The streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton are set to transform into a Texan extravaganza as the city gears up for its ninth annual TEXFest scheduled for March 2. The event, which runs from 3 to 9 p.m., is a hearty nod to Texas Independence Day and will offer locals a mix of craft beer, tasty eats, and a lineup of performers belting out Texas tunes, according to the City of Carrollton, Texas.
Singer Ralyn Gayle, dubbed the "cowgirl Barbie," is slated to kick things off on the Square from 3-4 p.m., serenading attendees with her pink sparkle and country charm. Following her performance, King George, a band known for their George Strait renditions, will take the stage from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Conjunto Baraja De Oro also joins the line-up, prepping to get boots tapping with traditional Tejano music, while Clayton Mullen, the headliner with over 10 million streams for his latest album, will close the night with his Texas-meets-Nashville sound.
A hefty selection of craft beers will flow from local breweries like 3 Nations Brewing Co. and Deep Ellum Brewing Co. (DEBC), among others. To complement the brews, custom TEXFest beer glasses will be on sale, encouraging responsible sipping in style. Even for the teetotalers, the festival offers an array of food options including Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs, Ted Kamel Foods, and Texas barbecue to satisfy any appetite.
Apart from the smorgasbord of flavors and sounds, the event provides a plethora of activities, including a mechanical bull, for those who fancy testing their cowboy mettle. A photogenic longhorn steer will be on site for selfies, ensuring guests leave with a slice of Texas in their camera roll. For those needing a breather from the revelry, a quiet space outfitted with sensory toys and noise-canceling headphones will be available for children and adults with special needs.
Despite TEXFest's free admission, the festival isn't short on sponsorships. Names like Just 4 Kids Urgent Care and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers have thrown their support behind the event. As space fills up, potential sponsors still have a chance to get their brand in front of the crowd that will be flooding the streets of Downtown Carrollton. With public transport recommended due to limited parking, attendees are advised to hop on the DART Green Line for a hassle-free journey to the heart of the action.
