Top 8 Summer Events in Dallas, Texas

If you're a dedicated foodie, culinary aficionado, or just a person who loves cheeseburgers, the Annual Taste of Dallas festival will be an enjoyable event for you. This beloved Dallas affair shows off the best restaurants in the area. Admission and entertainment is free and food samples range from $2-$5. Be sure to bring cash because credit cards are not accepted. DJs, bands, karaoke, dance music, and prizes will be featured during the event. There is also a variety of children's activities like puppet shows and face painting. Taste of Dallas is centrally located in the West End section of downtown Dallas. For more information, check out www.tasteofdallas.org.

2. Artfest 2009: May 22-24, 2009

For the arts and crafts lover in you, the 40^th annual Artfest will be sure to please. It takes place at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Over 200 local artists will be on display, entertainment from bands will be performing, and there will be a large supply of fair food! How can you so no to that? This annual event benefits the 500 Inc., a volunteer organization that supports local arts organizations. Friday's event is $20 per person and Saturday/Sunday admission is $6. Children under 6 are admitted for free. For information, visit www.artfest500.com.

3. Late Nights at the DallasMuseum of Art: June 19, July 17, and August 21, 2009

This summer, each third Friday of the month at the Dallas Museum of Art let that creative spirit out. They will be hosting events until midnight which includes performances, DJs, film screenings, parades, art demonstrations, open mic nights and so much more. Admission is $10. Dallas Museum of Arts members and children are free. If you'd like to find out more about this event, please go to www.dallasmuseumofart.org.

4. NasherSculptureCenter- Free Thursdays

Every Thursday this summer enjoy free admission into the Nasher Sculpture Centerbetween from 5pm-10pm. There is also yoga done in the garden areas presented by YogaSport. The museum also offers a free film screenings of American classics the first Thursday of the month. Check out www.nashersculpturecenter.org for more events like their Saturday Nights in the City and Adult Workshops.

5. Hoop it Up!-Dallas: June 20-21, 2009

If you're looking for a fun sports event to attend, check out the Hoop It Up! Challenge. Hoop It Up! is a well known 3-on-3 basketball tournament that's fun for all ages. If basketball is your sport or you're into watching hardcore athletes go head-to-head, the Hoop It Up! Tournament is a fun, exciting event to be apart of. This year's event takes place in Arlington, Texas at the Ranger's Stadium. For more details about this event and entry fees, check out www.hoopitup.com.

6. DFW Summer Balloon Classic- June 19-21, 2009

This exciting aerial event takes place at the Midlothian Regional Airport in Waxahachie, Texas. There is free admission to the public, but parking is $10. Your breath will be taken away by the spectacle of colorful balloons ascending into the blue skies. There will be various eventssuch as the Commemorative Air Force flyover, powered parachutes, skydivers, radio controlled aircraft, kites,arts and crafts, and more. For more information, check out www.summerballoonclassic.com.

7.Scarborough Faire Festival: April 4-May 25, 2009

If you're leaning more towards the world of fantasy, than the Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Texas will be the place to whisk you away back into the 16^th century. Have your fill of smoked turkey legs, hearty stews, and frothy pints of ale. Enjoy performances of swordplay, joust competitions, music, and comedy shows. Adult tickets are $21.99, but check website for group tickets or season passes. For more information, check out www.scarboroughrenfest.com.

8. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: July 29-August 9, 2009

The circus is in town this summer and you'll be crazy not to take the family for a night of old fashioned fun. You'll be amazed by the acrobats, trained animals, light show, and juggling clowns this season. Ticket prices are $7-$95 depending on seating choice. This event takes place at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. For more details, check out www.americanairlinescenter.com.