Get ready for the 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard this Saturday, November 8 in Historic Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street) from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Preview the Festival fun here to check out all the excitement attendees will enjoy during this year’s free concerts featuring headliner and Grammy-award winning talent powerhouse Rick Springfield with openers Spin Doctors, Sixpence None the Richer, and Alien Ant Farm. Talented groups including Midtown 10, Fusión Latina, Barefoot Nation, and School of Rock (North Dallas) will round out the mainstage entertainment. Choir students from DeWitt Perry and Ted Polk Middle Schools will open the Festival with the National Anthem.

The 2025 Festival promises to be another fun-filled event with local community group performances by Kent Elementary Momentum Dance Company, Creekview High School Department of Dance, Dallas Tap Dazzlers, K-Pop Dance Dallas, Sidekicks Martial Arts, and Hebron High School Silver Wings. Visit the Entertainment page at carrolltonfestival.com for the full lineup and set times.

Watch for strolling entertainment by cosplayers from Cause to Play and the Avengers Initiative, hula hoop artist Amanda Slick, juggler David Slick, magician Robert John, and cast members from Downtown Carrollton’s own Pocket Sandwich Theatre. Enjoy a variety of free arcade games and pinball machines inside the Plaza Arts Center until 5 p.m.

To amplify everyone’s Festival experience, FREE face painting, balloon twisting, spin art, caricature drawings, and arts and crafts will be offered through 6 p.m. Get a place in line early for the awesome free rides and games, including bungee trampolines, a giant fun slide, a zip line, rock climbin­g walls, and a video game truck. Rides and games close at 7 p.m.

The event is rain or shine. Parking is extremely limited, so Festival attendees are encouraged to park at DART stations and ride the Green Line to the Downtown Carrollton Station (regular charges apply; visit dart.org/fares for more details). Festivalgoers can also ride the newly opened DART Silver Line for free to this year’s Festival.

A large crowd is expected, so NO chairs, pets (except for service animals), or coolers will be allowed on the Festival grounds. This is a non-smoking event (e-cigarettes are also prohibited). Visit the FAQs page at carrolltonfestival.com for a list of prohibited items.

Festival sponsors to date include Bright Event Rentals, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), iHeart Media, Lone Star 92.5, Western Extrusions, Dallas Morning News, EVIVA Trinity Mills Station, KDAF CW33, MB2 Dental, Texans Credit Union, Whataburger, Atmos Energy, Clown Around Party Rental, Courtyard by Marriott and Carrollton Conference Center, Frost Bank, Just4Kids Urgent Care, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, NECOA, Patio Enclosures, Power Home Remodeling, Renewal by Andersen of NTX, Resort Vacations Inc., Republic Services, Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford in Carrollton, Connect Technology Group, FastSigns of Carrollton, and Lark Music Loft.

For more information about the Festival at the Switchyard and the variety of entertainment at this year’s event, visit carrolltonfestival.com. For the latest updates, stay connected with the Festival on social media facebook.com/CarrolltonFestival, x.com/carrolltonfest, and instagram.com/carrolltonfestival. 

Anticipation is growing for the 15th annual Carrollton Festival at the Switchyard on Saturday, November 8 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., held on the streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street).

Top 10 Things to Know: 

1. FREE! No entry fee or ticket is needed, and all rides, games, concerts, and entertainment are free, including concerts by headliner Grammy-award winning artist Rick Springfield with openers Spin Doctors, Sixpence None the Richer, and Alien Ant Farm. Bring spending money for food, drinks, and shopping.

2. Main Stage Entertainment: All-day entertainment will begin just after 11 a.m. when students from Ted Polk and DeWitt Perry Middle Schools perform the National Anthem. Students from School of Rock (North Dallas) will take the stage at 12 p.m., followed by Kenny Chesney tribute band Barefoot Nation. Fusión Latina will bring energetic salsa, bachata, and merengue musical styles in the afternoon and Midtown 10 will pump up the jams by performing chart-topping hits mixed with EDM, hip-hop, and electro-pop.

