Memorial Day may not be the official start of summer, but this last weekend in May always feels like a time of change and reflection. The school year is winding down, poolside lounging becomes more enticing and we begin planning family getaways. But this is also a time to remember those military men and women who have so bravely served our country. As we consider everything our veterans’ sacrifice represents and makes possible, let’s recognize how fortunate we are to celebrate this holiday with family and friends.
Downtown is a wonderful Dallas destination if you’re looking to pair fun and togetherness this Memorial Day weekend. You’ll find a wide array of festivities to choose from, including several events that have become local traditions.
The 7th Annual Dallas Margarita Meltdown returns to the West End courtesy of RJ Mexican Cuisine (1701 North Market Street) on Saturday, May 27th. From 4 to 9pm, you can watch some of the city’s finest mixologists compete to create the best margarita in Dallas — and taste the results. Tickets range from $35 presale to $100 for the full VIP experience. Both options include a sampling card that gives you all the margarita access you’ll need, and regardless of whether you prefer frozen to on the rocks or are hoping to explore artisanal ingredients and innovative techniques. This tequila-soaked wonderland of flavors will feature more than thirty restaurants, bars, and lounges from across the Metroplex. Food, beer, and spins by DJ Reggs are also on the menu, and this lively competition promises something to delight every palate. Get ready to cast your vote!
That same evening, over on the other side of downtown, Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s 7th Annual Brew-BQ will be smoking from 6 to 10pm. This feel-good barbecue, craft beer and live music festival also sports a variety of other fun attractions. If you enjoy carnival games, sumo wrestling, some good old-fashioned beer pong or a (shoeless) romp in the bounce house, be sure to check out the festivities at 2823 St. Louis Street. The brewery’s coveted specialty beers, including a few varieties not yet available for general consumption, will also make an appearance at this summertime kick-off celebration. Tickets are $35 general admission and VIP passes — featuring unlimited barbecue plates and other great perks — run $50-$65.
Dallas Pets Alive! hosts it’s 5th Annual Pup Crawl in Deep Ellum on Sunday, May 28th, from 11:30am-4pm. The event is sponsored by Community Beer Company, and a ticket entitles you to a draft from the fine selection of brews found at each of the stops along the route. Check in at Cold Beer Co. (2600 Main), where you’ll receive your souvenir pint glass and enjoy a little brunch with your first round. Then start crawling: visit Anvil Pub, Twilight Lounge and Dot’s Hop House before finishing up at Braindead Brewery just east of Good Latimer. Tickets are $30 advance and $40 at the door, and the proceeds will help DPA! provide medical and behavioral care to pets in need of a permanent home.
On Memorial Day itself (Monday, May 29), head over to the Design District for a very creative celebration of the holiday’s true meaning. Taboo Lounge hosts For Love and Art: A Benefit for Americas Veterans at 1418 North Riverfront Boulevard from 2-10pm. Dallas nonprofit For Love and Art helps veterans and others experience the healing power of art. The organization collaborates with its museum partners to create e-books that bring great artworks to individuals and communities who might not otherwise experience them. This benefit exhibition for the organization features the work of artist Roger Montoya as well as art pieces created by Dallas military veterans, who will also receive proceeds from the event. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.
Wherever you may be at 3pm on Memorial Day, you can also join fellow Americans in Dallas and across the country as they observe the National Moment of Remembrance. For one minute, simply pause to reflect on the lives of our veterans and honor their dedication to defending our great nation.
Stay safe and be happy this Memorial Day weekend, and be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or sign up for our newsletter for more information on great things to do, see and experience in downtown Dallas.