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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 27 | PRAIRIE

LIGHTS

If you want to see as many lights as possible, this twinkling drivethrough wonderland in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie never disappoints. Every year, folks pile in by the carload to cruise through four million lights and hundreds of custom displays set along 2 miles of path. And as if that weren’t enough, the place boasts the world’s largest animated light tunnel at the end of the drive. For more info visit: prairielights.org

JANUARY

JAN 16 - 30 | STOCK SHOW & RODEO

This Thing is Legendary! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere since 1896. The rodeo also has livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more.For more info visit: fwssr.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 8

| LUNAR NEW YEAR

The City of Richardson, the CORE District and the Dallas Chinese Community Center invite you to join us for the 2025 Lunar New Year festival, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Fun for all ages, this free event will feature stunning dragon and lion dances, musical and martial arts demos, art making, calligraphy, specialty booths and cultural performances. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bddmzm2s

FEB 26 - 28 | MUSIC FESTIVAL

FORT WORTH MUSIC FESTIVAL IS BACK! Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of live music in the Fort Worth Stockyards on February 26th - March 1st, 2026! For more info visit: fortworthmusicfestival.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

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MARCH

MARCH 6 - 8 | FOODIELAND

FoodieLand is a foodie inspired multi-cultural food and entertainment event taking place at Texas Motor Speedway. With over 225+ vendors, we’re bringing you a variety of amazing foods, games, and entertainment for the whole family. Hope to see you there! For more info visit: foodielandnm.com

MARCH 28 - 29 |

ART FESTIVAL

Calling all art lovers! See downtown transformed into an art mecca filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, music, and food trucks. Enjoy this fun weekend exploring the work of different artists. For more info visit: artcolonyassociation.org

APRIL

APRIL 9 | TACOS & TEQUILA

Tacos are great. Tequila is great. When you put them together, the exponential results really bring the wow. Discover how a variety of local and regional chefs and beverage vendors can bring their own special spin to this combo par excellence. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3shuv27e

APRIL 11 | FORK & FIRE

Savor the flavors of Texas as top chefs and acclaimed restaurants from Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Austin showcase their signature dishes. Feel the heat of a vibrant live-fire grilling zone, where smoky aromas and sizzling creations fill the air. The night overflows with exceptional food, fine wine, craft beer, and premium spirits, all paired with the energy of two stages featuring talented artists. For more info visit: fwfwf.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

APRIL 16 - 19 | ARTS FESTIVAL

We cordially invite you to apply to the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, the largest, nationally ranked arts festival in the country. Fort Worth’s signature festival features corner booth spaces with diverse artists. Come walk around and enjoy all the beautiful art that Fort Worth has to offer! For more info visit: mainstreetartsfest.org

MAY

MAY 1 - 3 | MAYFEST

Mayfest is the biggest party in Fort Worth! Four days of live music, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts, pet adoptions, more than 60 Art and Gift Market vendors, free children’s activities, special attractions - the list goes on and on! For more info visit: mayfest.org

MAY 29 - 31 | ZESTFEST

It will be a flavorfully hot weekend in Texas when Spicy Food Productions returns to Ft Worth for ZestFest, the ultimate party for bold and spicy food enthusiasts. ZestFest is an action-packed weekend featuring the Fiery Food Challenge, Celebrity Chef demos and sampling of hundreds of zesty good products. For more info visit: zestfest.net

JUNE

JUNE 1 - 12 | CONCERT SERIES

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) hosts the return of its annual Parks Concert Series this summer. These family-friendly concerts are free and open to the public and will be presented in parks across the city. For more info visit: dallassymphony.org

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

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JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

You’re invited to the biggest fireworks show and Independence Day celebration in DFW: Fort Worth’s Fourth! For our 17th year, we’re welcoming a new title sponsor—U.S. LawShield®—as we present an evening of festival food, cold drinks, kids’ activities, live music, and incredible fireworks along the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion. Please join us! For more info visit: fortworthsfourth.com

AUGUST

AUG

TBA | JAZZ FESTIVAL

A three day festival that features an array of renowned music artists from around the world where patrons will experience a gumbo of jazz, blues, R&B, soul, pop and neo-soul music. Also, there will be a showcase stage for Promising Young Artists from the Dallas/Fort Worth area schools and music programs in day-long back-toback performances. Festival attendees will be able to browse

and shop at vendor booths, and experience delectable and diverse food. For more info visit: tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org

SEPTEMBER SEPT 12 | TOO HOT TOO HANDLE

Get ready for the ultimate summer challenge in Texas! Don’t let the heat stop you – join us for a legendary Texas Summer Tradition that’s been going strong for 30 years. Experience the thrill of our fast, flat Half Marathon, 10K & 5K courses, and celebrate your victory at the epic after party. Stay cool with refreshing hydration, ice-cold towels, and of course, icecold beer at the finish line. This is the race to put your training and endurance to the test! For more info visit: runproject.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DALLAS FORT WORTH

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SEPT 17 - 20 | GRAPEFEST

The greatly anticipated annual festival is the largest wine festival in the Southwest and was to be held in Grapevine’s Historic Main Street District. Each year the city bands together to plan days of family-friendly festival fun where residents and visitors sip and sample premium Texas wines and champagne while enjoying live entertainment, festival food and so much more. For more info visit: grapevinetexasusa.com

OCTOBER

OCT 11 - 30 | RENAISSANCE FEST

Transport yourself back in time!

