A Year of Community Celebrations in Carrollton
Carrollton has a genuinely strong calendar of recurring events that bring neighbors together across the city’s neighborhoods and historic spaces. Whether you are new to town or have lived here for years, knowing what is coming up — and where to find it — helps you get the most out of living in this city. This guide covers the confirmed annual events that Carrollton residents can count on year after year.
Spring and Early-Year Events
TEXFest
TEXFest takes over Historic Downtown Carrollton Square each March for a celebration that leans hard into Texas identity. Craft beer from local breweries — coordinated by 3 Nations Brewing Co., which calls Downtown Carrollton home — anchors the event, alongside live music, food, and the chance to get a photo with a live longhorn. It is one of the more distinctly Texan afternoons you will find in the DFW area, and the Square’s walkable layout makes it easy to settle in for the day.
Summer Celebrations
Independence Day Fireworks Show at Josey Ranch Lake
The City of Carrollton holds its annual fireworks show on July 3 over Josey Ranch Lake, with a 15-minute display beginning at 9:30 p.m. The lakeside setting gives spectators good sightlines, and arriving early to stake out a spot along the water is a well-established local habit. Earlier that same day, the Carrollton Senior Center hosts an Independence Day Concert featuring patriotic music by the New Horizons Band, which is worth building into the day if you want a fuller celebration.
July 4th Celebration at the Square
On July 4 itself, the Historic Downtown Carrollton Association and American Legion Post 597 host a separate day of patriotic programming at Downtown Carrollton Square. Opening ceremonies begin at noon with a flag-raising ceremony, a speech, and show cars on display. Admission is free, and barbecue plates are available for a five-dollar donation — a straightforward way to support local veterans while marking the holiday.
Fall Festivals
Perry Pumpkin Patch
Each October, the Perry Pumpkin Patch transforms the grounds of the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum and Pearl Perry Gravley Park into one of Carrollton’s most charming seasonal events. The historic homestead is decorated for fall, and the event features classic old-fashioned games and photo-op stations spread across the museum grounds. The pie-baking contest is a signature draw — winners take home a blue ribbon — and a pie-eating contest is available for those who would rather participate as a spectator sport.
Halloween Critter Hunt and Downtown Delights
Hosted by the City of Carrollton’s Parks and Recreation department, the Halloween Critter Hunt and Downtown Delights is a recurring fall event centered in Historic Downtown Carrollton. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 24. Details and registration information are available through the city’s special events page, which is the most reliable place to check for updates as the date approaches.
The Flagship Fall Event: Festival at the Switchyard
The Festival at the Switchyard is arguably Carrollton’s most beloved annual gathering. Held each November in Historic Downtown Carrollton, the festival honors the railroad history that put the city on the map in the first place. Admission is free, and so are the rides, games, and concerts — the music lineup typically includes nationally known bands, which makes the no-cost entry genuinely remarkable for an event of this scale. The 16th annual edition is scheduled for Saturday, November 7. If you only make it to one Carrollton event this year, this is the one most longtime residents would point you toward.
December and Holiday Events
Santa on the Square
Santa on the Square brings Historic Downtown Carrollton together for an evening of holiday festivities each December. The official tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. is the centerpiece, followed by a 175-drone light display presented by Sky Elements Drone Shows — a newer addition to the event that has quickly become a crowd favorite. Santa attends alongside toy soldier stilt walkers and one of his reindeer, making it a strong choice for families with younger children.
Christmas at the Perry
The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum extends the holiday season across multiple December dates with Christmas at the Perry, which includes after-hours tours of the decorated historic homestead in the evenings. The event also includes a Sensory Friendly Santa session, which is a thoughtful addition for families who need a lower-stimulation environment. Specific dates vary, so searching the city’s website for “Christmas at the Perry” before making plans is the best approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most Carrollton annual events free to attend?
Yes, the majority of city-run events in Carrollton — including Festival at the Switchyard, Santa on the Square, and the Independence Day Fireworks Show — are free to attend. Some events offer optional paid activities or food for purchase, but admission itself is typically not charged.
Where do most of Carrollton’s annual events take place?
Historic Downtown Carrollton and the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum are the two most common venues for recurring city events. The Josey Ranch Lake area hosts the July 3 fireworks show. All of these locations are within the city and are well-known to longtime residents.
How do I find out if event dates have changed for a given year?
The City of Carrollton maintains an official special events calendar at cityofcarrollton.com/special-events, which is updated as dates are confirmed. Dates can shift slightly from year to year, so checking there before making plans is always a good idea.
Is the Festival at the Switchyard suitable for families with children?
Yes. The event features free rides, free games, and free concerts, and it is held in the walkable Historic Downtown Carrollton area. It is one of the events most commonly recommended by Carrollton families as an all-ages outing.
