Whether your family is into experiencing the flavors of unique cuisine or engaging in outdoor activities, there’s sure to be a festival close by that appeals to you. Here are a few of our favorite annual events near Coppell, Texas, that you and the kids will want to attend.

Zestfest

A bowl full of freshly picked summer vegetables.

Image via Flickr by OakleyOriginals

Every January is your chance to devour some of the spiciest flavors that have ever touched your tongue. Zestfest heats up the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas with this distinctive foodie festival. Indulge all your senses with a variety of attractions, including live music performances and jalapeno eating contests. Catch sizzling demonstrations from high-profile chefs such as Shaun O’Neale and Eddie Deen, and make your way around the event sampling literally thousands of taste sensations.

Frost Fest

Two girls playing in the snow with inflatable inner tubes.

Image via Flickr by gfpeck

Chill out every February with some cool winter fun. The annual Frost Fest is your family’s chance to play in rare-to-Texas snow. Fun activities include tubing, train rides around the park, crafts, and a complimentary photo station. The fluffy white stuff is made fresh every half hour, and parents can enjoy winter weather without the slippery roads.

While you’re at the festival, sign up the whole family for a library card, enjoy storytime, and catch a puppet show. All this activity is sure to work up a hearty appetite, and food is available onsite. This free annual winter celebration takes place at Cimarron Park in Irving.

Taste of Irving

A dish of food from a local Coppell, TX. food truck.

Image via Flickr by mastermaq

Coppell’s biggest food critics are invited to the Taste of Irving. This annual celebration of good eats is ideal for those who love sampling different types of food. Held each year in June, this event offers $5 menu options from the area’s top restaurants and local food trucks.

This delightful and delicious excursion offers a fun, family-friendly environment to enjoy Texas’s beautiful spring weather. It’s a free-to-attend outdoor festival with a fun zone for the kids and a large craft marketplace, plus live music, all at the Levy Event Plaza. Your leashed, well-behaved dogs are invited to join in on the revelry.

Fourth of July Party in the Park and Parade

A boy riding his decorated bike down the street during an independence day parade.

Image via Flickr by jillccarlson

Celebrate Independence Day in Coppell each July with two days of entertainment. First, head to Party in the Park. This free, patriotic-themed bash includes a full lineup of musical entertainment, a children’s play area with bounce houses, activities, and games. At dusk, spread out your blanket on the lawn at Andrew Brown Park East for the best fireworks display in the area.

Next up is the annual Coppell parade. Everyone in the family is encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to honor our nation’s birthday. Line the sidewalk along Parkway Boulevard for the best viewing spot. Why not enter a float, decorate your bikes, or walk the route? It’s a terrific way to enjoy the holiday together.

Irving Main Street

Vintage cars lined up and on display during a local car show.

Image via Flickr by VisitElPaso

September is the ideal time of year to gather in the heart of Irving’s Heritage District for this hometown event. Join 5,000 of your friends and neighbors for the city’s annual street festival, including live music, a kids’ area, a car show, food, and arts and crafts exhibitors. This free event is fun for the whole family and is the ideal time to get a jump start on your holiday gift-giving list.

Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival

A team participating in an annual dragon boat race.

Image via Flickr by bfatphoto

You are invited to participate in a dragon boating race every September on Lake Carolyn in Irving. The Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival is the perfect opportunity to learn this challenging and rewarding sport. Dragon boating is a 2000-year old Chinese tradition, and it’s one of the hottest growing water competitions in the area.

Each team features a captain, 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson for this 250-meter race. The Marco Polo World Foundation supplies the boats, paddles, and lifejackets while you put together your racing team. There’s a training session before launch. Kids 11 years and older are welcome to compete.

Kaleidoscope: A Celebration of Cultures

Several women participating in a traditional dance for a local Chinese cultural festival.

Image via Flickr by SPakhrin

Kaleidoscope began in October 2017 to spotlight the community’s growing diversity with a showing of lights, sound, and color. This Coppell festival traditionally features international cuisine, artisans, performers, and presentations by local organizations. Get to know the range of cultures in the city at this free event at Andrew Brown Park East.

Annual Fall Frolic

A beautiful multi-colored leaf from a local Coppell, TX park.

Image via Flickr by thirdcause

If your family loves exploring the outdoors, join the staff at The Biodiversity Education Center BEC) for its annual Fall Frolic. Honor this glorious time of year with a walk through the scenic landscape at Coppell Nature Park. There are hands-on activities stationed near the mile-long trail, and young explorers will learn about the park’s trio of ecosystems.

Continue the fun in April with the seasonal Arbor Day celebration at BEC’s forest station. There you’ll discover the area’s native trees. Discover Cottonwood Creek’s unique features at the riparian station and then help reseed the endangered Blackland Prairie.

Coppell Gobble Wobble

Families enjoying the festivities at the annual Coppell, TX. Turkey Trot.

Image via Flickr by E2Brutai

Gather your flock for one of Coppell’s best Thanksgiving traditions. Now in its second year, the Coppell Gobble Wobble is a 5K fun run for all ages. While the event is going virtual for 2020, walkers, runners, and wobblers are invited to get in some exercise before indulging in your turkey day feast.

Kick off the long weekend in beautiful Andrew Brown Park East, where participants will receive a race day goody bag. Make lasting memories for the whole family during the holiday season by staying active outdoors. Embarking on a family-friendly run adds joy and community spirit to this festive — and often stressful — time of year. 

There you have it! This list of festivals around Coppell was brought to you by Creme de la Creme of Coppell. Add them to your calendar right now, and don’t miss out on the excitement. Which events does your family attend each year? If we missed one, let us know, and we’ll add it to our list.