Annual Events & Festivals
Food Festivals
Irving is a foodie’s dream. You’ll find everything from innovative restaurant concepts to tried-and-true Texas BBQ. Irving’s food-related festivals are no different. Check out Lone Star BBQ & Music Festival, a fun outdoor festival featuring the best BBQ in Dallas-Fort Worth and live music. Stroll along the shore of Lake Carolyn while enjoying this truly Texan experience. Live music, cooling stations, and a multitude of beverage options round out this fun festival experience. The festival is also home to a marketplace with crafts from local artisans.
For a wide array of ideas on where to eat, what to try, and what's coming next in the foodie world, the Visit Irving Foodie Blogs are full of great information. Learn more about the chefs behind Irving's most famous restaurants, read about the most fun things to see and do, and where to stay while you take in all the action.
Arts & Cultural Festivals
If you’ve never seen a dragon boat race, you’re missing out. This 2,000-year-old tradition features dragon-shaped boats and is becoming one of the most popular water sports in America. Come see for yourself at the DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival. Dragon. If you’re feeling inspired, you can put together a team and participate yourself, or you simply come to spectate. Whichever you decide, you’ll have a blast. The festival also offers colorful kite displays, cultural performances, a lantern festival, traditional Asian food, arts and crafts, and educational activities.
Music Festivals
Every concert or event at the Toyota Music Factory, including The Pavilion or the Levy Event Plaza on the shores of Lake Carolyn, feels like a festival. With year-round events in these incredible venues, you can’t go wrong. Check out the calendar listings for all that’s happening in this exciting multi-venue entertainment complex.
Irving loves live music. Bring a blanket or chair, and prepare to sit back, relax, and enjoy the best music from Texas and beyond at the annual Irving Concert Series. This fun concert series showcases live music performances by bands from across the state, usually following a theme like “Vintage Vibes” or “Latin Rhythms.” Gourmet food trucks provide delicious meal options for guests.
For the young music fans, don’t miss Irving Concert Series 4 Kids. This popular Friday morning music series for toddlers and preschoolers features fun performances by top children's music groups, encouraging children to sing, dance, and play along. Children ages five and younger are invited to participate and learn at these interactive shows. Prior to showtime, families can enjoy a covered playground, free balloons, craft activities, noisemakers, and the chance to meet and take photos with characters from popular children's television shows.
Seasonal Festivals
In January, Irving hosts an annual winter festival, Frost Fest, complete with a snow tubing hill, snow play area, skating rink, ice sculpture demonstrations, and much more. Kids can pet animals at the petting zoo, ride trains, and imagine themselves lost in a special winter wonderland, or, better yet, at the North Pole.
Lighten the mood with some laughter on your next trip to Irving. Lake Carolyn is the backdrop for Laughs by the Lake, a live outdoor comedy show held in August. Perfect for adults looking for a fun night out, thousands flock to hear local comedians, enjoy local food truck cuisine, and take in a scenic sunset on the lake and canals.
Holiday Festivals
Irving is also the proud home to an Independence Day Celebration that rivals any 4th of July fest in the country. Beginning with an award-winning parade, guests enjoy juicy watermelon wedges, fun, and activities while they relax and listen to live music at a city-wide reception. The fireworks display over Lake Carolyn is a sight to behold as Irving gathers to celebrate American independence.
Bring the whole family out to Eerie Irving in the Fall where over 4,000 visitors annually get to enjoy fun, games, photos and, of course, CANDY!
In Irving, the holiday season doesn’t officially begin until Holiday Extravaganza. This community celebration holds a special holiday parade through the Heritage District as spectators line the streets to watch. Following the parade is a tree-lighting ceremony, complete with music, food vendors, hot chocolate, and more holiday fun.
No matter what time of year you’re in town, chances are good there’s an Irving festival taking place. Explore the many events above to get started!
