Summer is almost over, but you can have one last adventure and celebrate with a trip to the North Texas Fair & Rodeo.
The 97th season of the event takes place over 10 days, from Aug. 15 to Aug. 24, at the North Texas Fairgrounds in Denton. As the name suggests, there's a whole lot of rodeo activity going on, but guess what? Besides the nightly rodeos, there's also plenty of other things to see and do. Here are five that you don't want to miss.
Remember to check the event's website at ntfair.com for any last-minute changes. You can find more events at Go See DFW.
NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO PARADE
Kick off the festivities on Saturday, Aug. 16 with the NTFR Parade. It steps off at Elm and Parkway (the City Development Center) and proceeds south on Elm across the Denton Courthouse Square southbound to Prairie Street. Anyone may enter a float, trailer, wagon or horse in the parade at no charge. Cash prizes will be awarded for first and second places in five categories: riding clubs, commercial, youth, Western wagon and classic car. One entry will be named Best Overall entry.
MUTTON BUSTIN'
Young children ride sheep, similar to how cowboys ride bulls, in this rodeo event just for them. The goal is to hold on for as long as possible as the sheep is released from a chute and runs around the arena. Watch as kids ages 3 to 7 compete during the nightly rodeo performances Aug 18-24. Children wanting to be part of the competition need to register in advance.
LIVE MUSIC
An impressive lineup of country music artists perform on two stages. The music starts on Friday, August 15 with Shane Smith & The Saints who perform on the Miller Lite Main Stage. Headlining artists throughout the remaining nine days include Sawyer Brown, Chancey Williams, Jake Hooker & The Outsiders, Kody West, The Wilder Blue, Ian Munsick, Randall King, Uncle Kracker and Los Pescadores Del Rio Concho. The event also spotlights local and upcoming talent daily on the Cool Zone Revolver Stage.
CARNIVAL RIDES AND KID ACTIVITIES
Take a stroll down the midway and hop on a carnival ride. You'll find thrill, traditional and, of course, kiddie rides. The littlest buckaroos will enjoy activities just for them in the Peterbilt Kid Zone. It features a petting zoo, pony rides and a trackless train. You can also give Agri-Golf a whirl, a mini-golf experience with an ag-themed twist. While you're there, be sure to catch the Swifty Swine pig races.
JUNIOR LIVESTOCK SHOWS
On select days through the run of the fair, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and more compete at livestock shows for the chance to be the next champion. The shows are the perfect opportunity for you and the kids to get a close up look at farm animals and to cheer on the young exhibitors who raise them.
Details: Aug 15-24 at North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton. Check the website for ticket prices. ntfair.com.
Here are five more events to catch before the end of summer. Be sure to check out the Go See DFW calendar for even more events.
- The Color Purple, Aug. 21-31, Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas. Ticket prices range from $ 22-65. urbanartsonline.com
- Stockyards Championship Rodeo, through Jan. 3, Cowtown Coliseum,121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth. Check website for ticket prices. cowtowncoliseum.com
- PRISMATIC: Fantastical Realms, through Sept. 7, Spark!, inside Southside on Lamar, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas. Tickets are $20-$40. sparkdallas.org
- Bug Lab Exhibit,, through Jan. 4, Perot Museum, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas. Tickets are $8-$10. perotmuseum.org
- Universe of Light Show,, through Sept.1, Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. Tickets are $25-$35. gaylordtexan.com
The Go See DFW calendar is a partnership between KERA and The Dallas Morning News.
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