As we continue our series on art fairs and festivals, it's been our mission to identify some of the coolest events in the country, and Texas is high on the list. Like the other art fair experiences we've highlighted, the lone star state brings its own flair and flavor to the festival scene and the charm of each individual community shines through.

Starting with the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) area, you don't have to look far to find innumerable intriguing art festival options, from the neighborhood favorite craft show to more metropolitan fine art shows. From Dallas proper to Fort Worth and the suburbs beyond, DFW fairs each offer something special in the form of unique art, entertainment, and cuisine.

Dallas Art Fair

The Dallas Art Fair takes place annually in April at the Fashion Industry Gallery in the heart of a thriving Dallas Arts District. The district is awash in Texas art and culture opportunities including the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Museum of Art.

The event includes elegant gatherings such as an early access champagne soiree to benefit the Dallas Art Foundation and associated arts programming. With an emphasis on modern and contemporary art, the art show features national and international galleries and attracts seasoned investors as well as casual collectors.

UNIQUE TO THE FAIR: A rotating sculpture installation at nearby Klyde Warren Park has been established as part of the festival with the first notable contribution by the artist known as Swoon.

Dallas Art Fair

Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival

Also held each April, thousands of patrons take to the streets to experience the fine art, craft shows, and live entertainment that envelopes this Fort Worth arts festival. In true festival form, the attractions include works by juried artists, culinary events, and entertainment venues such as "Music on Main.

UNIQUE TO THE FESTIVAL: The Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival is ranked in the top 3 juried festivals in the country, to which it credits representing the "best of the best" in the nation for selected artists.

The Art - Main Street Arts Festival

Arts in Bloom Mckinney

Continuing the spring theme, for one weekend in April, McKinney, Texas hosts Arts in Bloom, a family-friendly festival held in its historic downtown district. McKinney is a vibrant suburb that in recent years has been ranked by Money magazine as the best place to live in the US. The event is an art and wine extravaganza, with visual arts, unique crafts, and great local beverage vendors, including a wine experience showcasing regional vintners.

The fair highlights local working artists as well as regional and nationally acclaimed artists. On the streets of McKinney, you will find painters, woodworkers, sculptors, and other artisans sharing their craft. Foodies will appreciate everything from fair-style foods to local cuisine.

UNIQUE TO THE FESTIVAL: In true Texas form, the festival is chock-full of fun for the whole family, including a petting zoo for the kids.

Arts in Bloom | McKinney, TX - Official Website (mckinneytexas.org)

Denton Arts and Jazz Festival

When visual arts are married with exceptional art of the musical variety, the result is the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival. Denton is about 40 miles north of Dallas and boasts an impressive ranking on Paste Magazine's list of "best music scenes." Billed as an effort to bring art and music to the masses, the Denton festival held each October in Quakertown Park has garnered a reputation as a premier event and one of the largest tourist attractions in North Texas.

The festival features a half dozen outdoor stages with jazz and other musical entertainment and over 175 shoppable booths housing an equal number of creative artisans. The children's tent is expansive with ample activities designed to engage kids with art.

UNIQUE TO THE FESTIVAL: Although the festival showcases established jazz musicians and other talented entertainers, organizers offer free admission in order to fulfill their mission to make the arts accessible to all.

Denton Arts & Jazz Fest - Jazz in North Texas (dentonjazzfest.com)

Ready for your trip to the big D? We hope these tips and recommendations have been helpful. You can also check out original art on the UGallery website, with new works updated weekly.