3. Front-of-Stage Performances: Festival attendees will enjoy performances from local groups beginning just after 11 a.m. in front of the main stage. First up, Momentum Dance Company from Kent Elementary will perform, followed by award-winning dance routines from the Creekview High School Department of Dance. The Dallas Tap Dazzlers will provide sparkling entertainment and K-Pop Dance Dallas will perform exciting K-pop dance moves. In the afternoon, audiences can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping demonstration of skill and athleticism from Sidekicks Martial Arts. The Hebron High School Silver Wings will show off their dazzling choreography and incredible spirit to conclude the day’s front of stage performances.

4. Strolling Entertainment: Strolling performers will entertain and delight attendees as they walk, dine, and shop throughout the Festival grounds. Guiness World Record holder David Slick will put on interactive juggling and stilt-walking shows, while hula hoop artist Amanda Slick demonstrates her skills in hula hoop dance and spin tricks. Cosplay groups Cause to Play and Avengers Initiative will be out and about for photo opportunities. With his close-up magic, strolling magician Robert John will make any Festival moment magical. Lastly, don’t miss cast members from Downtown Carrollton’s very own Pocket Sandwich Theatre in costume from the theatre’s production of Phantom of the Opera.

5. Rides & Games: In addition to live entertainment, the Festival offers free rides such as bungee trampolines, a zip line, and a giant fun slide, as well as carnival games, a kids’ craft area, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, caricature drawings, and more. All free! Just make sure to get in line early as the face painting and balloon twisting booths shut down at 6 p.m., and rides and games close at 7 p.m. Attendees can also visit inside the Plaza Arts Center, located next to the main stage, to enjoy free arcade games and pinball machines. The whole family can shred guitar on Guitar Hero or enjoy a classic game of pinball before the Plaza closes at 5 p.m.

6. Food Vendors & Shopping Opportunities: Hungry attendees can give their feet a rest in one of the Downtown restaurants or enjoy a bite to eat from food vendors offering delicious Festival favorites such as turkey legs, barbecue, tacos, deep-fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and of course, corny dogs. Festivalgoers are encouraged to visit the unique shops that line the Square or stop by the many trendy artisan booths for local jewelry, art, and other trinkets. Maybe even get an early start on holiday shopping this year!

7. Parking will be extremely limited. Ride the DART Silver Line, opening this month, for free to the Festival at the Switchyard. Attendees can also park and ride the DART Green Line to the Downtown Carrollton Station (regular charges apply; visit dart.org/fares). Handicap parking will be available at 1000 W. Belt Line Road, just east of the Festival grounds and is also available at all DART stations.

8. Prohibited Items: Due to the limited space within the Festival grounds, lawn chairs, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, in-line skates, and coolers are not permitted. Seating areas within the Festival site are provided. Pets, with the exception of service animals for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, are also not permitted.

9. Beer Garden: Take a break in the beer garden and visit one of three bars at the Festival for a variety of beer and wine. Several Downtown restaurants also offer mixed drinks.

10. The event will be held rain or shine. Musical acts may be postponed due to inclement weather, but will not be rescheduled for an alternate weekend. If the weather becomes severe enough to jeopardize public safety, the Festival may be closed until conditions improve.

Festival sponsors to date include Bright Event Rentals, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), iHeart Media, Lone Star 92.5, Western Extrusions, Dallas Morning News, EVIVA Trinity Mills Station, KDAF CW33, MB2 Dental, Texans Credit Union, Whataburger, Atmos Energy, Clown Around Party Rental, Courtyard by Marriott and Carrollton Conference Center, Frost Bank, Just4Kids Urgent Care, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, NECOA, Patio Enclosures, Power Home Remodeling, Renewal by Andersen of NTX, Resort Vacations Inc., Republic Services, Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford in Carrollton, Connect Technology Group, FastSigns of Carrollton, and Lark Music Loft.

For more information about the Festival at the Switchyard, visit carrolltonfestival.com. For the latest updates, stay connected with the Festival on social media facebook.com/CarrolltonFestival, x.com/carrolltonfest, and instagram.com/carrolltonfestival. 

