Carrollton Texas

Carrollton, Texas, combines suburban charm with big-city convenience, offering residents a rich blend of cultural flavor, community spirit, and outdoor adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Carrollton invites you to experience a lifestyle that’s vibrant, connected, and full of Texas pride.

Local Flavor & Dining

Carrollton’s dining scene is a true reflection of its cultural diversity and welcoming atmosphere. From classic Texas barbecue joints and Tex-Mex staples to a thriving Asian food district along Old Denton Road, the city is a culinary destination all its own. Local favorites include Korean barbecue, Vietnamese pho, tacos al pastor, and Southern comfort food—often served with a side of live music or outdoor patio vibes.

Carrollton’s walkable Downtown Square offers cozy cafés, ice cream parlors, breweries, and family-owned eateries, all nestled among historic architecture and local boutiques.

Historic Downtown Carrollton

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Carrollton takes pride in its heritage while embracing a growing arts and culture scene. The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum preserves the area’s pioneer past with tours, educational events, and community festivals in a historic farmhouse setting. In the heart of the city, public art installations, murals, and sculptures help tell Carrollton’s story through color and creativity.

Live music and cultural performances take center stage at local venues and during city-hosted events, while Carrollton’s central location gives residents quick access to world-class museums, theaters, and galleries throughout DFW.

A.W. Perry Homestead Museum
Carrollton Arts & Culture

Parks, Trails & Green Spaces

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of life in Carrollton. The city is home to over 30 parks, miles of scenic trails, and recreation spaces that suit every interest. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a standout destination, offering 200 acres of rolling hills, wooded trails, and panoramic views—perfect for hiking, biking, and nature watching.

The Trinity River Trail system connects Carrollton to regional greenways, while neighborhood parks feature splash pads, sports fields, and shaded playgrounds ideal for year-round enjoyment.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Festivals & Community Spirit

Carrollton comes alive through its festivals and community events that celebrate everything from cultural diversity to seasonal traditions. Signature gatherings like Festival at the Switchyard, Carrollton Chalk Art Festival, and Sundown Cinema bring residents together for music, food, games, and family fun in the heart of downtown.

The Carrollton Public Library also fosters strong community ties through its wide range of programming—from author visits and STEAM activities to movie nights and workshops for all ages. Farmers markets, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood events keep the city’s calendar bustling with activity and connection.

Carrollton Public Library

Whether you’re grabbing tacos with friends, biking a shaded trail, or dancing downtown at a summer concert, Carrollton offers a lifestyle that’s active, inclusive, and full of local character—a place where community and culture go hand in hand.

Carrollton, Texas, is a community that celebrates active living, team spirit, and year-round outdoor fun. With an extensive park system, vibrant youth and adult sports programs, and close proximity to some of Texas’s top professional teams, Carrollton offers endless ways to stay engaged, energized, and connected through recreation.

Local Sports & Community Pride

Carrollton thrives on school and community sports. The city is home to three major school districts—Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Lewisville ISD, and Dallas ISD—each with robust athletics programs. Friday night lights, basketball rivalries, and track meets bring neighbors together to cheer on local student-athletes with true Texas pride.

The Carrollton Parks & Recreation Department runs an impressive lineup of youth and adult leagues, including soccer, baseball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, and more. Sports camps, skills clinics, and tournaments throughout the year create opportunities for fun, learning, and friendly competition.

Athletic Leagues
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Athletics

Parks, Trails & Outdoor Fun

Carrollton offers over 1,200 acres of parkland, including dozens of neighborhood parks, trails, playgrounds, and recreational areas. Mary Heads Carter Park is a community favorite with shaded walking paths, athletic fields, and a splash pad. Josey Ranch Sports Complex features fields for baseball, soccer, and softball, while W.J. Thomas Park includes a disc golf course and space for open play.

For nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts, Blue Trail and Green Trail systems provide miles of scenic biking and jogging routes that connect Carrollton neighborhoods to the regional Trinity River Greenbelt. Pet owners can also take advantage of Carrollton’s dog parks, including the popular Rosemeade Dog Park.

Carrollton Parks

Fitness & Wellness Opportunities

Carrollton supports a healthy lifestyle with a wide variety of fitness and wellness offerings. The Rosemeade Recreation Center and Carrollton Senior Center provide indoor gyms, group fitness classes, aquatics programs, and personal training. Residents of all ages can participate in activities like yoga, martial arts, dance, and strength training.

The city also hosts annual health fairs, wellness challenges, and community walks to encourage holistic well-being. Outdoor fitness equipment and walking tracks in many parks make it easy to stay active in any season.

Rosemeade Recreation Center
Carrollton Senior Center

Professional Sports Nearby

Living in Carrollton means you’re a short drive from one of the most exciting pro sports scenes in the country. Dallas is home to major league teams across every sport, offering world-class stadiums, unforgettable fan experiences, and nonstop action:

Dallas Cowboys (NFL) – Catch America’s Team at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington.

Texas Rangers (MLB) – Watch top-tier baseball at the modern Globe Life Field.

