There’s is no shortage of stellar family happenings going down during this (long) weekend… Today is DISD fair day, Monday the RISD kiddos get their day off to frolic with Big Tex, and in between there’s promise of cool weather, beer, brats, food trucks, live music, camel rides, and ample opportunities to flex some creative muscles.
In another words, we’re looking at four days of serious goodness here friends. Here’s what’s going down:
Art in October — Tomorrow marks the kick off of Art in October in the Dallas Arts District. There will be artful happenings all month (cumulating in the opening of Klyde Warren Park on the 27th), but for tomorrow’s first Saturday event, the district is going all out. There’s free admission and family activities at the Nasher (the Crow Collection is always free), the Art in Motion parade (any human powered vehicle is welcome), and performances by DanceAfrica in Annette Strauss Square. The DMA is still charging general admission, but otherwise, its a free for all. Of course, the food trucks will be out in full force.
LH Oktoberfest — Also on Saturday, the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands is hosting it’s second annual LH Oktoberfest on from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Lake Highlands Town Center, and organizers have promised an even bigger throw down than last year (and last year’s event was pretty stellar). There’s a bulging roster of entertainment and activities to take you well into the evening, plus loads of tasty food options. My littles are most excited for the giant slide, magician performances, petting zoo, and the ice cream sandwiches. I’m jazzed about the live music and Urban Crust pizza, and the hubs is feeling beer and brats. He is, however, less than enthused about the clowns. Let’s just say that clowns are not “his thing.” Admission is free, parking is $5, price for activities and food varies.
PLAY in Dallas — Further east, the Lab at Lakewood is sponsoring Dallas’ only Global Cardboard Challenge event, inspired by (the utterly awesome) Caine’s Arcade. The afternoon celebrating kids, creativity, community, and play happens from 2-5 on Saturday when the Lab will offer healthy snacks and a trove of supplies for you to construct anything you desire from cardboard pieces. You just need to bring clean cardboard, plastic containers, and, of course, your imagination. A minimum donation of $10.00 per family is suggested but not required, and all profits from the event will benefit Imagination Foundation.
Zoo Tunes — Cut to Saturday evening when the Dallas Zoo continues it’s new concert series with a performance by Eagles tribute band Fastlane. The action happens from 6-9, when all of ZooNorth will be open. In addition to the tunes, there’s a free bounce house, $5 camel rides, and $2 Endangered Species Carousel rides, plus Soar: A Festival of Flight bird show will precede the band. Tickets are $12-$15 a person, and parking is $5. Feel free to bring in lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers. Festival food as well as beer and wine will be available for purchase; no outside alcohol will be allowed.
(Image via Vodka & Pancakes.)
Food Truck Palooza — On Sunday you can hit the Food Truck Palooza at Temple Shalom from 11-7. The event will feature bounce houses (because what’s a kid event without bounce houses, right??), music, and (of course) food trucks galore, including Butcher’s Son, Crazy Fish, Coolhause, Easy Slider, Enticed, Gandolfo’s, Good Karma Kitchen, K-Wheelz, Nammi, Potato-Potahto, Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe. Our events editor Liz Johnstone (a bit of a food truck aficionado herself) recommends the gourmet gluten-free deliciousness from Good Karma Kitchen, a brisket-topped baked potato from Potato-Potahto, and a tiger’s blood snow cone from Enticed. I’d listen, as Liz knows her stuff.
Fiesta Latinoamericana — Last but not least, head back to the Arts District on Sunday for this festival celebrating Latin American countries from Puerto Rico to Peru. Activities will include four stages of dance and music, Latino cuisine, children’s workshops, and more.
Happy a splendid weekend!
