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Denison, TX 75020
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6 Annual Events in Denison You Don't Want to Miss Out On
By Hunter Lanier
One visit to Denison, TX and you’ll find one visit isn’t enough. All year-round, this North Texas town just can’t stop celebrating. Whether its paying tribute to its heritage, creativity, or community spirit, Denison knows how to have a good time in the way that only Texans can.
Grab your favorite marker, pop open that calendar—if you still have one—and give yourself something to look forward to with these six annual events in Denison that you don’t want to miss.
Doc Holliday: Saints and Sinners Festival
In the 19th century, Denison looked a little different. Cowboys roamed the streets, gunfights rang out like passing storms, and Doc Holliday had his very own office downtown. On the last Saturday of every April, Denison celebrates this rowdy past with the Doc Holliday: Saints and Sinners Festival.
Return to the wild west via wagon rides, photo ops, costume contests, and gunfight reenactments that will have you holding on to your hat! Authors and historians will be around town with all the facts, stories, and legends. For the youngsters, the festival includes a petting zoo and pony rides. Live music will set the mood as you partake in some Texas delicacies from local vendors.
North Texas Arts Fest
The historic Katy Depot serves as home to many of Denison’s biggest events, but there’s something special about the North Texas Arts Fest. For one weekend in May, this festival fires up the bat signal for artists all across the area and beyond. Peruse rows and rows of paintings, sculptures, handmade jewelry, and unique crafts.
Amongst all the talent, you’ll even find hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations. Yep, that even includes live music from local musicians. Okay, so we can check off visual and performance art. What’s next? Rounding out the trifecta of creativity are the local wineries, craft beer vendors, and food trucks bringing all the gourmet goodies you can eat—or drink, of course.
Music on Main
It’s summertime and the living is easy, especially when it involves the Music on Main series in Denison. This Friday night concert series at the beautiful Forest Park kicks off the weekend with good music, good food, and—most importantly—good vibes.
Simply bring your own blanket or lawn chair, then let the music carry you off. With music spanning blues, jazz, country, and pop, there’s something for every musical taste. As for the other kind of taste, local food vendors will be on site, in addition to all the nearby downtown eateries. Let’s just say you won’t go hungry!
Fall Fest
Every autumn in Denison brings four things: pumpkins, turkey dinners, jumping into piles of leaves, and Fall Fest. Held on the first Saturday of October, this tradition has been taking over Downtown Denison for decades.
With Fall Fest, the holiday season truly begins with live music, an artisanal market, and an entire Kids Zone—complete with a bounce house and carnival games. In past years, there’s been a pool game where kids can walk on water in giant bubbles! Even Schlitterbahn doesn’t have that.
Traditionally, the festival opens with a pancake breakfast, then later in the day, you’ll have choices ranging from BBQ to locally made treats to that carnival classic, the funnel cake. Oh, and did we mention the car show? Whether it’s a Tin Lizzie or American muscle from the ‘60s, you don’t have to be a gearhead to admire the artistry of these restored classics.
Dia de los Muertos
A single day just isn’t enough to contain the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Downtown Denison. This Mexican tradition to remembering those who have passed on demands a full weekend, and that’s exactly what it’s gotten in Denison. Despite its subject, this is not a solemn occasion; it’s a vibrant festival of beautiful colors, flowers, and candles.
Without a doubt, the centerpiece of the event is the parade. Floats are decorated with customary marigolds: a striking blend of yellows, reds, and oranges. Dancers accompany the floats dressed in traditional Mexican attire and calavera face paint. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Elsewhere downtown, local artists and vendors will set up shop with artisan goods and delicious treats. Kids will find plenty to enjoy with all the arts and crafts activities, as well as face painting and puppet shows. There’ll be no shortage of live mariachi music either, so the Dia de los Muertos energy will be hitting all the senses!
Denison on Ice
As winter nears, every local starts counting the days until Denison on Ice. No, this isn’t a massive ice-skating musical featuring the entire population of the town (though that would be pretty great).
Set against the elegant backdrop of historic Main Street, Denison on Ice is an outdoor ice-skating rink complete with Christmas lights, cheery music, and hot chocolate vendors. It’s just like being inside a snow globe, but you don’t have to worry about someone shaking you all the time!
Big fan of cozy Christmas vibes, but don’t know how to ice skate? Denison on Ice is perfect for newcomers and pros alike, and even provides skate rentals if you don’t have your own. While the skating rink is up—from mid-November to early January—it will also have themed nights and even some Santa visits. Santa knows a good skating rink when he sees one.
Best Annual Events in Denison
From the dusty trails of the Old West to the cozy nights at an ice rink, Denison’s annual events offer a year-round rotation of experiences that celebrate its past, present, and future. Each is more than just a date on a calendar; it’s an invitation to connect with small town Texas at its most authentic and spirited. So whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your home state or you’re an out-of-state traveler curious what makes Texas special, Denison should be your next destination.
Why wait to plan your trip? Get the ball rolling by taking a look at some of Denison’s finest hotels.
About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he’s writing books and screenplays. He may or may not own an armadillo in the future.
