Your guide to DFW spring festivals

Spring in North Texas means bluebonnets in bloom, Brave Combo blasting nuclear polka from an outdoor stage and that sweet smell of street food filling the air.

Or maybe that’s the Spring Festival Season.

Either way, we love this time of year because it’s brimming with a lineup of community get-togethers that draw us out into the fresh air each weekend to celebrate everything from art and culture to friends and family to tacos and craft beer.

This weekend, the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, unfurls its 31st edition downtown. The gold standard for local arts festivals, it not only showcases an eclectic mix of artists and musicians, fair food and kid-friendly fun, but Main St. also shines the spotlight on the heart of city and its many charms.

There’s so much going on every weekend, from the Bluebonnet Trails Festival in Ennis to Chocolate Fest in Grapevine this weekend, to Art in the Square in Southlake and Arbor Daze in Euless the next.

During spring — or spring festival season — each weekend offers a myriad of reasons to leave the housework or yardwork for another day. So, put on your facepaint, pack up the stroller and start marking the calendar because here are 30 of the top festivals in region this spring.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival

Weekends through May 30

Turn back the clock and step into the Middle Ages at this long-running salute to jugglers, jousting and turkey legs. $23 for adults, $10 ages 5-12, under 4 free. 2511 Farm Road 66, Waxahachie. srfestival.com.

Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival

Thursday-Sunday

Downtown Fort Worth’s annual tradition combines visual art, crafts, music and food into a big street party. Performers on stages this year include funk pioneer Maceo Parker and Austin indie-rockers Band of Heathens, as well as Luke Wade, Marc Broussard, Cliburn pianist Fei-Fei Dong, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Killdares and Poo Live Crew, among others. Restaurants include Riscky’s Barbeque, Crawfish Connection, Taste of Cuba and Thai Tina’s. Free. Main Street, downtown Fort Worth. www.mainstreetartsfest.org.

KellerFest

Friday-Saturday

After one year off, KellerFest is on again this year, and it takes place over two days in front of Keller City Hall. It includes food, art vendors, video-game trucks and live performances on a community stage. Main-stage music acts include American Aquarium, a rock/Americana outfit from Raleigh, N.C. 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller. Free admission, with $1 tickets needed for some activities. kellerfest.com.

Brickworks Art in the Park Festival

Friday-Sunday

Family activities, art, music from the likes of Charla Corn, and walks through historic Old Town Kennedale are on the schedule. TownCenter Park, 405 Municipal Drive, Kennedale. Free. www.cityofkennedale.com.

Chocolatefest

Friday-Saturday

As always, this hymn to chocolate comes in two parts: Friday’s Evening of Chocolate and Wine and a Day of Chocolate and Art on Saturday. The former is $50, and you must be 21 or older. For the latter, it’s $15 adults (10 samples), $12 seniors 60+ (10 samples) and $5 for age 7 and under (5 samples). Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine. Meanwhile, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory screens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Palace Theater, 300 S. Main, Grapevine. Admission is $6. www.chocolatefestgrapevine.org.

Bluebonnet Trails Festival

Friday-Sunday

The bluebonnet is Texas’ best-known flower and it gets its due with this three-day party in Ennis. There’ll be live music, scenic country rides, stuff for the kids to do, and free bluebonnet-trail maps. Free. 101 N. Main St. West, Ennis. www.visitennis.org.

Main Street Fest

April 22-24

This mix of carnival, stunt shows, beer garden, concerts, arts and crafts, and food is a signature Grand Prairie event. The music performers this year include Los Lobos. the Tejas Brothers, Prophets & Outlaws, Cody Canada & the Departed and Granger Smith. Free. 200 W. Main St., Grand Prairie. mainstreetfest.com.

Art in the Square

April 22-24

Visual artists converge on Southlake for this event that’s a juried art show as well as a good place to eat some food from area restaurants and food trucks, hear some music from the likes of Dallas Smith and Derek Anthony while the children play in a kids’ zone. Free. Southlake Town Square, Southlake. www.artinthesquare.com.

Earth Day Texas

April 22-24

While there will be speakers/seminars/workshops on such topics as fracking/earthquakes and new urbanism, there will also be tons of name-brand music (Kinky Friedman, Michael Martin Murphey, Telegraph Canyon, Jake Paleschic, the Tontons, the O’s) and movies (like the environmental thriller Consumed). Free. Fair Park, Dallas. earthdaytx.org.

Arbor Daze

April 23

What once was just a garden show has turned into a full-blown celebration of trees and plants. There will also be carnival rides, performers and food. Free. Euless Family Life Center, 300 W. Midway Drive, Euless. www.arbordaze.org.

BioBlitz

April 23

This is replacing Prairiefest, which usually takes place this time of year. BioBlitz puts renewed emphasis on the natural environment where scientists and naturalists from around Texas will lead and supervise photo documentation and data collection, according to the event website. Also, hikes, storytelling and games. Free. Tandy Hills Natural Area, 3400 View St., Fort Worth. www.tandyhills.org/bioblitz

Brewfest on Crockett

April 23

The sixth edition of this street party features beer from Community and Deep Ellum among other area breweries as well as live music from Poo Live Crew, Big Mike and others. Brewfest games include giant beer pong and flip cup. Free. 2900 Crockett St., Fort Worth, www.west-7th.com.

Japanese Garden Spring Festival

April 23-24

The blend of traditional Japanese music, dance, martial arts, tea ceremonies and other activities in the setting of the garden, which is inside the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, makes for a unique experience. $8 adults, $5 ages 4-12, children 3 and younger free. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. www.fwbg.org.

