Events in Denton

Denton is a music and movie lover’s town, and nothing expresses that better than its events. Film festivals and massive outdoor jazz and blues concerts are among the many annual events in Denton. Yet that’s not all there is. Check out our calendar of events in Denton so you don’t miss out.

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January

Denton Black Film Festival

Enjoy several days of inspiring films, live entertainment, and cultural programming at the Denton Black Film Festival. The festival showcases films by local, national, and international filmmakers whose work is often not featured in major theatrical releases. Art exhibits, live music, comedy, spoken word performances, and educational workshops are also part of the celebration.

Campus Theatre
214 W. Hickory Street
Denton, TX 76201

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March – May

North Texas Horse Country Tours

Denton sits in the heart of North Texas Horse Country, home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of horse farms. Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Appaloosas, and world champion performance horses are raised throughout the region. Guided behind-the-scenes tours are offered on select days in March, April, and May. Since tours often sell out, reserve your tickets well in advance.

Discover Denton Welcome Center
111 W. Hickory Street
Denton, TX 76201

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March

Thin Line Fest

Each spring, Thin Line Fest transforms Denton into a destination for documentary film, live music, and photography. The multi-day festival features documentary screenings, concerts, photography exhibitions, workshops, and artist discussions at venues throughout the city. Visit the festival website for the latest schedule and ticket information.

Various Locations
Denton, TX 76201

Texas Storytelling Festival

Celebrate the art of storytelling during this three-day festival featuring nationally acclaimed storytellers, workshops, concerts, and family-friendly activities. Visit the festival's website for schedules and ticket information.

Denton Civic Center
321 E. McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76201

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April

Denton Art & Jazz Festival

Denton's signature Arts & Jazz Festival features performances by nearly 3,000 musicians across multiple stages, along with fine art, crafts, food vendors, and family activities. Admission is free.

Quakertown Park
700 Oakland Street
Denton, TX 76201

 

Denton Redbud Festival

Celebrate Arbor Day at Denton's official Redbud Festival with live music, gardening exhibits, local vendors, educational activities, and family-friendly entertainment. Admission is free.

Denton Civic Center
321 E. McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76201

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August

North Texas Fair & Rodeo

Experience carnival rides, rodeo action, live concerts, livestock shows, exhibits, contests, and plenty of classic fair food during this annual nine-day celebration.

North Texas Fairgrounds
2217 N. Carroll Boulevard
Denton, TX 76201

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September

Arts & Autos Extravaganza

Historic Downtown Denton becomes an outdoor showcase of classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles, fine art, crafts, antiques, chalk art, live music, and food vendors during this annual one-day event.

Downtown Denton Square
110 W. Hickory Street
Denton, TX 76201

Denton Blues Festival

Enjoy a day of outstanding blues performances by professional and amateur musicians during this free festival at Quakertown Park. Arts and crafts vendors, food, and family-friendly activities round out the event.

Quakertown Park
700 Oakland Street
Denton, TX 76201

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October

Dog Days of Denton

Bring your four-legged friend for a day of costume contests, demonstrations, agility exhibitions, live entertainment, vendors, and family fun during Denton's annual Dog Days celebration.

North Texas Fairgrounds
2217 N. Carroll Boulevard
Denton, TX 76201

Denton Day of the Dead

Celebrate Día de los Muertos, Halloween, and the arrival of fall with a festive weekend featuring a twilight lantern parade, coffin races, salsa tasting, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Downtown Denton Square
110 W. Hickory Street
Denton, TX 76201

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November

Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally

Ride through the scenic countryside surrounding Denton while supporting the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis Club. Multiple route options ranging from 8 to 68 miles are available, with rest stops staffed by local volunteers.

North Lakes Park
2001 W. Windsor Drive
Denton, TX 76207

One O'Clock Lab Band Fall Concert

The University of North Texas' Grammy-nominated One O'Clock Lab Band welcomes a guest artist each fall for a special concert at the Murchison Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available through the venue's website.

Murchison Performing Arts Center
2100 N. Interstate 35E
Denton, TX 76205

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December

Holiday Lighting Festival of Denton

Ring in the holiday season in style at the Holiday Lighting Festival of Denton. Live music performances by local bands at numerous venues in the downtown area, including at the Bayless-Selby House Museum and the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, accompany the lighting ceremony. The Wassail Fest, in which several downtown vendors make their own wassail and give away samples for free as part of a contest, accompanies the holiday lighting festivities. Photo ops with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, and food from local vendors are just a few of the other things included in this cherished annual event.

Downtown Denton Square
110 W. Hickory Street
Denton, TX 76201