Festival Full Entertainment Lineup Announced
10/6/2025 2:03 PM

The City of Carrollton is excited to announce the full entertainment lineup for the free 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard. This year’s event promises to be another year of fun for the whole family, with free concerts from nationally known music artists, performances by community talent, and free rides and games on Saturday, November 8 in Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street).

Previously released mainstage entertainment includes music from School of Rock (North Dallas), Barefoot Nation (A Kenny Chesney Tribute), Fusion Latina, and Midtown 10, all leading up to Alien Ant Farm, Sixpence None the Richer, and Spin Doctors opening for Grammy-award winning rock artist Rick Springfield.

Throughout the day, between mainstage band performances, local groups will entertain the crowd in front of the stage. Choir students from DeWitt Perry and Ted Polk Middle Schools will open the Festival just after 11 a.m. with a performance of the national anthem. The E.L. Kent Elementary School Momentum Dance Company will then kick off the festivities. The Creekview High School Department of Dance will perform award-winning routines, including colorful folklorico dances, before the lovely ladies of Dallas Tap Dazzlers put on a sparkling show with their terrific tap-dancing talents.

Don’t miss a performance from K-Pop Dance Dallas featuring unforgettable moves set to the latest Korean pop music hits. In the afternoon, Sidekicks Martial Arts will showcase an athletic spectacle of karate and Brazilian jiujitsu skills. To round out the front of stage performances at 2:50 p.m., the Hebron High School Silver Wings drill team will thrill the audience through precision choreography synchronized with spirit.

During the Festival, visitors can enjoy free arcade games and pinball machines inside the Plaza Arts Center, located next to the main stage. All age groups will be able to relive fond memories with an exciting game of pinball, chase dreams of rock stardom with Guitar Hero, or enjoy classics such as Pac-Man, Galaga, and Asteroids.

While enjoying all the performances and vendor booths the Festival has to offer, attendees can be on the lookout for strolling entertainment on the Square throughout the day. Cosplay groups Cause to Play and Avengers Initiative will be out and about for photo opportunities. Cast members from Downtown Carrollton’s very own Pocket Sandwich Theatre will be in costume from the theatre’s show Phantom of the Opera. The talented husband and wife duo of David and Amanda Slick will entertain and amaze with their top-notch juggling, jump roping, and hula-hooping antics. Lastly, festivalgoers might just believe in magic while enjoying mystifying close-up sleight of hand tricks from magician Robert John.

The Festival at the Switchyard is the perfect opportunity to have fun with the whole family, with a variety of free rides, games, and other activities. Young attendees can enjoy the zipline and the bungee trampolines, while the young and the young at heart can enjoy the 25-foot-tall fun slide and state-of-the art video game truck, along with many other attractions. There will also be free face painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, carnival games, spin art, and caricature art available. Rides and games close at 7 p.m., and the face painting, balloon twisting, caricature artist, and spin art booths close at 6 p.m.

In addition to enjoying the free entertainment, families can grab a bite to eat from the variety of food vendors lining the streets or from one of the many Downtown restaurants. Attendees can also find the perfect holiday gift by shopping from an exciting variety of craft vendors and businesses on the Square.

Main Stage Schedule*

Front of Stage Schedule*

 
Strolling Entertainment*

Volunteer at the Festival at the Switchyard
9/22/2025 9:30 AM

Be a rock star by signing up to volunteer at the City of Carrollton’s 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard on Saturday, November 8.

Volunteers play a vital role in the Festival’s success by helping during all phases of the event and creating a safe, fun, and enjoyable event for all. Volunteers become members of a unique Festival family. Thousands of visitors benefit from the volunteer service as they enjoy free family fun. Volunteers will also receive a free volunteer T-shirt, a free lunch, and a great parking spot close to the event site while volunteering (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Volunteers ages 16 and older will pass out event programs, greet attendees, provide information, monitor rides and games, and assist with children’s activities and crafts. Teenagers ages 14-15 will be accepted with adult supervision if they are part of a school, church, or Scout group. Volunteers must be able to work a minimum of two hours at the outdoor event.

The deadline to submit a Volunteer Application Form is Friday, October 17. Volunteers over 18 must pass a background check and volunteers under 18 must have a notarized waiver signed by a parent or guardian. If applicants do not have access to a Notary Public, email festival@cityofcarrollton.com or call 972-466-3084. The City of Carrollton offers free notary services at City Hall and both Carrollton Public Library locations by appointment.

