April may bring showers, but it also marks the beginning of Dallas Arts Month, a celebration of all the hundreds of arts-related events going on around Big D during the month. It’s the perfect opportunity for you and the kiddos to experience something new– a gallery or theater you’ve never visited, or a style of music or movie you’ve never seen. And it gets even better because Dallas isn’t the only place where art is happening. Truth be told, there’s a lot going on in the arts, all over North Texas.

Since it’s the beginning of April and spring is popping out all over the place we thought it only fitting to head outside and highlight a few of the outdoor festivals going on this week.

Photo: Ananta Vrindavan

Join Kalachandji’s and the Crow Museum of Asian Art for the Festival of Joy this Saturday at Klyde Warren Park. The festival, also known as Ratha Yatra or Festival of the Chariots, is a celebration of South Asian spiritual heritage and culture to the Arts District. The event begins with a parade procession leaving at 11 am. Participants will pull a large, colorful chariot along Flora Street, accompanied by the singing of ancient Sanskrit mantras and the sounds of traditional musical instruments. After the procession returns to the park at noon, the main stage will feature music and dance performances and there will also be a variety of cultural and educational exhibits. Kids can enjoy face-painting, henna tattoos, an Indian dress-up booth, and pizza. And everyone can dig into the yummy multi-course vegetarian feast provided by Kalachandji’s. 

While you’re down in the Arts District be sure to stop by the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Annette Strauss Artist Square for Day to Play. The premise of this fundraiser hosted by Family Gateway is to give kids a day to just be kids – to make new friends and have fun while offering parents the opportunity to introduce or reinforce the importance of helping others. Highlights include live music, bounce houses, a kids’ disco, gaming truck, hamster ball races, and a giant sandbox. There will also be lots of opportunities to enjoy art, including sidewalk chalk mural drawing, face painting, and interactive booths presented by the Dallas Museum of Art.

Photo: Therese Powell

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of arts, culture, and fun, you don’t have to look any further than the annual Scarborough Renaissance Festival. Besides the music, artisans, humongous turkey legs and fun “Renaissance era” games, the festival is also famous for their strolling costumed entertainers. If you’ve got kids who still believe the people walking around in the costumes are really kings and queens, then this festival can be especially fun. In addition to royalty, the tinies can also meet fairies, gypsies, and mermaids. The “man-powered” wooden rides are great, as are the exchanges with the salty dog operators. The festival kicks off its 38th season this weekend in Waxahachie and is open weekends through Memorial Day.

The second annual Denton Folk Festival is also happening this Friday and Saturday at The Parker Plantation and Event Center. This year’s festival features a special children’s show on Saturday at noon starring Polly Maynard & her Tiny Big Band. The show is might be for kids but everyone will enjoy hearing Miss Polly’s songs about ladybugs, poodles, pigs, and monkeys.

Photo: Deep Ellum Arts Festival

If you’re looking for a street festival that’s a little bit different be sure to check out the 24th Annual Deep Ellum Art Festival this weekend.  The 3-day festival is the biggest block party of the year and is everything you love about Deep Ellum. You can feast your eyes on the works of over 200 juried decorative and visual artists, and feast your ears on the music of 100 original bands and performers artists on six different stages and two performance areas. Don’t miss the Pet Parade at noon on Sunday afternoon where 100s of pooches will be able to walk the walk and compete for prizes in categories like Best Costume, Best Personality or Best Trick.

For more on these and other events, explore the Art&Seek calendar.