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See festivals for JUNE

Talk about blossoms: North Texas' spring festival season has exploded in recent years. The boom (er, bloom?) isn't just because of new and more specialized events, either. Some perennial favorites (the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, Wildflower and the Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, to name three) have never been more massive and are among the country's biggest urban parties.

From a Celtic celebration that traditionally commences the season to hot-air balloons in June, here's our annual roundup of the best fests. Keep an eye on Guide each Friday throughout the spring for more detailed information.

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MAY FESTIVALS

MORE LIFE FESTIVAL The AIDS awareness and education event is a collaborative effort of the Fort Worth Opera, AIDS Outreach Center, Samaritan House and Tarrant County AIDS Interfaith Network. The arts festival includes more than 60 performances featuring theater troupes, dance companies, music ensembles and more through June 8 at Fort Worth-area venues. For a detailed schedule, visit the Web site. Through June 8. 817-717-6991. www.morelifetexas.com. Prices vary.

SUMMERFEST The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center will transform its 41/2 acres of air-conditioned indoor gardens into festival grounds starting this weekend and running through Aug. 31. We're not sure how indoor fireworks shows work, but the free spectacle is scheduled for Fridays at 9:30 p.m. (except July 4) at the Lone Star Atrium. Entertainment includes strolling performers (jugglers, magicians, balloon artists and more), culinary classes and tastings, visual art and live music. Also, check out the Rock Art Show music memorabilia sale. Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. For a detailed schedule of events, prices and other details, call 817-778-1000 or visit www.gaylordtexan.com.
• Rock Art Show: On display May 23 through May 26, with sales from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Riverwalk Atrium. Free admission.
• Chef Stations: "Taste of the Texan" includes tastings from Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ama Lur, Texan Station and Riverwalk Cafe. Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Lone Star Atrium. $10 per person.
• Junior Chef's Camp: For ages 8-16. June 14 and 28, July 12 and 19, and Aug. 2, 16 and 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Ama Lur restaurant. $90 per child, per class (includes lunch for two adults); $45 for each additional child, per class.

DALLAS FARMERS MARKET FARM & FLOWER FESTIVAL This city of Dallas event features a children's area with train rides and face painting, info from local plant societies, Japanese flower-arranging demos, live music and presentations by Joe Lamp'l (author of The Green Gardener's Guide).
• May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S. Pearl Expressway. 214-670-5880. www.dallasfarmersmarket.org. Free admission.

ROCKWALL FOUNDER'S DAY FESTIVAL The Marshall Tucker Band will be the headliner for this fest, which also features strolling entertainers, food vendors and more. The event's being presented by the city of Rockwall and Old Town Shoppes on the Square.
• May 31 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the downtown square, 100 E. Rusk St., Rockwall. 972-771-7740. rockwallfoundersday.com. Free admission.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER What will your pooch wear for the annual Dog Days of Summer on May 31 in Denton? Actually, costumes are optional for this canine-friendly festival, but many owners dress up their pets for the fun of it. There'll be pet-obedience demonstrations, pet-care information, a magic show, children's games, animal adoptions and vendors with pet products. Think your dog has star quality? Enter your pet in the Make a Milk-Bone Moment spokesdog contest. The dog treat company's mobile tour will be on site with a contest-entry kiosk (details at www.milkbone.com). Other ways for mutts to strut their stuff include contests in categories such as pet tricks, singing, curliest tail, best pedicure and "most caninely challenged." Demonstrations, such as flyball, agility and Frisbee, are scheduled in the morning (most will conclude by 12:30 p.m.). Other activities include visiting the doggie fortuneteller and sitting for a "Glamfur Shot" photo.
• May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Quakertown Park (formerly Civic Center Park), 321 E. McKinney, Denton. 940-349-8529. www.dogdaysdenton.com. Free.

Compiled by Bindu Varghese, Nancy Moore and Mike Daniel

Published in The Dallas Morning News: 02.29.08