Celebrate Texas Independence Day in Downtown Carrollton

Break out your best western wear and cheers to a good time at TEXFest, a free celebration of Texas Independence Day, featuring craft beer, good food, and local artists performing Texas music.

The 11th annual event takes place Saturday, March 7 from 3-9 p.m. in Historic Downtown Carrollton (1106 S. Broadway Street).

Guests will also get the chance to put their cowboy skills to the test by taking a rowdy ride on a rockin' mechanical bull. Make sure to capture the memories of the celebration by taking a photo with a live longhorn or at the TEXFest photo booth.

Brandon Rosage will get the place stomping at 3 p.m. to kick off the event. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest playing roots music and binge-watching Austin City Limits before moving with his family to Texas in 2010. Brandon's music combines Texas dance hall tunes, mid-century swing music, and electric rhythm and blues, utilizing steel guitar, drums, bass, and his Telecaster guitar.

Bailey Rae will begin the evening at 5 p.m. She's a red-dirt singer-songwriter, whose roots in classic country and the western way of life shine through her authentic, honky-tonk-infused sound. At an early age, she started her collection of classic country vinyl and was gifted many country albums belonging to her great-great grandmother. Listening to those legendary voices like Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris and Don Williams, Bailey Rae quickly discovered a love for traditional country music which continues to be an influence in her voice and musical style today. A Season 19 contestant on NBC's The Voice (Team John Legend), she brings her genuine storytelling and southern charm to every stage she performs on.

Grupo Stampede will be headlining the event from 7 p.m. and is known for its innovative, urban-Tejano sound that respects tradition. The six-piece band strives for a professional attitude, moves through an array of different styles of music, and is always striving to please the crowd. The group had 41 #1 hits on the Tejano charts, were named Most Promising Band of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards in 2002, and were nominated for a Texas Country Music Awards in 2024. Their live shows mix cumbias, rancheras, and covers infusing energy and crowd engagement in their performances.

In addition to great music, TEXFest offers a variety of food options, as well as several on-site craft beer offerings from local breweries, coordinated by Downtown Carrollton's own 3 Nations Brewing Co. Custom TEXFest beer glasses will be on sale, so everyone of age can enjoy responsibly and in style within the event's beer garden, complete with community seating, crafts, artisan vendors, and some of the best barbecue in Texas.

If lager lovers have a competitive side, the branded drink glasses are available through a TEXFest Bingo Card contest as well. Complete five activities in a row on the card in any direction, have it marked as completed by each vendor, and redeem the card for a TEXFest event glass (while supplies last) at the Carrollton information booth located on Broadway and Main Streets.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event, which has drawn thousands to Historic Downtown Carrollton over the past 10 years.

For more information on the event, visit cityofcarrollton.com/texfest.