To apply or for more details about the volunteer process and guidelines, find Volunteer Opportunities at carrolltonfestival.com.

The Festival will be held on the Downtown Carrollton Square (1106 S. Broadway Street) from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event includes a lineup of varied musical styles, including Grammy-award winning rocker Rick Springfield as the headlining entertainment with openers Spin Doctors, Sixpence None the Richer, and Alien Ant Farm. Talented groups including Midtown 10, Fusion Latina, Barefoot Nation, and School of Rock (North Dallas) will round out the mainstage entertainment.

In addition to the exciting free concerts and live entertainment, attendees can grab a bite to eat from a variety of food vendors and Downtown restaurants, as well as browse Festival booths and the eclectic shops surrounding the Downtown Square. Festivalgoers can enjoy free rides and games such as bungee trampolines, rock-climbing walls, a giant fun slide, and more, in addition to free face painting, balloon twisting, and caricature art.

Festival sponsors to date include Bright Event Rentals, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), iHeart Media, Lone Star 92.5, Western Extrusions, Dallas Morning News, EVIVA Trinity Mills Station, KDAF CW33, MB2 Dental, Texans Credit Union, Whataburger, Atmos Energy, Clown Around Party Rental, Courtyard by Marriott and Carrollton Conference Center, Frost Bank, Just4Kids Urgent Care, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, NECOA, Patio Enclosures, Renewal by Andersen of NTX, Resort Vacations Inc., Republic Services, Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford in Carrollton, Connect Technology Group, FastSigns of Carrollton, and Lark Music Loft.

Stay connected to all Festival entertainment news at carrolltonfestival.com and on social media at facebook.com/CarrolltonFestival, x.com/carrolltonfest, and instagram.com/carrolltonfestival. 

Rick Springfield to Headline Carrollton’s 15th Annual Festival at the Switchyard; Spin Doctors, Sixpence None the Richer, and Alien Ant Farm Join the Lineup
9/8/2025 10:37 AM

The City of Carrollton is excited to announce Grammy-award winning talent powerhouse Rick Springfield as the headlining entertainment for the City’s signature event, the 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard. Openers Spin Doctors, Sixpence None the Richer, and Alien Ant Farm will round out this star-studded roster of rockers on Saturday, November 8 in Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street). 

Born in Australia, Springfield moved to the U.S. in 1972 to pursue a solo music career. His debut album Beginnings was the first of seven to achieve Top 40 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Springfield spent the rest of the 1970s creating music and building his acting career. In 1981, he played the role of Dr. Noah Drake in the daytime soap opera “General Hospital,” shortly after recording his album Working Class Dog. That album produced the iconic single “Jessie’s Girl,” catapulting Springfield to success as a household name with a worldwide hit. “Jessie’s Girl” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for two weeks, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Working Class Dog also featured the song “I’ve Done Everything for You,” another spirited rock track highlighting Springfield’s moody yet strong vocals. He continued releasing music throughout the 1980s, including singles “Don’t Talk to Strangers” and “Love Somebody.” Springfield's impressive longevity shines through his high energy performances as he plays for audiences across the globe, and now, that energy will light up the night in Downtown Carrollton. 

Before Rick rocks onto the stage, the Festival audience can soak up pure ’90s nostalgia with the alt rock, Grammy-nominated, beanie-wearing Spin Doctors. The group assembled in New York City in the late 1980s and released their debut studio album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, in 1991. Radio stations and MTV picked up singles “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes,” skyrocketing the band’s popularity not only through the catchy tunes, but also the unforgettable music videos playing across the airwaves. Pocket Full of Kryptonite went triple platinum and reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart in 1993. “Two Princes” showcased the group’s strong blues influence and infectious melodies, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Since their breakout album, the band has been releasing music and performing live for fans worldwide. In April 2025, Spin Doctors put out a seventh studio album, Face Full of Cake, showing a revitalized group dynamic and the warm, funky sound fans have always loved.

