One of the best things about living in Dallas-Fort Worth is the warm weather almost year-round. You don’t have to wait for summer months to enjoy being outdoors. Most people think that leisure in Dallas-Fort Worth is all about what you can do in air-conditioned indoor comfort — and of course, everybody already knows about the Texas State Fair, which is truly legendary. Dallas-Fort Worth may not have as many historic or ethnic neighborhoods as you would find in other cities, but that doesn’t mean you should stay indoors. There’s no shortage of exciting events that make it worthwhile to get out and explore our busy, sprawling city.

Photo courtesy of The City of Fort Worth May 3-6: Mayfest This four-day festival in Trinity Park is a Fort Worth tradition. Carnival rides, activities for the kids, live music, and a fun run make this an event you don’t want to miss. This festival brings out the city, so it’s great for people-watching, too. Tickets range from $5-$8 per day.

Courtesy of El Fuerte Taco Fest May 5: El Fuerte Taco Fest Come on over to 395 Purcey St. — near Panther Island Pavilion and Downtown Fort Worth — for a Cinco De Mayo event celebrating a cross-cultural love of tacos. Enjoy food samples from taco vendors alongside live music, cooking demonstrations, and theatrical performances. Tickets are $15 for children and $30 for general admission ($35 day of).

Courtesy of Cottonwood Art Festival May 5-6: Cottonwood Art Festival Taking place in Richardson at Cottonwood Park, this semi-annual art festival features live music, food trucks, and a craft beer garden alongside artwork from 240 of the nation’s top visual artists. Admission and parking are free.

Photo courtesy of Dallas Margarita Meltdown May 27: Dallas Margarita Meltdown Dallas invented the frozen margarita and a lot of locals take pride in that fact. Come out to Downtown Dallas and sample margaritas from dozens of entrants, then vote for the winner. Enjoy music, food, and a pet-friendly environment. Tickets range from $15 to $127.

Courtesy of Downtown Fort Worth June 1-2: Plaza Palooza Sundance Square Plaza Palooza is a free two-day festival with professional chalk artists, live music, 3D street art, and other entertainment. Enjoy the event alongside the 21 boutiques, 34 restaurants, and 17 entertainment options of Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth. Parking is free on weekends throughout the day and evening.

Courtesy of Taste of Dallas June 22-24: Taste of Dallas Dallas’ largest summertime food festival has served delicious southern specialities to tens of thousands of people for the past thirty years. This year, head over to Gas Monkey Live, an event epicenter in North West Dallas, so you can experience the food and beverage pairings with live music and entertainment.

Courtesy of All Events July 16: Taste of Fort Worth Sample some southern cooking at the Taste of Fort Worth, representing the city’s best chefs, restaurants, and food trucks. Head over to the Wilkerson Greines Activity Center Grounds in Sycamore for live music, life-sized jenga, cornhole competitions, and more family fun. Tickets range from $10 to $150.

Courtesy of Panther Island Pavillion July 4: Fort Worth’s Fourth At Panther Island Pavilion Panther Island Pavilion — right on the edge of Downtown Fort Worth — puts on the largest fourth of July fireworks show in North Texas. With free general admission, live music, and family activities, Fort Worth hosts a fun-filled Independence Day festival with plenty of Texas charm.

Cattle drive through the Stock Yards July 22: National Day of the American Cowboy Head over to Stockyards Station in the Northside neighborhood of Fort Worth for a full day of activities including a cattle drive, parade, gunfight show, rib eating contest, and rodeo. Even more events take place throughout the day along East Exchange Avenue to celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy.

Courtesy of Todd Hopwood / YouTube August 31-September 2: Riverfront Jazz Festival Texas Horse park in South East Dallas will host this major music festival showcasing some of the world’s best jazz performers. Along with the music, festival attendees can browse through shop vendors and enjoy diverse food options. Ticket prices vary from $50 for general admission to $135 for weekend passes.

Courtesy of Uptown Dallas September 15: Uptown Kiddo’s Carnival Come out to Griggs Park in the Uptown neighborhood and find fun for kids as well as the young at heart. Enjoy family-friendly activities like carnival games, face painting, balloon artists, and live music at the festival. Free admission.

Photo courtesy of Dallas Pride September 15-16 Dallas Pride Both Dallas and Fort Worth celebrate LGBTQ Pride Week, but Dallas has the bigger and more exciting event. Come out to Reverchon Park in Oak Lawn for a two-day party with dancing, floats, food, and music. Admission is $10 per day for adults, but children 13 and under are admitted free with an adult.

Courtesy of Uptown Dallas October 18: Uptown 25th Birthday Block Party To celebrate the thriving Uptown neighborhood turning 25-years-old, enjoy a free concert in the park. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and sample food and drinks provided by local food trucks.

Photo courtesy of The City of Fort Worth October 20: ArtsGoggle This event was created to show off how much there is to do in the trendy Near Southside neighborhood of Fort Worth. Come see a side of Fort Worth you may not have known existed, with indie musicians, up-and-coming artists, and a celebration of biking and walking.