What To Do in Dallas in May
Venture to new venues, the latest eateries and the enjoyable outdoors in May.
The month of May is the perfect time to come to Dallas and play. From a multitude of concerts to exciting celebrations like Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Memorial Day, there are many ways to enjoy the month in Dallas.
Updated May 2024
Get Your Live Music Fix
- The Dallas Symphony has some fun events this May! Check out Country Hits: Songs from Nashville May 10-12, or Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 beginning May 23!
- Use this month to plan for upcoming Dallas Summer Music Concerts starting in June!
Honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Dallas
- Discover the art of the Samurai at the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection in the Harwood District. After museum hopping, dine at a local Japanese favorite, Tei-An or any of these Asian restaurants.
- In the Dallas Arts District, visit a vibrant, new exhibit Japan, Form & Function: The Montgomery Collection at the Crow Museum of Asian Art. Check out the Dallas Museum of Art, where you can explore the Arts of Asia collection. If it's your first visit, use our first timer's guide to the DMA for additional info and tips.
- Stay at the Hilton Anatole! It is home to one of the largest Asian art collections in the world and displays more than 1,000 pieces of fine art throughout the hotel.
- On your way out, stop by to admire the Morton Meyerson Symphony's Center, designed by Chinese American, renowned architect, I.M. Pei.
Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Dallas
- Spend Memorial Day Weekend with great music, food, and community at Twogetherland, a two-day music festival with headliners including Lil Wayne, Summer Walker and Dallas' own Dorrough.
- You can also indulge in Dallas' rich Latine culture by hopping over to Carne Asada Fest, the biggest Carne Asada in Dallas, TX.
- If you are looking to spend time outside and save some money, check out this guide to free outdoor adventures. And if you are looking to cool off, check out the city's finest pools during your Dallas getaway.
- If you're visiting with kids, or just love animals, let these 11 photos of the Dallas Zoo inspire you to visit. If you're a parent to older kids, check out this guide to keep them entertained or this guide on indoor attractions to cool off around town.
- For happy hour or evening entertainment, channel your competitive side at Electric Shuffle then head over to Adair's Saloon, a local watering hole famous for live country music, dancing and an authentic Texas experience.
Best BBQ in Dallas
- National BBQ Day is May 16, so naturally you have to try some Dallas BBQ! Find the Best BBQ Joints in Dallas to satisfy your brisket and beans cravings!
Refresh yourself with Margaritas
- Dallas is the home of the first ever Frozen Margarita Machine. So enjoy the city's best and brightest by participating in the renowned Margarita Mile.
- In Oak Cliff, pop into Xamán Cafe for coffee and baked goods or Ayahuasca Cantina to enjoy some authentic Mexican dishes or drinks.
- Head to Beto and Son's and make sure to try the famous nitrogen margarita. If you're hunting for authentic tacos, look no further than this list of Dallas' best street tacos.
- Before you leave Dallas you must try the Mambo Taxi, a Dallas staple made of swirled margarita and sangria, at Mi Cocina on the Park.
Other Can't-Miss Events in May
- Grab some friends and check out Discover Downtown Dallas Movie Series: West Side Story at Harwood Park on May 4! True cinephiles can also catch Sweet Home Alabama on May 18 and Crazy Rich Asians on May 25. (Admission is free but you must register for tickets).
- Deep Ellum Wine Walk: Rosé Olé on May 18. Join the Shops of Deep Ellum as we celebrate the awesomeness of springtime, perfect for sipping, shopping and strolling with friends.
- For a fun evening activity, head over to Energy Gardens for their Mother's Day Candle Making Class on May 10.
- On May 17, enjoy live outdoor concerts, film screenings and art at 'til Midnight at the Nasher!
- If you're in a hurry, head down to the DMA and experience Art in Thirty
- Our friends at AT&T Discovery District invite you and mom to enjoy a leisurely Brunch on the lawn this Mother's Day at 12PM.