Despite the heat, or perhaps because of it, the festivals in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex don't slow down.
Shakespeare in the Park
Jun 11-Jul 26. The cast of Shakespeare Dallas performs the Bard's plays at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre on the eastern side of Samuell-Grand Park at Grand Avenue and I-30. Othello plays Sun, Tue, and Sat at 8:15 p.m. All's Well That Ends Well plays Wed, Thu, and Fri at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students on Fri and Sat. Children under twelve attend for free. Donations of $10 (and up) are requested for the other days.Fourth of July
Jul 3-4. The fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. It's a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and barbecue, swim, check out a local festival, or play sports (or maybe all of the above) and then watch the fireworks show. If you're in a good location, you can do like I do and just set up lawn chairs in your own backyard to watch several nearby pyrotechnics.Taste of Dallas
Jul 11-13. Fri 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun noon-8 p.m. Try food from several dozen of the Metroplex's best restaurants in the West End Historic District of Dallas. Admission is free. The food isn't, but it's cheaper than it would be if you went to the restaurants -- $2-5 for most items, $3 for soft drinks and bottled water, $5 for beer, $6 for frozen drinks. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and don't forget that this time of year is hot and pets are close to the pavement. Ride DART's Red Line or Blue Line to the West End station.Parker County Peach Festival
Jul 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Weatherford hosts a fun peach festival each year. Food, crafts, and a kids' area extend several blocks to celebrate all things peachy - peach ice cream, peach julep, peach jam, peach smoothies, and, of course, freshly picked peaches.Downtown@Sundown
Jul 12, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The second Saturday of each month from March through October, downtown Plano stays open late. Bands play, booths have arts and crafts for sale, local stores and restaurants have specials. Beautiful Haggard Park is nearby for those who have kids or just need a quiet(er) place to stroll. Take the DART Red Line to the Downtown Plano station or drive. To drive, take I-75 (Central Expressway) north from Dallas and exit at 15th street. Go right on 15th and continue about a half mile. Downtown Plano is between J and K Avenues.
