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 on the streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton on the east side of I-35E, between the 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 it’s 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, arts and crafts, great food and beverages; there are great restaurants, shops, and services surrounding the Downtown Square. Live entertainment, interactive games, and activities for children of all ages are planned.

Where is the Festival at the Switchyard held?

The Festival is held on the streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton, just east of I-35E on the south side of Belt Line Road, mid-way between George Bush Turnpike and LBJ Freeway. Click here for details.

What are the hours of operation?

The Festival will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 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; dart.org/fares).  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?

Yes. Normal charges will apply. Visit dart.org for details.

  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, rollerblades, 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 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 Carrollton 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?

For this year's entertainment lineup, click here.  Be sure to follow our Festival Facebook page (facebook.com/carrolltonfestival) and Twitter(@Carrolltonfest) for instant updates and all things Festival.

NO. Tickets or coupons are not necessary.

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.

How do I get a booth at the event?

Vendor applications typically open the first week of June. Click here or contact festival@cityofcarrollton.com for additional details.

How can I find out more?

Follow the Festival on Facebook for constant updates at facebook.com/CarrolltonFestival, or on Twitter @Carrolltonfest.  You can also email festival@cityofcarrollton.com for additional information or questions.

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.