Like swallows returning to Capistrano, we all know it’s time for Holiday in Dixie when we start getting the first calls to the DDA office asking ‘what’s going on at Festival Plaza?’ It’s hard NOT to see the brightly-colored tents while driving through downtown, and when the carnival rides start moving in, you know that spring has sprung.  

Several years ago, HID changed up their carnival in Festival Plaza for the better, offering FREE admission, and FREE live music each night. Pay one price of $25 and ride all the rides, over and over and over again, all night and/or day. We love that, because parents know exactly what a night of 436 rides on Dumbo will cost. That’s right, $25.

Thursday and Friday, the Carnival runs from 5 pm- 10 pm, Saturday from 1 pm- 10 pm and Sunday from 1 pm- 6 pm.  Musical Guests include AJ and the Two Tone Blues Band Friday night from 8-10 pm. On Saturday, hear Will Maranto and the Usual Suspects from 5:30- 7:30 pm  and Twang Darkly from 8-10 pm.

The carnival runs April 13-22.