Dallas is one of the Southwest’s most popular culinary destinations. From historic steakhouses to unforgettable barbecue to some of the best Tex-Mex in the state, Dallas has it all. And you’ll find it — and more — in Downtown Dallas. Still, there’s no better way to get in touch with your inner foodie than by enjoying as many good eats as you can with one visit.
Luckily, Dallas is also home to several great food and drink festivals that manage to combine the best the city has to offer and serve it up on one menu. Whether you’re looking to sample wine, local spirits and craft beer or explore the most satisfying aspects of Texas comfort food, these events reveal what makes Dallas both delicious and delightful.
Kick off the food and drink festival season on March 22 at the Dallas Arboretum’s annual Food and Wine Fest. This international-themed event will feature food from four regions — Asia, South America, the Mediterranean and the good old U.S.A. — and pair these global delicacies with approximately 120 wines. And, since the fest coincides with the Arboretum’s acclaimed Spring Tulip Festival, you can walk off your meal amid the season’s most vibrant blooms.
If you prefer beer to wine, then there’s no better place to be than the Big Texas Beer Fest at Fair Park. Held March 30-31 in the Automotive Building, guests will be able to choose from over 500 brews produced by 120 breweries across the nation. This festival is known for the rare, exclusive and one-off selections on rotation, so even the most devoted beer fanatics will find new styles and flavors to sip. General admission includes access to one day of the festival, including 12 tastings.
For truly hearty appetites, there’s no event more welcoming of indulgence than Savor Dallas. This annual event is relatively new to the scene, but it has continued to expand each year. For 2018, Savor has grown into a week-long celebration of Dallas’ best restaurants. The festivities will run from May 14-20 at multiple Downtown locations — from the Farmers Market to The Grove at HARWOOD — and feature over 100 restaurants. There’ll also be special chef dinners, culinary seminars, cocktail happy hours and more. The festival’s main event, the Grand Tasting, will also see a new twist this year. Participating restaurants will now be organized by Dallas neighborhood, with fun decor to match. Get ready to discover just how rich and diverse the city’s dining scene is.
Looking forward to the summer, Dallas’ largest food festival returns June 22-24. Taste of Dallas is celebrating its 32nd anniversary by hosting over 200 restaurants, sponsors and chefs and more for a long weekend of food, drink and fun. Make sure to sign up for one of their special themed events, such as Backyard Bites, which will feature barbecue, burgers and beers, or Latin Flavors, a showcase for Dallas’ most outstanding Latin-themed restaurants.
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