Third Annual Festival at the Switchyard in Carrollton celebrates city’s railroad history

The festival is November 3 and free.

Star Local News

Fans surround the stage at the Festival at the Switchyard in Historic Downtown Carrollton. This year's event will be held November 3, and feature music acts Lifehouse, Sister Hazel, Asleep at the Wheel, and more.

CARROLLTON — A day of music, food, and fun will converge on Historic Downtown Carrollton as the third annual Festival at the Switchyard arrives on November 3.

"We are looking forward to a fun festival that builds on the momentum of last year's great success," Mayor Matthew Marchant said. "Fun and tasty vendors along with top-notch entertainment in a real downtown make this event one of the best in North Texas."

The daylong event will feature rock music from the bands Lifehouse, Sister Hazel, and local Bruce Springsteen tribute band Thunder Road. Country and alternative Texas country from the bands Micky and the Motorcars, Asleep at the Wheel, and Bri Bagwell, and "a new take on old favorites" from the John Wehlage Trio will also be on hand.

"We really do have something for everyone," said Sheri Chadwick, marketing director for the city of Carrollton. "It rivals any concert you're going to see in a stadium, and it's free."

The music will be preceded by the Dallas Tap Dazzlers, a group of senior dancers who will perform a patriotic dance act.

"Their oldest member is 86, and she can still do the splits," Chadwick said.

In addition to entertainment, the festival will have more than 50 booths with food, beverages, arts and crafts, and other activities.

For the kids, the festival will have games, bungee trampolines, bounce houses, a toddler zone, several rides, and an inflatable sports midway -- which are free to all attendees.

"Our city council felt very strongly that this should be a free, family-friendly, affordable event where you can come down and enjoy the whole day," Chadwick said.

The festival was initially conceived in 2010 as a way to pay tribute to the railroading past of the city, as well as shine a spotlight on downtown.

"There are several railroad links that converge there, and now we have the new Dart Green Line right beside historic downtown," Chadwick said. "We also wanted the opportunity to develop and really showcase the unique shops and restaurants of downtown Carrollton."

Chadwick said the ideas for many of the attractions come from attendees' suggestions.

"We actually listen to what people tell us," Chadwick said. "So most of our feedback comes from the people that attend the festival."

Chadwick said parking is very limited near the event, and the best way to get to and from the festival will be the DART Green Line.

"There's a ton of parking at Trinity Mills, which is just a short ride away," Chadwick said. "You can park there, jump on the train, come on down, and at the end of the night it's a quick ride back to the end of your car. It's worked really well the last two years."

Chadwick said the festival has quickly become one of the signature events in Carrollton, and something no one in the area will want to miss.

"The Festival at the Switchyard is a great opportunity to enjoy free family fun, eat great food, meet nice people, and enjoy great concerts," Chadwick said.