Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. Wondering what to do with yourself this weekend? We've got some ideas that will keep you close to home, or take you to other parts of Texas you may not have explored yet. Some events have a patriotic theme and some are just about good food and fun.
National Polka Festival
Slip on your lederhosen or dirndl and head to Ennis for the National Polka Festival. The family-friendly festivities honoring the city's Czech heritage run May 28-30. This is 44th year for the festival that focuses on food, fun, bands and beer, plus parades and polka.
More: NationalPolkaFestival
American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall & Texas Freedom Festival
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall will be on display at Fair Park in front of the Hall of State Museum Friday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Texas Freedom Festival on the patio at the Old Mill Restaurant will feature local entertainment.
More: NBCDFW.com
Dallas Arboretum's Memorial Day Celebration
The Pecan Grove at the Dallas Arboretum has been transformed into Peter Rabbit's Flower Village with a seven-foot tall topiary rabbit making his debut. Admission is free to active and retired military with an ID card. Uncle Sam will be on stilts and all-American food will be available May 28-31.
More: DallasArboretum.org
Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Memorial Day Concert
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will put on a patriotic Memorial Day Concert at Flagpole Hill on May 31 at 8 p.m. The concert is fee to the public.
More: DallasSymphony.com
Memorial Day Picnic with The Vocal Majority Chorus
The Vocal Majority, a 100-plus all male chorus, will celebrate freedom with patriotic favorites like "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless the U.S.A." at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with the Fort Worth Symphony on May 31.
More: FWSymphony.org
American Heroes Run/Walk
You can show your gratitude to the men and women, past and present, who have sacrificed for our country at the American Heroes 5K//10K at Texas Rangers Stadium on May 31. More than 2,000 runners from all over the country will get to see Texas Rangers Ballpark, Six Flags and Dallas Cowboys Stadium then see a full Memorial Day tribute and concert. All five branches of the military will be showcased.
More: AmericanHeroesRace.com
Kerrville Folk Festival
Quiet Valley Ranch will not be so quiet this weekend during the Kerrville Folk Festival. The 18-day festival starts the Thursday before Memorial Day and ends June 13, so you have plenty of time to get out to enjoy the music. Located nine miles south of Kerrville on Texas state Highway 16, the festival offers food for everyone, from Texas BBQ to vegetarian fare.
More: Kerrville-Music.com
Fredricksburg Crawfish Festival
If you're feeling like taking on a few freshwater crustaceans, Fredericksburg's Crawfish Festival is the place for you. The two-day event May 28 & 29 will feature red beans and rice, boudin, gumbo, and crawfish. Saturday the historic Market Square in 100 block of West Main Street will feature the 3rd annual gumbo cook-off as well as washer pitching.
More: Tex-Fest.com
Luckenbach's 160th Birthday (For the Second Dang Time)
Luckenbach, Texas, the town made famous by Waylon Jennings will be celebrating its 160th birthday for "the second dang time" over the long weekend. Reckless Kelly, Roger Creager and Weldon Henson will take the stage.
More: LuckenbachTexas.com
Cowboys Capital Rodeo Association Pro Rodeo
Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, in the Texas Hill Country plays host to the 2010 Dodge PRCA Pro Rodeo Memorial weekend May 28-30. It's not just about bull riding, barrel racing and bareback riding, there's also the 3rd annual BBQ cook-off as well as the 11th annual "Boot Kickin'" golf tournament.
More: BanderaRodeo.com
