DFW Fun: April Calendar of Events

When: April 10, 2015, 3:05 pm first pitch vs. the Houston Astros.

Where: The Ballpark at Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011. 817-273-5600

Cost: For ticket information or call 972-RANGERS.

What: Enjoy a weekend of Arts and Crafts, Bluebonnet Souvenirs, Children's Activities, Live Music and scenic country rides taking in all the beautiful wildflowers with our Bluebonnet Trails Map. See up to 50 vintage cars in the Antique American Independent Car Show.

When: The Festival is April 18-19, 2015. The 64th Annual Bluebonnet Trail is April 1-30, 2015.

Where: Downtown Ennis

Directions from Dallas: South on I- 45, Exit 253 or 251-B.

Directions from Fort Worth, Midlothian, Waxahachie: East on US Highway 287, Exit Ennis Business 287.

What: Over 25 restaurants/food sampling, plus one complimentary wine/beer drink, souvenir wine plate and tote bag Scavenger Hunt & People’s Choice judging!

When: Thursday, April 9, 2014 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites, 2401 Bass Pro Dr., Grapevine, TX 76051

Cost: $25 in advance

For more info: 817-481-1544

What: The Dallas International Film Festival is your guide to more than 175 films, events, panel discussions and galas.

When: April 3-13, 2014.

Where: Event takes place at various venues and theatres.

Tickets: Individual tickets and passes can be purchased at the Prekindle Main Box Office in Mockingbird station, and online at www.DallasFilm.org.

What: It's Duck Commander Weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Grab your patriotic bandana and head on out to Redneck Heaven in Fort Worth.

When: April 11 2015

Where: Texas Motor Speedways, 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177

What: Six blocks of Main Street in Deep Ellum transform into a super-sized street party with four outdoor stages and non-stop performances by 75 national, regional, and local original bands during this three-day festival. With more than 120 top-notch juried decorative and visual artists, muralist, the renowned Deep Ellum Pet Parade, and abundant food and drink, the Deep Ellum Arts Festival attracts a diverse audience and includes affluent art and music enthusiasts.

When: April 3-5, 2015.

Where: Deep Ellum Entertainment District on Main Street between Good Latimer and Hall Street.

Cost: Admission is free. Food and beverages for purchase.

Stonebriar Spring Sprint is partnering with City House to raise funds to open two transitional homes in Frisco, one for boys and one for girls. City House has been helping at-risk young adults aged 18-22 for the last 25 years and is expanding the Transitional Living Program to Frisco due to the rising number of homeless young adults in the area.

 

The event takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2014 beginning at 7 am.

Stonebriar Community Church, 4801 Legendary Dr, Frisco, TX 75034.

What: Dallas Blooms, a festival of over 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs and botanical beauty in a 66-acre garden.

When: March 5 through April 6, 2014

Where: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. 214-515-6500

If you miss the Easter bunny photographer, then BYOB: bring your own (stuffed) bunny along with your camera. The tulips, daffodils and azaleas are in full bloom and nature makes a colorful backdrop. The beautiful flowers make it easy for any photographer to look like a pro.

Admission: $15 adults; $12 seniors; $10 (ages 3-12) plus parking.

Remember: Don't pick or trample the tulips. Arboretum rules prohibit standing or walking in garden beds and you can't climb trees or shrubs.

Live racing returns to Lone Star Park Thursday, April 10, 2014 celebrating its 17th season of Spring Thoroughbred racing. Big changes, new additions and exciting renovations await fans this season with plenty of entertainment, promotions and the Lone Star Music Series concert schedule.

 

What: April 10, 2014 kicks off the official Thoroughbred horse racing season.

Where: Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. 972-263-PONY.

