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Celebrate Summer’s End: 9 Must‑See Dallas Festivals in August & September

When August arrives and the school bell rings, Dallas shifts from late‑summer heat to a vibrant autumn calendar. Before the long summer days end, enjoy the city’s diverse festivals celebrating food, music, technology, and culture.

1. Anime Festival (Aug. 16‑19)

Head to the Dallas Arts District for the Anime Festival, where 12,000 fans converge in a pirate‑themed celebration of anime and manga. Over four days, attendees can explore panels, vendors, game rooms, and cosplay contests.

2. Bridging the Gap: Tech Fest (Aug. 24)

Meet at the Ronald Kirk Bridge for a one‑day career fair that connects Dallas IT professionals with companies across coding, AI, healthcare, and fashion. Free admission and a showcase of industry innovations make it a must‑visit for tech talent.

3. Black Academy of Arts & Letters 3rd Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival (Aug. 30‑Sept. 1)

Enjoy a weekend of jazz, R&B, and fine cuisine at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center’s Theatre Complex. Headliners include Erykah Badu, The Nasty Brass Band, Avery Sunshine, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra members, with a special stage for emerging local artists.

4. Dallas Reggae Festival (Aug. 31‑Sept. 1)

Experience Dallas’s first reggae and world‑music festival at the Longhorn Ballroom outdoor park. Bands like Watusi and D’ras will play while 15% of ticket sales support the North Texas Food Bank.

5. Dallas Chocolate Festival (Sept. 6‑8)

Indulge in a chocolate lover’s dream at the Fashion Industry Gallery. The 10th anniversary celebration features workshops, global vendors, and tasting stations for bars, truffles, and more.

6. Dallas Observer BrewFest (Sept. 7)

Sample over 500 local, international, and craft beers at the Dallas Farmer’s Market. With food trucks, live music, and a $35 ticket, the 9th annual event guarantees a lively Saturday night.

7. Dallas Nourished Festival (Sept. 7‑8)

Tailored for gluten‑free, nut‑free, paleo, keto, and plant‑based diets, this Dallas Market Hall event offers product tastings, coupons, and classes led by food allergy experts.

8. Greek Food Festival of Dallas (Sept. 20‑22)

Hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the family‑friendly festival features authentic gyros, Greek salads, tzatziki, pastries, music, and dance.

9. Smoked Dallas (Sept. 21)

Sample the state’s finest barbecue at Main Street Garden, with 20 top Dallas BBQ joints, live country music, family games, and a dessert showcase from Oak Cliff’s Emporium Pies.

Travel Notes
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    Labor Day weekend in Dallas consistently transforms the city into a vibrant hub of music, style, and community celebration. This year, the Riverfront Jazz Festival—now in its 42nd edition—returns as the highlight of Dallas’ Labor Day festivities. Hosted by the Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) and presented by VisitDallas, the festival draws over 12,000 visitors from across the United States each year. The event showcases a blend of classic jazz, contemporary soul, and Latin‑influenced r

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    Pack your bags and head to Dallas—your next adventure awaits. The Dallas CityPASS booklet gives you discounted entry to five of the city’s premier attractions, making it simple to craft the ideal summer escape. Each venue features special summer exhibits, ensuring fun for guests of all ages. Dallas Zoo Catch the Dino‑mite exhibit this summer, where the zoo transforms into a prehistoric jungle with over two dozen dinosaurs waiting to be discovered. Hunt for fossils in the Dino Dig Zone, solve din

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    The Asian Festival is the flagship event of the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (GDAACC). As an Asian American Chamber, GDAACC is committed to honoring the diverse Asian cultures that call North Texas home. Over the years, the festival has grown into the largest Asian celebration in the region. Home Depot’s Asian Festival will launch early to kick off Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month on April 29 at Klyde Warren Park, running from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Do the festival right Thi