Summer is full of fun festivals in the Denton, Texas, area. Whether you want to participate in a little cosplay action, eat some great food, or watch cowboys compete in rodeos, there’s something to entertain everyone at the festivals in and around the city.
Denton Community Market
Denton Community Market is a Framer/Art market located in Denton Historical Park at 317 W. Mulberry St. Admission is free and the market is on Saturday mornings, starting at 9 am, from August 3rd to November 2nd.
Come support you local farmers and artists. There is also live music and kid-friendly activities. You won’t leave hungry with the various food trucks and food vendors present! It’s a fun time for the whole family while supporting your local neighbors.
AnimeFest
AnimeFest is a four-day event that takes place August 16 to 19 in Dallas. The convention draws in more than 12,000 fans of anime, games, and manga and is the longest-running convention of its type in the country.
The event is unique in that it’s run by a non-profit charity with a mission to educate people about the world’s pop culture. Activities at AnimeFest include an art show featuring sculptures, artwork, and jewelry from local and international artists, autograph sessions with celebrities, a blood drive, charity auctions, and more. Don your favorite costume and perform skits to win prizes at the Cosplay event and dance the night away at the epic dance party.
No anime event would be complete without a gaming room, video theater, library, and industry panel featuring directors, producers, voice actors, and artists. Fans can even submit music performances, presentations, and more for the event team to review and possibly feature in the panel and workshop rooms.
AnimeFest is held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, which is located at 400 N. Olive St. in Dallas. Ticket prices begin at $15 a person.
North Texas Fair and Rodeo
Slip on your boots and head to the North Texas Fair and Rodeo August 16 through 24 in Denton. Held at the North Texas State Fairgrounds, this nine-day event features first-class rodeos, live music, livestock shows, and numerous exhibits that are fun for the whole family.
Taste some of the best barbecue in Texas as competitors vie for the glory in the BBQ Cookoff, or watch juniors compete in the Junior Steer Show or Junior Goat Show. Additional livestock shows include miniature Herefords, heifers, and breeding sheep. Kids will enjoy the rides at the carnival, watching pigs race at the Swifty Swine Races, and competing in the Kid Tractor Pull, which is held daily. Don’t miss the amazing feats of Jason D-Vaude, the One-Man Circus who shows off feats of strength, juggling, and comedy.
Tickets start at $15 for adults and $5 for kids 7 to 12 years old. Admission includes the fair, rodeo, livestock shows, and concerts.
This summer, don’t miss out on the many festivals in and around the Denton area.
Image by ReneS via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original