarket.org<\/a><\/p>\n

September Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"ChildPhoto courtesy State Fair of Texas<\/p>\n

State Fair of Texas<\/p>\n

Where: Fair Park, Dallas
Why go? Howdy, readers! The Big Tex statue, fried foods, carnival rides\u2014these are what the massive state fair is best known for. But there are way more activities than can fit on this page and most of it is included with your general admission. The 2026 festival<\/a> kicks off September 25 and runs through October 18. When it\u2019s available, be sure to give the schedule a thorough look for the performances and experiences you definitely don\u2019t want to miss, and stay until after nightfall to experience the fireworks and light parades each night.
Cost: General admission is free for kids under 3. A variety of bundle options and discount days will be available.
Parent tip: You can bring your own food and snacks in a soft shell cooler from home, provided that it falls within their parameters<\/a> (9-by-10-by12 inches, ice packs, etc.)
Plan your visit: bigtex.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

October Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos Parade & Festival<\/p>\n

Where: Dallas City Hall
Why go? You\u2019ll see more sugar skull face painting here than any other spot in town at this fifth annual party in downtown. Come early to get your face painting or to scope out a spot for the best viewing of the stage performances. The fest runs from 2\u201310pm, and at 7pm, the parade steps off with folkl\u00f3rico dancers and more community groups.
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: Come super early to get your face painted, lest they run out of paint!
Plan your visit: ddlmusa.com<\/a><\/p>\n

November Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo courtesy Galleria Dallas<\/p>\n

Grand Tree Lighting Celebration & Missile Toes<\/p>\n

Where: Galleria Dallas
Why go? Each year, the Galleria assembles the nation\u2019s tallest indoor Christmas tree, stretching up to the sky from its perch at the center of the ice rink. And for the lighting ceremony, they bring in the ice-skating star power to match: Olympic ice skaters and Santa himself, who backflips while his skates shoot fireworks.
Cost: Free to view from any level around the rink
Parent tip: While you\u2019re there, don\u2019t miss more fun around the Galleria, including SNOWDAY\u2019s topsy-turvy rooms and a magical train ride to Santaland. Plus, if you\u2019re looking at add some free entertainment any time of year, the Galleria hosts live entertainers every single Saturday on level three by the playground.
Plan your visit: galleriadallas.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Dallas Zoo Lights<\/p>\n

Where: Dallas Zoo
Why go? The only thing better than zoo animals, or Christmastime fun, is a blend of the two. See your kids\u2019 most beloved zoo animals in the form of glowing silk lanterns and twinkling lights that number in the millions.
Cost\/Parent tip: Now, remember that most of the animals go to bed after dark, so make the most of your trip by booking a combo ticket, which includes nighttime and daytime admission starting in the afternoon.
Plan your visit: dallaszoo.com<\/a><\/p>\n

December Family Events in Dallas<\/p>\n

\"KlydePhoto courtesy Klyde Warren Park<\/p>\n

Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting<\/p>\n

Where: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas
Why go? Talk about bright lights in the big city. Here at \u201cDallas\u2019 living room,\u201d the expansive Klyde Warren Park, you\u2019ll witness of one of the tallest Christmas tree lightings around, followed by a massive party with Santa photos, stories with Mrs. Claus, maybe even a movie screening. Go ahead and save the date for December 5, 2026<\/a>. (It\u2019s always on the first Saturday in Decemmber).
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: After dark, you\u2019ll find even more winter fun right across the street at the Reliant Lights Your Holidays, which typically offers a real snow play area, a drone show and fireworks to boot.
Plan your visit: klydewarrenpark.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Dallas Holiday Parade<\/p>\n

Where: Downtown Dallas
Why go? Got a kid who\u2019s gaga for balloons? Wait until they see these mega-sized holiday characters in balloon form floating heading down Downtown\u2019s Commerce Street\u2014not to mention the marching bands and dancers galore and other entries in this nearly 40-year tradition.
Cost: Free admission
Parent tip: No one wants to stand for hours on the sidewalk. If you have room in the budget, reserve bleacher seats for the best view of the floats.
Plan your visit: dallasholidayparade.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Where: Majestic Theater, Downtown Dallas
Why go? This family-friendly rock concert has become a 20-plus year tradition, and it is a must-have holiday experience for fans of the Dallas-based psychedelic band fronted by Tim DeLaughter. It\u2019s a whole experience, with face painting, photos with Santa, and even milk and cookies.
Cost: Book your seats online; tickets are already on sale for the 2026 concert on December 19<\/a>. Kids 4 and younger are free if they sit on their parents\u2019 lap. In-kind donations are welcome for the Toys For Tots and North Texas Food Bank.
Parent tip: You don\u2019t have to already be a superfan of the band to enjoy this one-of-a-kind holiday concert.
Plan your visit: majestic.dallasculture.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Find many more events in and around Dallas on our calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Are you setting an intention of creating new traditions for your family? You don\u2019t have to wait until…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":404476,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[889,102,104,103,1643,118693,1006,69],"class_list":["post-404475","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-arts-and-culture","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news","tag-denton-county","tag-family-life","tag-outdoors","tag-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404475","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=404475"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404475\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/404476"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=404475"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=404475"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=404475"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}