5 fun fests this week: Summer concerts, polka, Thai food, tequila and Memorial Day events

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Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Fest

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts kicks off its free summer concert series with a three-day Memorial Day weekend music marathon that includes headliners Polyphonic Spree and Blood, Sweat & Tears at the pavilion and a variety of concerts in downtown Arlington restaurants and bars. Musicians include William Marie, Radio Inside, Daisy and Jeremy Norvelle from Chasing Rent; they'll play at Maverick's, the Grease Monkey, J.R. Bentley's, Division Brewing, Hooligan's and J. Gilligan's. Check out the Levitt Pavilion's website for a complete schedule. The Free Music Under the Stars Series runs through July 17.

May 27-29 at various locations in downtown Arlington. Free. 

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National Polka Festival

If you love a good performance on an accordion, this 50th annual Czech heritage festival is for you. The fun kicks off with a dance featuring polka music and the King and Queen Dance Contest, where dancers will be clothed in traditional Czech kroje (folk costumes). There's also a 5K Polka Run, a parade, performances by 19 polka bands including Brave Combo, a country concert by Lonestar with Jamie Richards, arts and crafts, kids activities, a kolache-eating contest and plenty of chances to dance. The whole shebang takes place throughout the historic downtown area and in three nearby event halls. Don't worry: There'll be plenty of Czech foods throughout the fest to keep you going.

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Thai Culture and Food Festival

Dishes representing Thailand’s four regional cuisines will be offered, including common ones, such as pad Thai and chicken satay, and some rarities, prepared by more than a dozen local restaurants and vendors. You’ll also experience Thai culture through performances of dance and music, Thai boxing, a parade and more. The festival is presented by the Thai Community Center of North Texas.

May 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Buddhist Center of Dallas, 8484 Stults Road, Dallas. Free. 

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Dallas Margarita Meltdown

Taste around 40 margaritas competing to be named the best in town in this annual competition held in Dallas’ West End. This year’s slate of participants includes RJ Mexican Cuisine, Taqueria La Ventana, El Fenix, Frankie’s Sports Bar, Fat Rabbit, Happiest Hour, Calfe Salsera and South Fork. Sample the entries and vote for your favorite; the winner will be named at 8 p.m. (Last year’s winner was a Dippin Dot margarita from Pie 3.14 in Lewisville.) As you sip tequila, DJ Regs will spin Top 40 music, and you can visit vendors, sponsors and food stands.

May 29 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the West End, 1701 W. Market St., Dallas. $35 in advance, $50 at the door; $15 for designated drivers. dallasmargaritameltdown.com.

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Liberty Fest Presents: Stars and Stripes

The Farmers Branch Memorial Day fest features a concert by the Dallas Wind Symphony followed by a low-level fireworks show. There are plenty of family-friendly pre-concert activities including tours of the park's historic General Store, blacksmithing demos in the Log Culture Cabins, bounce houses, photo booths and concessions. Visitors can also pre-order a picnic basket prepared by Central Market. Other Memorial Day celebrations to check out include Carry the Load's Dallas Memorial March, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Memorial Day Concert and Fireworks Display and the Memorial Day Swim Party and Remembrance at the Texas Pool. 

May 28 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, Farmers Branch. Parking at Metro Square Business Park, 12300 Ford Road; shuttle service provided. Free.