Indie pop rock band and Texas natives Sixpence None the Richer will perform before Spin Doctors. Lead singer Leigh Nash and guitarist Matt Slocum created the band in New Braunfels in 1992. In 1997, Sixpence None the Richer released a self-titled album, including the single “Kiss Me,” which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and still resonates today with more than a billion streams on Spotify. Famously featured in the 1999 teen romantic comedy “She’s All That” and the WB’s coming-of-age drama series “Dawson’s Creek,” the ballad’s bright guitar arrangement and lyrical storytelling were irresistible to listeners across the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K. and was nominated for a Grammy. The band is also known for successful covers of pop favorites “There She Goes” by the La’s and “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House. In 2024, Sixpence None the Richer reunited to release a new EP, Rosemary Hill, capturing a new wave of fans who have fallen in love with the staying power of a song such as “Kiss Me" and proving the band's timeless sound still hits all the right notes with a whole new generation.

Festival at the Switchyard Vendor Applications Open
6/10/2025 11:28 AM

The City of Carrollton has opened applications for craft and food vendors to participate in the 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard set for Saturday, November 8 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Historic Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street).

The award-winning Festival at the Switchyard consistently draws 30,000-40,000 people to Downtown Carrollton to enjoy free concerts with nationally known headliners, local community talent, free rides and games, and shopping opportunities. Participating as a vendor offers the chance to sell tangible goods on-site at the event. The Festival is seeking unique food vendors to give attendees a variety of mouthwatering dining options with spots available for booths as well as food trucks or trailers. Local businesses selling handmade goods such as jewelry, clothing, artwork, crafts, pre-packaged snack items, and more can apply as artisan/craft vendors.

The 2025 vendor application is now open through Tuesday, September 30 by 11:59 p.m. The application is available to download on the Vendors page at carrolltonfestival.com. Vendor booth spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and vendors who apply before Friday, August 1 will receive a $25 discount. Businesses and non-profits not selling tangible goods will only be allowed to participate as a sponsor.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local and national businesses to get their name out to the Carrollton community, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and beyond. Become a sponsor to receive high visibility and positive brand reinforcement delivered with impact and frequency in online and offline media, social media, advertising, and other forms of publicity. For more information and to view the Festival sponsorship brochure, visit the Sponsors page at carrolltonfestival.com.

For more information about Festival vendor or sponsorship opportunities, email festival@cityofcarrollton.com or call 972-466-3084.

Festival at the Switchyard Sponsorship Opportunities Available
5/19/2025 2:42 PM

The City of Carrollton once again welcomes businesses of all sizes to boost brand visibility not only within the community, but across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond by becoming an official sponsor of the City’s signature event – the 15th annual Festival at the Switchyard.

This year’s event will be held Saturday, November 8 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Historic Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street). The City is celebrating fifteen fun-filled years of the Festival at the Switchyard with free family-friendly concerts from nationally known headliners, local craft and artisan booths, a variety of food vendors, a beer garden, unique Downtown shopping opportunities, and a free activity area for kids with rides, games, face painting, and more. Each year, the Festival draws more than 40,000 music lovers, foodies, and shoppers to Historic Downtown Carrollton throughout the day and night to enjoy the festivities, making it the flagship event for brands seeking to stand out in a sea of fall festivals.

With a robust promotional calendar, the Festival at the Switchyard has legs that can carry a company’s message effectively. Sponsors receive prominent and positive brand reinforcement delivered with impact and frequency in online and offline media, social media, advertising, and other forms of publicity. Becoming a sponsor also provides opportunities to advertise at the event itself, from a booth space to interact with customers, live mentions on-stage, logo inclusion on the 25-ft. tall main stage banners, ad placement in the event program, and more.

A variety of sponsorship packages are available, and custom packages are available by request. In order to continue offering free, exciting fun for the community, 100 percent of sponsor dollars will be used to offset the entertainment and production costs for this year’s Festival at the Switchyard.

For more information and to view the Festival sponsorship brochure, visit the Sponsors page at carrolltonfestival.com. To become a sponsor, fill out an Interested Sponsor Form, email festival@cityofcarrollton.com, or call 972-466-3084.