What is the Festival at the Switchyard?
Carrollton’s annual Festival at the Switchyard provides free family-friendly, community-centered fun, and big-name entertainment. Enjoy a variety of free games and activities along with great food, snacks, and beverages. In addition to our Festival vendors, there are many restaurants, boutiques, and stores to explore. The Festival is held on the streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton on the east side of IH-35E, between President George Bush Turnpike and LBJ Freeway at Belt Line Road. The Festival honors the critical role that rail has played in the City’s history and its importance today and in the future. It was the railroad that first put Carrollton on the map a century and a half ago. Three train lines still cross paths in the Switchyard just north of our Festival site near the historic train depot, and we are proud to welcome a new age of commuters and commerce as home to three DART Green Line stations.
What is there to do at the Festival?
In addition to the exciting free concerts, great food and beverages, beer garden, and craft and artisan booths, there are unique restaurants, shops, and services surrounding the Downtown Square to explore. Live entertainment, rides and games, face painting, arts and crafts, and other free fun activities for children of all ages are planned, as well.
Where is the Festival at the Switchyard held?
The Festival is held on the streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton, just east of IH-35E on the south side of Belt Line Road, mid-way between President George Bush Turnpike and LBJ Freeway. Click here for details.
What are the hours of operation?
The Festival will be held on Saturday, November 3 from 11am to 10pm.
How much is admission?
The Festival is FREE for all ages!
Where are we allowed to park?
Parking will be extremely limited. We suggest taking the DART Green Line to the Downtown Carrollton Station (regular charges apply; visit dart.org/fares for more details). If you choose to drive, free parking is available at the DART station at the northeast corner of Belt Line and Broadway. Please be sure to park in lots that are designated with parking signage. We are not responsible for damages to vehicles or fees incurred while parking in private lots.
Is there a cost to ride the DART train to the Festival at the Switchyard?
Is the Festival ground handicap accessible? Where is handicap parking?
Yes, the Festival is handicap accessible with pathways and sidewalks throughout the Downtown Carrollton Square. Handicap parking will be available at 1000 W. Belt Line Road, just east of the Festival grounds. Follow the wayfinding signage. Handicap parking is also available at all DART stations.
Can I bring my own chair?
NO. Space within the Festival grounds is limited. Seating areas within the Festival grounds are provided.
Are dogs or other animals allowed on the Festival grounds?
NO. Pets are not allowed (except service animals for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act).
What other admission restrictions are there?
NO: skateboards, bicycles, scooters, roller-blades, chairs, or coolers may not be brought onto Festival grounds.
What about alcohol? Can I bring alcoholic beverages into the Festival?
Although beer and wine can be purchased on the Festival grounds and several restaurants on the Square also serve alcoholic beverages, alcohol is not permitted to enter or leave the Festival grounds per TABC regulations.
Will the Festival at the Switchyard be rescheduled if it rains?
The Festival at the Switchyard is a rain or shine event. Music 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.
Who's performing at the Festival?
Do I need to purchase tickets to buy food and drinks at the event?
NO. Tickets or coupons are not necessary.
Are there ATMs on the Festival grounds?
YES. Frost Bank has a drive up ATM that is available for all Festival attendees to use and is located on the northern grounds of the Festival. ATMs will also be available throughout the Festival site.
How do I get a booth at the event?
Vendor applications opened June 1. Food vendor booth spaces have filled. Click here or contact festival@cityofcarrollton.com for additional details.
How can I find out more?
Is flash photography and video permitted?
While we certainly will not be collecting cell phones at the gates, we ask that you leave your cameras and video cameras at home. If you are taking pictures with the intent to sell, we will ask you (nicely) to please leave the event. Our event photographers will be happy to take your picture and it will be available on our Festival Facebook page the week after the event.