Fifth Annual Cowtown Conjunto Festival

April 24

Albert Zamora, Los Garcia Bros. and Front Porch Conjunto are some of the acts playing this daylong conjunto concert at Billy Bob’s. Free. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.

Mayfest

April 28-May 1

Coming two weeks after Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, Mayfest is a good way to keep the Cowtown party spirit alive. There’ll be music, food contests, carnival rides, an arts and gifts marketplace, and, if we’re lucky, a water-skiing squirrel, among other things. $8 for 13 and older, $5 for seniors 60-plus and kids 3-12, children 2 and younger free. Trinity Park, 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth. www.mayfest.org.

Denton Art and Jazz Festival

April 29-May 1

Patrice Rushen, the Flatlanders and Brave Combo are just three of the names playing one of the seven stages at this huge, free event. Of course, other activities include a juried art show, games, children’s activities and food. Free. Quakertown Park, 321 E. McKinney St., Denton. www.dentonjazzfest.com.

Taco Libre

April 30

What’s better than tacos, music and lucha libre wrestling? Having them all in the same event, of course. Tacos will be from Revolver Taco Lounge, Taco Heads, El Tizoncito, Tacohalics and Tacodeli, among many more. The music lineup is just as tasty with Grupo Fantasma, El Mariachi Bronx and Larry G(ee). Blue Demon Jr. and Aski “the Mayan Warrior” will be representing the wrestlers. $16, $22 at the gate. Main Street Garden, 1902 Main St., Dallas. tacolibredallas.com.

El Fuerte — Fort Worth Taco Festival

May 7

But you don’t have to head to Dallas to celebrate the taco. You can do it at The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion, where there will be food from area eateries and food trucks as well as music from Latin Express. Vendors will compete for a variety of awards including best traditional taco and best tortilla. $25, $30 at the gate, $50 VIP, $10 for kids 6-13. Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth. www.eventbrite.com.

Cottonwood Art Festival

May 7-8

While the visual arts may seem like an afterthought at some festivals, it’s the centerpiece of this long-running Richardson event. More than 240 artists will have their work on display. Still, there will be music from Texas Flood, Marc Toussaint and more. Free. Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson. www.cottonwoodartfestival.com.

Frontier Forts Days

May 13-14

Here’s one festival where you get some history with your fun. The Stockyards are transformed into a fascimile of frontier life. See authentic weapons, uniforms and flags, and hear music from bygone eras. Free. Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards. www.fortworthstockyards.org.

Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games

May 13-15

Scottish music, food and games are on display in this annual salute to all things Braveheart. $12-$25 (adults), $5-$8 (children and teens). Maverick Stadium, University of Texas at Arlington. www.texasscottishfestival.com.

Taste Addison

May 13-15

Officials tried to go upscale with this event, turning it into a chef-driven food event called Fork & Cork. That proved not to be too popular so the beloved Taste Addison food and music weekend is back with more family-friendly activities, something Fork & Cork lacked. They’ve even got a big music name this year: the Band Perry. $15 adults, $10 children. Addison Circle Park, Addison. tasteaddisontexas.com.

Denton Cinco de Mayo

May 14

Activities include a parade and soccer tournament, as well as food, arts and crafts. Free. Quakertown Park, 321 E. McKinney St., Denton. www.dentoncinco.org.

Homegrown

May 14

The seventh edition of this local-music fest is headlined by Ghostland Observatory and Neon Indian. With its great view of downtown Dallas as a backdrop, it’s always a fun way to spend an afternoon and evening. $35. Main Street Garden, 1902 Main St., Dallas. homegrownfest.com.

Burning Bubba Fest

May 14

Quaker City Night Hawks, J. Roddy Walston & the Business, Tim Montana & the Shrednecks are just a few of the acts playing on the two stages at this fourth annual event at Billy Bob’s. $15. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.

DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival

May 15

Enjoy dragon boat races as well as Asian folk dances and performances. Free. Las Colinas Urban Center on Lake Carolyn, Irving. www.dfwdragonboatfestival.com.

Main Street Fest

May 20-22

This Grapevine festival, subtitled A Craft Brew Experience, also features vendors, museum exhibits, children’s activities, and a carnival. Free until 5 p.m. May 20. $7 adults, $5 ages 6-12 and seniors, free for 5 and under. Along Main St., Grapevine. www.grapevinetexasusa.com.

Art on the Greene

May 20-22

Appreciate art in Richard Greene Linear Park in Arlington. Food vendors will be on hand. Lawn chairs, blankets and dogs are welcome. Free. Richard Greene Linear Park, Arlington. artonthegreene.com.

Wildflower! Art and Music Festival

May 20-22

If you’re a classic rock fanatic, this is one festival not to miss. Every year, they nab your best high-school memories — if you went to high school in the ’70s, ’80s or ’90s and your favorite station is Jack FM. This year, they’ve got Survivor, the Guess Who, Peter Frampton and Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx, but there’s also John Mayall, Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-a-Whirl Band featuring Lou Ann Barton, Alien Ant Farm, Toadies, Soul Asylum, Finger Eleven and Hoobastank. Galatyn Park, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. www.wildflowerfestival.com.

National Polka Festival

May 27-29

If you think this party is just about music, you’re wrong. It’s a toast to Czech culture with food, costumes, dancing and parades. Of course, there will be bands including Czechaholics, Ennis Czech Boys and, yes, Brave Combo. $8-$15, 12 and under free. Downtown Ennis. www.nationalpolkafestival.com.

Untapped Fort Worth

June 11

It’s all about brews and bands. More than 70 breweries will be represented while Built to Spill, the Hendersons, Hayes Carll, Grupo Fantasma, David Ramirez, Bummer Vacation and more will play. $35. Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth. www.untapped-festival.com.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 11:25 AM with the headline "Your guide to DFW spring festivals."