Things to Do in Mesquite

Mesquite, Texas is a wonder worth exploring, just 15 minutes outside Downtown Dallas.What began as a destination for cowboy culture now provides the backdrop for a vibrant, multicultural community with restaurant, shopping and entertainment options for any lifestyle. 

The Mesquite Arena

Mesquite Arena is both a concert venue, as well as the home to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo (Rodeos are each Saturday June-August at 7:30 p.m.) and Mesquite Outlaws Soccer League (November-March). For more than 60 years, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo has entertained families with thrilling rodeo events such as saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and team roping. The rodeo includes full-scale sports production to highlight all the action, a private VIP club serving Texas barbecue, and the Fan Zone.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. the night of a rodeo, visitors can come onto the arena floor, interact with rodeo participants, and try out their rodeo skills. For children, the Fan Zone includes free pony rides, stick horse barrel racing, and bounce houses, photo opportunities with contestants, and talent. The rodeo performance begins at 7:30 p.m.  Dine on delicious barbecue dinner at the on-site barbecue pavilion and much more. The Mesquite Arena has recently evolved into a top-notch concert facility hosting thousands for acts like the Dwight Yoakum, Air Supply and Nicky Jam. Purchase your tickets for an unforgettable Texan experience.  


Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall

Visitors can look forward to attending an expo or trade show at the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall.  It is conveniently located adjacent to the Mesquite Arena, home to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, and connected to the Hampton Inn and Suites. The Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall offer 65,000 square feet of event space and trade show area.  Be sure to check out the calendar at VisitMesquiteTX.com to see the next fun event.


Mesquite Arts Center

Be sure to make the thriving Mesquite art scene a stop on your next stay. The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra and the Mesquite Community Band consistently performs a dynamic and moving season every year. An evening at the symphony makes for the perfect date night. The Mesquite Arts Theatre always brings laughs and nostalgia through a variety of productions.

The Mesquite Arts Center also plays host to many free music concerts, art exhibits and programs during the year.


Take in Texas History 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Opal Lawrence Historical Park highlights the agricultural lifestyle of one of Mesquite's earliest families. Explore the historic Lawrence home, late 1800s barn and 1840s log cabin and nature trail. Continue traveling through time with a visit at the Florence Ranch Homestead, an outstanding example of late 19th century rural Texas architecture and early pioneer ranching. 


Shopping, Dining and Entertainment 

Mesquite offers more than 3 million square feet of retail and shopping at the intersection of IH-635 and I-30 with Town East Mall as the centerpiece. Anchored by many major retailers, including Dillard’s, Macy's, JCPenney's and Dick's Sporting Goods, Town East Mall is a premier shopping destination. The mall has almost 200 stores as well as a lively food court. It is one of the largest malls in the eastern Texas area drawing in shoppers from throughout the region. Shop till you drop at Market East Shopping Center, which includes many other retailers, including Target, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Michaels, Ulta, Homegoods and Kirkland's. While you enjoy the enormous amount of shopping available in Mesquite, take a break to satisfy any craving from Tex-Mex to Greek with more than 200 restaurants, including a few Zagat-rated eateries. Enjoy shopping in Downtown Mesquite and catch Downtown Farmers Market at Front Street Station from April-November. If you crave an adrenaline rush, check out Devil's Bowl Speedway for a chance to see the boxcars whip around the track. If you are brave, purchase a Pit Pass to be right in the middle of the action. Mesquite is full of many options to pack a fun-filled weekend.


Mesquite Parks and Outdoors 

Park It Here. Mesquite is the ideal setting with more than 70 parks and plenty of outdoor places to explore. Set up a family picnic in picturesque City Lake Park that encompasses 20 acres, covered picnic pavilions, and a Little League Baseball field for your next family reunion or the perfect outdoor birthday party. Paschall Park is one of Mesquite's most popular green spaces and home to several city events. Camp Rorie Galloway is the perfect location for company retreats and family reunions with a large picnic pavilion, kayaking, zipline and a ropes course. 


Outdoor Recreation

Play some rounds at the award-winning Mesquite Golf Club, which features 18 holes across 154 acres for a great day of golf. There is also a special discount for visitors staying in Mesquite hotels.  If traditional golf is not your thing, try out the disc golf courses found in Porter ParkDebusk Park, and Paschall Park. Bike, jog or walk the Mesquite Heritage Trail that encompasses three trailheads and more than 4 miles of walkways, incorporating an exercise station and access to restaurants and shopping. Dive in at City Lake Aquatic CenterVanston Pool, and Town East Pool. Find fun splash areas, daring water slides and diving boards to cool off from the Texas heat. Travis Williams Softball Complex hosts high school and collegiate tournaments throughout the year. Enjoy the sand volleyball courts in Town East Park and Evans Recreation Center. Soccer enthusiasts can play a game of fútbol on fields at Dallas College Eastfield Campus in Mesquite and throughout the City. 


Mesquite Trails 

View nature in all its glory and abundance at Mesquite’s Butterfly Trail, especially during butterfly high season in March and October. Bike, jog or walk the Mesquite Heritage Trail that encompasses three trailheads and more than 4 miles of walkways, incorporating an exercise station and access to restaurants and shopping


Downtown Mesquite 

Downtown Mesquite is your destination for authentic local flavor. Whether it be in the form of artisan-made goods at the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market at Front Street Station held April-November, family-owned restaurants, and stores or fun neighborhood events. As an official Texas Main Street Designee, Downtown Mesquite is blossoming with new developments and emerging as a destination for all travelers.


Dining: A Melting Pot of Food Choices 

Enjoy locally owned and Zagat-rated restaurants as you eat like a local at Yia Yia's House of Gyros, and Mesquite Diner, or revel in the flavor of the island at two Caribbean restaurants: Reggae Wings and Tings and Jamaican Cook Shop. Experience the falling-off-the-bone magic of Texas barbecue at Mesquite BBQ (also Zagat-rated), a family restaurant in operation for over 60 years. Head to Blaze Pizza to design your own creation or grab a burger at J.C. Burger Bar and Porky’s. Be one of the first to eat at new restaurants scheduled to open in Mesquite including Rosa’s, Alejandro’s, a Hawaiian Bros. and more. Mesquite has an abundance of dining options for you to enjoy. 

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