Dallas Mavericks (NBA) – Experience big-time basketball at the American Airlines Center.

Dallas Stars (NHL) – Cheer on high-energy hockey downtown.

FC Dallas (MLS) – Support hometown soccer at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

From youth soccer and trail running to cheering under Friday night lights or taking in a Cowboys game, Carrollton is the perfect place to play, compete, and connect—where recreation is a daily part of life and community pride runs deep.

Carrollton, Texas, celebrates every season with a lively blend of tradition, culture, and community connection. From festive holiday parades and multicultural festivals to outdoor summer concerts and fall family fun, Carrollton’s event calendar reflects its dynamic, welcoming spirit—and keeps the city buzzing with life all year long.

Winter to Spring

The holidays in Carrollton kick off with Santa on the Square, a joyful gathering in Historic Downtown Carrollton featuring tree lighting, festive décor, local performers, and—of course—a visit from Santa. Children enjoy carriage rides, cookie decorating, and photo ops under twinkling lights as the city transforms into a winter wonderland.

Community groups host seasonal drives, craft markets, and holiday performances throughout December, while Josey Ranch Lake Library and other city facilities offer winter storytimes, art workshops, and family movie nights.

As spring arrives, so do annual Easter egg hunts across city parks like Mary Heads Carter Park and Rosemeade Rainforest, where little ones gather for games, treats, and spring-themed crafts. Earth Day brings environmental awareness and hands-on projects, including creek cleanups, community gardening days, and nature programs hosted by Carrollton’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Santa on the Square
Carrollton Programs and Events

Summer to Fall

Summer in Carrollton is marked by music, celebration, and outdoor fun. Festival at the Switchyard, the city’s signature event held in Downtown Carrollton each June, features live music from national and local acts, food trucks, artisan vendors, and kid-friendly activities—all free to the public and full of Texas flavor.

Throughout the season, the city hosts Free Outdoor Movie Nights at local parks, summer concerts, and Splash Bash events at local pools and spraygrounds. Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex becomes a central hub for summer fun, offering themed nights, water fitness, and family swim days.

As the air cools, fall festivals take center stage. Events like Pumpkins on the Plaza, Creepy Carrollton, and Trick-or-Treat at the Library bring spooky fun to families with costume contests, haunted trails, and themed crafts. The Dia de los Muertos Celebration honors Carrollton’s cultural diversity with altars, performances, and traditional food, highlighting the city's deep multicultural roots.

Festival at the Switchyard

Connected by Community

Carrollton’s events are more than just entertainment—they’re where neighbors become friends, families create memories, and the city’s rich cultural fabric is proudly woven together. Whether you're dancing in the square, watching fireworks light up the summer sky, or sharing cider on a crisp fall evening, Carrollton’s seasonal events offer something meaningful for everyone.

From sunlit parades to glowing winter nights, Carrollton invites you to celebrate the seasons with heart, heritage, and hometown spirit.

Carrollton, Texas, shines in every season with a vibrant community spirit, rich cultural traditions, and a calendar full of events that bring residents together. From festive holiday markets and patriotic parades to summer concerts and fall festivals, Carrollton offers the warmth of a small town with the energy of a growing city.

Winter to Spring

The holiday season in Carrollton kicks off with festive cheer at events like the annual Santa on the Square celebration in Historic Downtown Carrollton. Families gather for pictures with Santa, carriage rides, and twinkling lights that illuminate the charming streets. Local businesses and community groups host holiday markets, toy drives, and giving campaigns that capture the season’s spirit.

As winter melts into spring, community favorites like the Easter Eggstravaganza at Josey Ranch Lake Park bring families out to enjoy egg hunts, games, crafts, and photos with the Easter Bunny. The city’s beautiful parks—such as Mary Heads Carter Park and Nob Hill Greenbelt—become hubs for outdoor yoga, nature walks, and spring clean-up events organized by local volunteers.

Carrollton also celebrates its cultural diversity with spring festivals like the Korean Festival and Festival at the Switchyard, which blend food, music, and performances from around the world, reflecting the city’s rich and welcoming character.

Carrollton Korean Festival
Festival at the Switchyard

Summer to Fall

Summer in Carrollton brings long, sunny days and plenty of ways to enjoy them. The city’s July 4th Community Fireworks Show is a beloved annual tradition featuring live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display at Josey Ranch Athletic Complex.

Weekly events like Saturdays on the Square bring live music, artisan markets, and movie nights to downtown, creating the perfect backdrop for evening strolls and family outings. Residents also flock to the Carrollton Farmers Market to enjoy local produce, handmade goods, and a strong sense of connection with local vendors and growers.

As temperatures cool, fall events take center stage. Pumpkin Patch celebrations, Halloween-themed movie nights, and the popular Ghost Town in Historic Downtown Carrollton offer spooky fun for all ages. Kids enjoy trick-or-treating and hayrides while adults sip cider and shop local.

The season concludes with the Veterans Day Observance Ceremony, held at Carrollton Veterans Memorial Plaza, honoring those who’ve served with heartfelt speeches and community pride.

Carrollton Farmers Market
Ghost Town Adventures