Eat and play like royalty as you experience performers, international fare, hundreds of merchants, and the enchanting atmosphere of a 16th century English village. For more info visit: texrenfest.com

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | LONE STAR FILM FEST

The Lone Star Film Festival in Sundance Square is the signature event of the Lone Star Film Society. The five-day festival takes place every year in Fort Worth, Texas and presents some of the most anticipated films of the year. For more info visit: lonestarfilmfestival.com

TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT

Saving Matters! Remember

Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money. FACTS

✔ Only about half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement.

✔ The average American spends roughly 20 years in retirement.

Putting money away for retirement is a habit we can all live with.

1. START SAVING, KEEP SAVING, & STICK TO YOUR GOALS!

If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you’re not saving, it’s time to get started.

Start small if you have to and try to increase the amount you save each month. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Devise a plan, stick to it, and set goals. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving.

2. KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT NEEDS!

Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you will need 70 to 90 percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge of your financial future. The key to a secure retirement is to plan ahead.

3. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EMPLOYER’S RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN!

If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, sign up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a

big difference in the amount you will accumulate. Find out about your plan. For example, how much would you need to contribute to get the full employer contribution and how long would you need to stay in the plan to get the money.

4. LEARN ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYER’S PENSION PLAN!

If your employer has a traditional pension plan, check to see if you are covered by the plan and understand how it works. Ask for an individual benefit statement to see what your benefit is worth. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension benefit. Learn what benefits you may have from a previous employer. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan.

5. CONSIDER BASIC INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES!

How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you’ll have saved at retirement. Know how your savings or pension plan is invested. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions. Put your savings in different types of investments. By diversifying this way, you are more likely to reduce risk and improve return. Your investment mix may change over time depending on a number of factors such as your age, goals, and financial circumstances. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.

6. DON’T TOUCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS!

If you withdraw your retirement savings now, you’ll lose principal and interest and you may lose tax benefits or have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll them over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan.

7. ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO START A PLAN!

If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start one. There are a number of retirement saving plan options available. Your employer may be able to set up a simplified plan that can help both you and your employer.

8. PUT MONEY INTO AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT!

You can put up to $6,500 a year into an individual Retirement Account (IRA); you can contribute even more if you are 50 or older. You can also start with much less. IRAs also provide tax advantages. When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on

inflation and the type of IRA you choose. IRAs can provide an easy way to save. You can set it up so that an amount is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited in the IRA.

9. FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS!

On average, Social Security retirement benefits replace 40 percent of pre-retirement income for retirement beneficiaries. The amount of your wages that Social Security retirement benefits replace varies depending on your earnings and the age you choose to start receiving benefits. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website.

10. ASK QUESTIONS!

While these tips are meant to point you in the right direction, you’ll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial adviser. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Get practical advice and act now.

Courtesy of US Dept. of Labor

2025 DESIGN TRENDS

EACH YEAR BRINGS NEW TRENDS IN INTERIOR DESIGN & 2025 IS NO DIFFERENT.

As the world changes, needs and desires change. Interior design can enhance your home environment with new ideas. We want our homes to appeal to all our sensesSensorial design. Vivid colors, environmentally friendly materials and luxury comfort are a few of the current trends.

Colors such as reds, oranges, purples, and maroons will be popular. These are called lucky colors in some cultures.

Accordingly they attract wealth and business success. No more plain walls - wallpapered and colored ceilings as well as textured walls are back. In addition, bold patterns and textures add drama, depth and visual interest to your room. Ceiling treatments also create visual interest. Beams or a coffered ceiling bring texture, depth and character to plain surfaces. They also reduce noise and add a bit of elegance.

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Earth tones such as terracotta, ochre, rust and sage are always popular as they reflect nature and create a calm environment that makes a space feel warm and welcoming. To add a little luxury to any space, use gold, bronze, copper or silver finishes with small touches.

Furniture tends to be comfortable and relaxed without sacrificing style. Oversized sofas, comfortable chairs, lounge chairs and even daybeds are popular again. Curved and rounded furniture as well as accent pieces will be popular. They work with either traditional or modern design.

Dark warmer wood tones are back after years of light wood. To change the look of a piece of furniture or cabinet, stain it a walnut hue. Mix in modern with traditional. Darker

tones bring a warm, grounded feeling.

Lighting is an important part of any design project. Consider a layered lighting scheme that incorporates a mixture of overhead lighting, floor and table lamps and sconces. Think of fixtures as art and jewelry for your home. Lighting helps create a functional and welcoming home. Be sure to use dimmable lights as that enhances the mood in any room.

