Totally Texas -- CityArts festival at Fair Park

As my family went museum hopping at Dallas’s Fair Park recently, strolling the paved walkways and watching the boys play on the imaginative sculpture in the lagoon, I complained that the only things wrong were the lack of concession stands and the museum admission fees. Those problems disappear this coming Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, during the CityArts festival. 

 Will there be artists galore at the ArtFest portion, returning to an outdoor setting? Check. Performing artists, children’s activities and an “art car” painting demonstration? Check. Concession stands? Check and double check, when foodies over age 21 can sample offerings from some of Texas’ best chefs, with tastings of craftsmanly wine, tequila and vodka.

In addition, Fair Park’s eight museums will offer free admission during the weekend. See www.cityartsfestival.com/ for a full schedule of events and times.  CityArts is free, although there is a $10 fee for parking within the gates. Or take the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Green Line trains to the Fair Park station. DART charges $4 for a local day pass. Accompanied children under age five generally may ride free.

CityArts festival runs from 6-10 p.m. this Friday, May 27, from 11 a.m. -10 p.m. Saturday, and from noon- 6 p.m. Sunday.  And give the kids some time to play on the lagoon.