Deep Ellum Arts Festival

I must say that I am a proud Texan girl. My North Texan roots dig fairly deep and originate with my great-great grandparents who moved in the mid-to-late 1800's. And although I have lived in Dallas the majority of my life, I only just recently learned about the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. Surprisingly, it's been around for 18 years.

If you want to get some much needed fresh air, Deep Ellum will be a great choice in April! The area will be hosting a lively 3 day spectacular which will showcase talented performing and visual artists for free admission. Sound good so far? If you want to enjoy the outdoors while supporting up-and-coming artists and original music, here are the details:

Deep Ellum will be transformed on April 5-7 on the 2600-3100 block of Main Street between Good Latimer and Hall Street hosting about 100 local bands and about 200 visual arts booths ranging from jewelers, sculptors, to muralist. What makes this festival unique is the many visual artists who will be creating works of art right in front of your eyes. While you wind your way through the maze of colorful pieces of art, don't be surprised if a playful mime or sidewalk performer tries to draw you into their mischievous games.

(Best part about this event is that it is FREE. Did I mention this already? I don't know about you, but I am always looking for the best bang for my buck. Sounds like you can't go wrong with free admission.)

While the festival website states "no outside food or drink" will be permitted, no event festival volunteers seem to make you toss your Sonic drink. It seems to be based on the honor system, even more lax than a movie theater. In order to keep the concerts free, around 30 Dallas restaurants will be located throughout the area selling samples of deliciously famous entrees. One of these will be one of my local favorites Cane Rosso, the most authentic Neapolitan pizza you will find in Dallas. Amongst the Deep Ellum elite, other festive concession booths will feature turkey legs, Cajun food, health foods, corny dogs, and of course, beer and wine will be available for you to purchase. 

If you are thinking of toting your seven-year-old along, please note that the event is located in and around bar and night clubs. While I am sure your child would love some of the day time live body painting and graffiti demonstrations, the event website cautions that this is primarily an adult outing and "adult oriented" beginning at twilight.

A word about pets: As part of the festivities, a Pet Parade is organized if you want your pouch to participate on Sunday at 11 AM (you must register ahead of time). Let them show off their sWAG and they could win some great prizes.

As with all Deep Ellum/ Downtown affairs, parking is quite limited (expect to shell out $10), so the DART may be your best option for transportation. Luckily, the husband and I only live a block away and can stroll on over at a leisurely pace. If you are not so lucky and do not want to take the DART, consider the Farmer's Market area. It may take a block or two, but once you are on site, pick up a beverage and you'll be just fine.

Break out of your normal routine and start your spring season off right! Get a taste of the eccentric lifestyle of the artists who inhabit Dallas' Deep Ellum.

Detailed Festival Information and guide can be found online at: www.DeepEllumArtsFestival.com

1