 

Guests can sink their teeth into a gooey grilled cheese sandwich courtesy of Norma’s Cafe on National Grilled Cheese Day, April 12. Any customer who comes into either restaurant location can enjoy the classic comfort sandwich for free. Limit one sandwich per customer. Add to the tasty, cheesy treat by pairing it with a delicious homemade soup or one of the many scrumptious sides Norma’s Cafe has to offer. Give this iconic American sandwich the recognition it deserves by taking part in National Grilled Cheese Day at Norma’s Cafe.

What: Grilled Cheese Day Special 

When: April 12, 2014

Where: Norma’s Cafe, 17721 N. Dallas Pkwy #130, Dallas, Texas 75287

Local Dallas-based bands will kick off the celebration, followed by an entire evening designed to bring together Uptown enthusiasts including residents, employees and patrons. Guests will enjoy beverages, bites and beats at one of Uptown’s most popular venues alongside neighbors, friends and colleagues. April 10, 2014.

 

6:30 pm: J Charles & The Train Robbers
7:30 pm: Hazardous Dukes
9:00 pm: Corey Morrow

 

The Rustic, 3656 Howell Street, Dallas, Texas 75204.

Evita is the award-winning musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice about the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón. You know, it's as in "Don't Cry for Me Argentina!" Evita runs from April 15-27, 2014 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 First Avenue, Dallas,TX 75210. 214-565-1116.

 

It's the 33rd annual Terrell Heritage Jubilee carnival, bbq cook-off, arts and crafts, 5K run, pig races, car and motorcycle show, pony rides, business expo and ranch rodeo. It's April 25-27, 2014 at Ben Gill Park. Terrell is approximately 25 miles east of Dallas on Interstate Highway 20 and U.S. Highway 80. Is there anything more fun than mutton bustin?

Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts, crafts, live music and bluebonnets galore.

Earth Day is April 22. Details on DFW's Earth Day Celebrations.

What: Arts, crafts, food and beverage at this three-day juried art festival.

When: April 25-27, 2014

Where: Southlake Town Center

Admission is free.

This is Frisco's big food truck extravaganza! Frsco StrEATS is a festival of gourmet food trucks, live music, a classic car show, shopping and more. If you haven't been before, you must check it out.

Bring a non-perishable food item for Frisco Family Services for a chance to win great prizes.

Some of the food trucks slated to be at the event include The Butcher's Son (I love them!), Nammi Cruisin Vietnamese Fusion (also an awesome choice!), Cajun Tailgators (I intend to check them out), Rockstar Bakeshop, Eat Jo Dawgs and more.

Located in Historic Downtown on the south side of Main Street and Fourth Street.

When: From 1 pm to 7 pm, Saturday, April 12, 2014.

Celebrate tree planting, preservation and recognition for urban and community forestry programs with the city of Euless. Arbor Daze is a celebration of friends, family, community, and trees. Arbor Daze 2013 will feature live entertainment, food concessions, arts & crafts and business booths, the award-winning Arbor Dazzling Kidz Zone, forestry demonstrations, and the legendary Arbor Daze free tree giveaway.

 

This ultimate free two-day event takes place on April 26-27, 2014. City Hall Complex, 201 N. Ector Drive, Euless, TX.

KNON 5th Annual Fort Worth Bluesfest starring: Zac Harmon, Larry Lampkin, James Hinkle, Trainreck w/KM Williams, Washboard Jackson & Jeff Stone, The Ft Worth Guitar Army featuring Tone Sommer, Jackie Don Loe & Jerry Clark, Robert Johnson's Soul, Holland K Smith, Miss Marcy, Mighty Paul Young & Son, Michael Lee Band & Pistol Packin' Mama.

When: Sunday, April 27, 2014

Where: J&J's Blues Bar, 937 Woodward, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Doors open at 12pm, Music starts at 1 pm and goes until 9 pm. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Tickets and more info at www.KNON.org or 214-828-9500 X224.

This is a benefit event supporting KNON 89.3 FM Community Radio and Blues music programming.

Check out all the shows this month at the Dallas Arboretum.

A complete listing of festivals that take place in April in DFW.