Small changes can reinvigorate your home in keeping with the 2025 design. Paint a wall, wallpaper a bathroom ceiling, add a colorful rug to a neutral room. It’s all about enjoying your home and feeling comfortable.

DATES

OCT 2 - 5

OCT 9 - 12

OCT 23 - 26

NOV 6 - 9

NOV 13 - 16

DEC 4 - 7

DEC 12 - 14

JAN 15 - 18

JAN 22 -25

JAN 29 - FEB 1

FEB 5 - 8

FEB 12 - 15

+ Signature Event

2025-26 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TOURNAMENT

Sanderson Farms Championship

The Country Club of Jackson Jackson, MS • USA

Baycurrent Classic

Yokohama Country Club

Yokohama • JPN

Bank of Utah Championship

Black Desert Resort

Ivins, UT • USA

World Wide Technology Championship

El Cardonal at Diamante

Los Cabos • MEX

Butterfield Bermuda Championship

Port Royal Golf Course

Southampton • BER

Hero World Challenge

Albany GC Albany • BAH

Grant Thornton Invitational

Tiburón Golf Club

Naples, FL • USA

Sony Open in Hawaii

Waialae Country Club

Honolulu, HI • USA

The American Express Pete Dye Stadium Course La Quinta, CA • USA

Farmers Insurance Open

Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)

San Diego, CA • USA

WM Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)

Scottsdale, AZ • USA

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Ann

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach, CA • USA

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

* Schedule subject to change

PREVIOUS WINNER

CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2025-26 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

The Genesis Invitational

FEB 19 - 22

FEB 26 - MAR 1

MARCH 5 - 8

MARCH 12 - 15

MARCH 19 - 22

MARCH 26 - 29

APRIL 2 - 5

APRIL 9 - 12

APRIL 16 - 19

APRIL 23 - 26

The Riviera Country Club

Pacific Palisades, CA • USA

Cognizant Classic

PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)

Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA

Arnold Palmer Invitational

Arnold Palmer’s Bau Hill Club & Lodge

Orlando, FL • USA

Puerto Rico Open

Grand Reserve Golf Club

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA

Valspar Championship

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course)

Palm Harbor, FL • USA

Texas Children’s Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course

Houston, TX • USA

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)

San Antonio, TX • USA

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club

Augusta, GA • USA

RBC Heritage

Harbour Town Golf Links

Hilton Head Island, SC • USA

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana

Avondale, LA • USA

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

* Schedule subject to change

PREVIOUS WINNER

CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2025 LPGA

NOV 13 - 16

TRAVELING TO ICELAND.

Iceland is a small Nordic country in Europe known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. It is also known for its distinct Nordic culture based on folklore and mythology, dating back to the Vikings who were first to colonize the land. Later, it was

under Danish rule and gained its independence in 1944 and is a founding member of NATO. Despite having its own distinct language and being a country of only 384,000 people, English is spoken widely as it is taught in school as a second language.

The capital city is Reykjavik which is known for its lively nightlife, modern museums, excellent dining, galleries and shopping. It is the base from which to explore all that Iceland has to offer.

The best time to visit is May through October but those are also the busiest times. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are so many adventures to choose from whether it is the natural wonders under the summer’s midnight sun or seeking the aurora borealis in winter months.

Spend a day touring the Golden Circle and see three incredible natural events. Starting in the capital, Reykjavik, drive into the southern uplands to Pingvellir National Park, onto the Geysir geothermal area and then the Gullfoss waterfall and end back in the city.

Pingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the first place settled in south Iceland. See Iceland’s largest lake, the Langjokull glacier, hike the North American plate and see Game of Thrones scenery at Almannagja gorge and then view the amazing Oxarafoss waterfalls. If you are

really adventurous, snorkel at Silfra, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites.

Drive on to the Geysir Geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. See the volcanic landscape and arrive at Strokkur which is the geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes shooting hot water as high as 130 feet into the air. Walking through the valley, view many hot springs, smaller geysers and bubbling mud spots.

The last stop is Gullfoss Waterfall which is famous for its 2 drops, falling 100 feet and view the rainbows that shoot from the spray. Finish the day with a leisurely drive back to Reykjavik allowing time for stops along the way.

The cold waters off the coast attract an abundance of sea life including over 20 species of whales, including dolphins and porpoises. Tours can be found all over the country but the best spot is in the seaside village of Dalvick in the north.

Caving is a popular and extraordinary experience. Because Iceland is one of the most active

and inactive volcanic regions. It has incredible rock formations above and below the earth’s surface. Tube caves inside glaciers form after magma flows underneath the earth’s surface and lava solidifies overhead. Tours operate safely year-round with geologists as guides. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear as caves are chilly and there is often dripping water. Floors are

rugged, so sturdy boots are necessary. The caves are unexpectedly large and many have staircases and walkways for safe exploration. The most unique is Prihnukargigur (3 Peaks Crater) which takes you across lava fields to the cable car down 400 feet into a volcano that has been extinct for over 4500 years. The crater is the size of 3 basketball courts and as tall as the Statue of Liberty.