A distant dream now, but that was the best contingent of all of the administration, vibrant and…read morepeaceful weekend that ended yesterday in historical Quakertown Park, close to the downtown Denton City Offices and Council Chambers and Courts. It's got to take supreme team work amongst the City Departments during this autumnal celebration of our musical performance environment in north Texas, where both of our great universities pitched in sending us some of the finest live performances, set up on seven different stages in different parts of the Civic Center Park. I was perhaps most impressed with the city's answer to clean up the party zones, which span the area of the grounds of the Emily Fowler Public Library to the walls that surround our iconic Public Swimming Pool, which has a beautiful connection between our individual swimming participants, who flock to the Bell Avenue, and Texas Woman's University-adjacent location. I am proud of my hometown and have generally been drawn into the hordes of people who come here from homes nearby and enjoy the atmosphere of Gemuetlichkeit (German for warmth of friendliness that comes from mutual community that accompanies the Oktoberfest season of harvest time. A mighty shout out to the fabulous Local Grammy Award winning nuclear polka group, Brave Combo, and specifically band leader and guitarist Carl Finch, who founded the band with North Texas State University Jazz Music legends, along with Bubba Hernandez and their trumpet player Danny. I am so blessed to have Denton, Texas as my hometown and this annual event is going to be continuing far, far into the future. A shout out to my companion for the closing act, the most excellent Little Jack Melody, who rocked the Festival Stage, next door to City Hall. Cheers, Mark C. Fearing, Ph.D. (ShredderV@aol.com).

If you don't know why people say Denton is different..... than you have not been here. Orrrrr you…read morejust don't see why it matters. Sometimes it is safe to not know anything about Denton, but if you are adventurous....... You need to go. Just go.

Definitely a unique Denton experience! We've been coming here since the very first one and it has…read moreexponentially grown since! Folks line up down Hickory street to watch the coffin races, the nearby bars livestream the coffin races, special t-shirt prints are made for this event, local vendors set up tents to sell their goods, and people come dressed up in their Halloween costumes. If there's any event that embodies what is "truly Denton", it's the Day of the Dead Festival!

Love, love, love this yearly event! It's grown in the years and I'm glad people are finally…read morenoticing how great this event is. This year the event was the whole weekend, before it was only one full day. The coffin races are so unique! Local businesses build their drivable coffins to race down the street. Coffin races are all day so you'll have plenty time to enjoy them and attend the other activities in the day. These coffins are so creative and really adds personality to the business. It gives us a fun perception of the businesses. Winner takes trophy and bragging rights. There is a Pumpkin Patch kids area with bounce houses, face paintings and games. Cirque du Horror, Haunted Maze, Costume Contest, Twilight Lantern Parade are some of the scheduled activities. Lots of vendors with cool and unique goods. Food, popcorn, and beer tents. Live bands and the list goes on! It's usually held around the end of October. https://dentondayofthedeadfestival.com/

The Official Denton, Texas sponsored yearly crawfish boil, supporting the community's elderly and…read moresomewhat mobile family of Cajun and Creole foods, which peaks on Shrove Tuesday, or "Fat Tuesday." It's guaranteed to please your family and friends. Cheers, Mark F.

Went out here with a group of friends this past Saturday, doors opened at 11 am. Everything was set…read moreup and ready to go. We took a look around to see everything that was gonna be taking place here. Small stage set up for bands: check, port o potties: check, hand rinse station: check, big ass tent for people to sit under: check, Beer: chec....what a sec, um, only Bud Light, Killians, Shiner Bock & Widmer....ouch, this kinda hurt. No local beers in a town known to support local businesses???? It is even Cinco de Mayo and not a single Mexican beer to be seen either? Ok, that's a bit odd, but oh well. Just wished they had at least 1 local beer on tap, I know this wasn't a beer fest and just a nice simple gathering but still, I was slightly disappointed. They had plenty of tables set up I thought but seemed to lack chairs, someone was always trying to take one away from our table when somebody got up to grab a beer or something. We paid $5 to get in and $15 for all you can eat. So for $20 we got to hear some decent music. eat some crawfish, catfish, potatoes and some Gumbo but had a poor beer selection. Seems a little steep, $15 for everything would have made more sense. Overall, it was a nice event, the food was good, no big issues from what I seen and I will go again next year.

We have been to this festival many times, but this was the first time attending it at the new…read morelocation at Unity Park. The old location by Lewisville Lake was cool, but the current location may be even better. There's live music, arts and crafts, kids playground and fun zone, and 10-15 hot air balloons. The event is free, but parking is $5. A great deal and fun times had by all. Looking forward to next year!

This was a great event. It was my first time attending so I do not know what the previous location…read morewas like. The current location is easy to find and there are multiple parking options, from the park lot ($5 and based on availability), to the school parking lot a good walk away, to the nearby neighborhoods. We parked in the pay lot since it was closest and the proceeds went to a good cause, and the festival was free. There was a good amount of balloons and the lighting of them was the best part. Otherwise, there was a tethered balloon ride, live music and tons of booths selling food and other trinkets. There was also a children's area with inflatables that was a nominal fee to partake in. The best children's activity was the train ride that took you all around the park. The line for this was long. And if that wasn't enough, the park playground was also a good option to entertain.

This is a great park when you're looking for a little escape for an hour or more. My family and I…read morevisited during the holidays, and we were able to walk through a magical world of lighted trees. It was a stunning sight to see. The lake really enhanced the experience. There are shops to grab a bite to eat near the water-walk as well, which is nice if you want to make the most of your visit. I highly recommend you check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

These holiday lights are nothing short of spectacular and it's free! Free parking as well. Lights…read moreare on from 5pm to 11pm(maybe 12am) Definitely a must visit!

What a big suprise this was amazing ligjhts food shows loved every moment Can't wait to see…read morethe Christmas ones

Absolutely NOT worth it. I've gone twice--both times were a mistake. The line to get in is…read moreabsurd--we waited nearly 2 hours, stuck in a mess of oversold tickets and total chaos. The first time, our GPS said we were 1.4 miles from the entrance... that's how FAR back the line stretched not counting the winding roads after the entrance gate. Traffic management is nonexistent past the gate: no cones, no staff, just cars blocking intersections and nearly colliding in the dark. By the time you finally make it inside, you're shoulder-to-shoulder in a packed crowd, too stressed to enjoy the lights. Save your money and sanity. Go to a haunted house instead. At least the fear and stress there is intentional and a shorter wait time. I won't make the mistake of coming back ever in the future.

What do you want in a harvest time Celebration, German-style: The best naturally occurring…read moresettlement of the best things in life: Family, friends, and happiness in a special environment, where spontaneous movement, to a German polka band defines Munster, Texas and involves the best communities of the North Texas Metroplex region. Come one, come all to German Fest, which is a separate occasion than the Oktoberfest, starting Friday, October 4, 2024. Save a corner table for me and enjoy your weekend with your family and friends. Cheers, Mark C. Fearing, Ph.D.

First time to this festival. The main concert Friday night was great! However, the fact you have…read moreto buy tickets to purchase food and drinks is such a scam.