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. 

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.

For more information, visit the Entertainment page. 

The Festival is FREE for all ages!

The Festival at the Switchyard will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. 

Rides close at 7 p.m.

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. 

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.

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.

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

NO. Space within the Festival grounds is limited. Seating areas within the Festival grounds are provided.

NO. Pets are not allowed (except service animals for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act).

NO skateboards, bicycles, scooters, roller-blades, chairs, or coolers may be brought onto Festival grounds.

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.