Looking for things to do in Dallas this spring? Look no further than this list of eight must-do activities, ranging from cultural events to outdoor adventures.

Attend the Dallas Art Fair

April 20 – 23, 2023 // Tickets range from $20 – $250

In the heart of the downtown arts district, the Dallas Art Fair offers collectors, arts professionals, and the public the opportunity to engage with a rich selection of modern and contemporary artworks from leading national and international galleries. Thoughtfully curated exhibitions and innovative programming encourage lively conversations and close looking in a robust and rapidly growing arts community.

The Dallas Art Fair Foundation’s mission is to promote the appreciation of the arts in Dallas, Texas. Through the annual Dallas Art Fair Foundation Preview Benefit we have raised over two million dollars since inception for the beneficiaries. This year the beneficiaries are the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Dallas Contemporary.

Stroll through the Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum and Botanical Garden

February 25 – April 16, 2023 // Tickets range from $12 – $20

Named by Southern Living as one of “The Best Places to See Stunning Spring Blooms Across the South,” the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. Located in Lakewood, the festival runs February 25 to April 16, 2023.

With the return of Gary Lee Price’s “Great Contributors” sculptures, with many new historical figures including Ruby Bridges, Harriet Tubman, Mother Teresa, Amelia Earhart, and Joan of Arc. The spring festival showcases an explosion of color from 100 varieties of spring bulbs, 500,000 spring-blooming blossoms, thousands of azaleas, and hundreds of Japanese cherry trees. Highlights include 500,000 spring blooming bulbs and a variety of themed programming, demonstrations, and more. 

Hike the Katy Trail

Escape the bustling city by heading to the 7-mile-long Katy Trail that offers beautiful trees, rivers, and winding trails. Perfect for any time of the day when you need your daily dose of nature in the concrete jungle.

The Katy Trail cuts through the busy Uptown Dallas area and offers the perfect way to get away for a lunch break or afternoon walk. The trail runs from Mockingbird to Houston St and can be traveled in both directions. The best place for parking is at the North end of Travis and Knox St where there is a designated parking lot specifically for the trail. There’s a great park near Snyders Union to rest beneath the trees or have a picnic. Don’t forget to stop at the Katy Trail Ice House to grab a cold beer or some food!

Grab a beer at ArtPark in Trinity Groves

More than a beer garden, ArtPark Trinity Groves is a place for you to make memories. Hang out with friends in the scenic Trinity Groves neighborhood and sip cool, refreshing craft cocktails and frozen cocktails under the stars. With a converted empty shipping container into a frozen drink bar, ArtPark partnered with local graffiti artists for unique decor and built community spirit. The culmination of all these efforts is an all-day, all-night hangout spot that you can enjoy with good friends, good food, and good feelings.

The graffiti art décor, made right here by local Dallas artists, imbues ArtPark Trinity Groves with a unique vibe you can’t get anywhere else.

Snag a table at Crown Block in Reunion Tower

Set to open on April 17, 2023, Crown Block will offer a culinary experience surpassing the typical steakhouse, complemented by an approachable, stylish environment celebrating all things grilled, seared, and roasted. A fine balance between steak, seafood, and plant-based cuisine, featuring ingredients from regional farms, ranches, and the Gulf of Mexico. Its Rare Steak program embraces a range of offerings that includes Prime Beef, Texas Wagyu, and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Crown Block will also feature a sushi and chilled seafood display as well as a dessert bar with pastry chefs in action. Crown Block’s beverage program features a substantial wine list, in addition to a carefully curated cocktail program.

Grab your Derby hat or bow tie and enjoy the 15th Annual Day at the Races

May 6, 2023 // Tickets range from $250 – $500

The Turtle Creek Conservancy will host the 15th annual Kentucky Derby Watch Party and Fundraiser, Day at the Races, presented by Truist Bank, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 4:30-7:30 PM at Arlington Hall.

In addition to watching horses compete in the Kentucky Derby during the greatest two minutes in sports, guests will enjoy a spirits-tasting garden, Southern-inspired cuisine, dancing, and the opportunity to celebrate the beauty and tranquility of Turtle Creek Park.

The Turtle Creek Conservancy is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation, preservation, and exceptional care of Turtle Creek Park and Arlington Hall, while creating a public space for physical and mental wellness, connection, entertainment, and educational programs.

Enjoy the Swiss Avenue Mother’s Day Home Tour

May 13 – 14, 2023 // Tickets are $30

It is one of the city’s most anticipated Springtime events – this year celebrating its 50th Anniversary – The Swiss Avenue Historic District Mother’s Day Home Tour. Happening on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, and Sunday, May 13th and 14th.

This weekend-long tribute to Dallas’ historic past will feature a collection of the city’s most fabulous Early 20th Century homes. There will be an open-air art fair, a vintage auto display, a children’s play area, live entertainment in Savage Park, free horse-drawn carriage rides, complimentary air-conditioned mini-coaches, and food trucks offering a variety of freshly prepared menu items, ice-cold beverages, and much more.

Celebrate Spring at Highland Park Village

April 1, 2023

Sip, stroll, and shop to celebrate spring with exclusive shopping promotions and in-store experiences around Highland Park Village. Be sure to arrive in time to partake in photos with live bunnies, face painting and balloon twisting between 12pm and 4pm. Enjoy exclusive store promotions and shopping offers including complimentary private styling sessions at Akris, hat customization on-site at LoveShackFancy and custom fashion illustration sketches at Ralph Lauren.

Alison JensenMarch 26, 2023