The largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms, returns on February 27 and continues through April 10 with the theme “The Artistry in Nature”, showcasing an explosion of color with more than 100 kinds of spring bulbs totaling 500,000 blooms and dazzling layers of landscape at every turn. In addition, renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price’s Great Contributors Bronze Statues exhibit is set among one of America’s best floral festivals, sponsored by Bank of America.
“Bank of America is once again honored to sponsor Dallas Blooms, a premier outdoor event that deepens our cultural experience in North Texas,” said Gillian Breidenbach, Senior Vice President and North Texas Market Manager. “In addition to benefiting our local economy, Dallas Blooms is a magnificent spring tradition, and we look forward to this festival in a spectacular setting.”
The Great Contributors exhibit is a part of Gary Lee Price’s renowned art collection. A fellow of the National Sculpture Society, Price has been recognized worldwide for his bold work lifting and celebrating the human spirit. The life-size bronze sculptures that will be placed throughout the spring garden include Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Claude Monet, Albert Einstein, William Shakespeare, Mark Twain and the Wright Brothers, many of which are on benches or in garden settings.
Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum President and CEO, said, “Dallas Blooms is arguably the largest display of tulips in a public garden anywhere west of Holland. There are also thousands of azaleas and dozens of Japanese cherry trees blossoming throughout the spring season. With this year’s addition of the Great Contributors bronze statues among the many spring-blooming bulbs, guests are sure to have a special experience in our breathtaking garden.”
Dallas Blooms features tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, violas, poppies and thousands of other spring-blooming annuals and perennials. The finale of this spring celebration is the mass flowering of the garden’s collection of 3,000 azaleas that bloom during the end of April.
Throughout Dallas Blooms, there are many events to celebrate one of “America’s Best Spring Floral Festivals”, according to Fodor’s Travel in 2015.
Mommy and Me Mondays & Tiny Tot Tuesdays: February 29–April 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsored by Kimberly-Clark and located in the Pecan Grove, children’s activities include face painting, a petting zoo, story time and Kindermusik. In case of rain, check the website or call 214.515.6500 the morning of the event as activities may take place indoors.
Nature Nights: Wednesday Evenings, March 2 – October 19
New! The garden extends its hours to 8 p.m. each Wednesday for families and friends to enjoy a night out during the week. As an added activity during the evening, Booker T. Washington art students provide free instruction in various mediums and locations throughout the garden, geared toward 6 to 12-year-olds from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
C.C. Young Senior Thursdays: March 3 – April 7
Senior-friendly tours and activities are offered each Thursday during the festival, including health and wellness activities, discounts, music, garden instruction and more.
C.C. Young Senior Thursday Spring Fling: March 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Derik Lorin Jazz Trio serenades guests along with health and wellness activities and guided tours of the Great Contributors exhibit.
Dallas County Master Gardeners: Fridays, March 4 – April 1
DCMG partners with the Arboretum Horticulture staff to share the secrets of the ever-changing floral displays. Staff is available to answer questions at rotating locations throughout the garden.
Spring Teas: February 29 – April 8
A favorite tradition during Blooms are the spring teas held at the beautiful Restaurant DeGolyer by Gil’s Elegant Catering. Seatings are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday in the DeGolyer Tea Room. The prices range from $49 to $59 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or by emailing sarmanovs@dallasarboretum.org. The seated tea is for adults and children ages 13 years and older.
Saturday Morning Yoga: February 27 – October 29 (Members Only)
Starting at 7:30 a.m. for members only, early morning yoga returns through October 29. Bring mats. Rain accommodations are made when possible.
Gary Lee Price Unveils the Great Contributors Exhibit: February 27
Meet renowned sculptor and artist Gary Lee Price and hear him speak to his inspiration, planning and process of casting his pieces that are displayed in the garden. Check the website for more details and time.
Spring Break Camps: March 7 – 18
Organized by grade level, these camps cater to children’s interests from 3 years to 8th grade. Unforgettable camp adventures are led by experienced Arboretum teachers, rain or shine. Registration opens January 4 at 10 a.m. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org to learn more.
Washington’s Cherry Dessert Competition: March 19, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Guests that like to bake are invited to bring their best cherry dishes (pies, cakes, tarts, crisps, bars, jams, etc.) in various categories to be judged by a panel based on appearance, taste, consistency and technique. For $2 per entry, anyone can enter in honor of George Washington’s Cherry Tree Legend. The winning recipe will be featured in Restaurant DeGolyer’s Garden Tea menu from April through September.
Good Friday Children’s Concert & Activities: March 25
Sponsored by DallasChild, the Dallas Arboretum celebrates Good Friday with a concert by family favorite Eddie Coker at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. Children’s activities include face painting, crafts and a petting zoo. In addition, the Mission Winds Clarinet Quartet of the United States Air Force Band of the West performs from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden: Reopens February 27 – December 31
Reopening on February 27, this eight-acre scientific children’s garden is where science and fun become one. There are 150 interactive exhibits, many of which include technology, where guests can learn about pollination, habitats, photosynthesis, electricity and more. Spring events include a Kids’ Workshop with Home Depot, Earth Day with the University of Texas at Dallas, Wild Animal Adventure with the Dallas Zoo and Billy Goats Gruff with The Dallas Opera. Daily plant labs include How Sweet It Is!, Cabbage Juice Chemistry and more. Check the website for up-to-date details.
Cool Thursdays Concert Series: March 17 – June 30
Cool Thursdays, sponsored by Wells Fargo, return this April with new and exciting national cover bands and some of the Metroplex’s best food trucks. The series includes several new bands featuring tributes to musical greats such as Billy Joel, the Eagles, Johnny Cash and the Rolling Stones. Crowd favorites return such as Emerald City, Bruce in the USA and Le Freak. Gates open at 6 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. Guests can bring a picnic or purchase food from popular food trucks. Nearly all of the 2015 concerts were complete sell-outs, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets or subscriptions today.
Discounts:
Group discounts for 15 or more are available with advance registration by calling 214.515.6520. C.C. Young is the Senior Thursday sponsor, with discounted admission of $11 for seniors 65 and older and a 20% discount in the gift store. Tom Thumb sells discounted tickets for $1 off the regular price. BOGO Wednesdays, which are buy one get one free admission, are available at the ticket booth only and exclude spring break, with a limit of one purchase per person.