Cities Near Dallas TX — Guides to Live Music, Downtown Tours & Day Trips Across DFW
23 videos · Video guides to the towns and suburbs surrounding Dallas–Fort Worth, from historic downtowns to upscale enclaves.
The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex sprawls across dozens of cities, suburbs, and small towns, each with its own character, history, and music scene. The videos on this page cover a wide range of places near Dallas — from the Czech-heritage railroad town of Ennis 35 miles to the south, to the master-planned canals of Las Colinas in Irving, to the dining strip of Roanoke midway between Fort Worth and Dallas. Whether you're looking for a walkable historic downtown square, a lake town with outdoor activities, or an upscale shopping village, these guides show you what's actually on the ground in each place.
The guides on this page include walking tours of historic downtown areas in towns like McKinney, Carrollton, Garland, Midlothian, and Bridgeport, with specific details on restaurants, shops, and where to find live music. You'll also find tours of more suburban and upscale communities like Highland Park, Southlake, and Flower Mound, plus a look inside the massive Texas Live! entertainment complex in Arlington. Several videos highlight the live music venues and wine bars scattered throughout these DFW-area towns, from Talbots in Grapevine to Twisted Sisters Tap House in Midlothian to The Ginger Man in Las Colinas. The videos above give you a real sense of what each town looks and feels like, what there is to do, and where the music is happening.
Videos
What These Videos Cover
Ennis Tx: Walking the Historic Downtown & Small Town Charm
In Ennis Tx: Walking the Historic Downtown & Small Town Charm, the video explores the eight-block historic downtown of Ennis, a railroad town 35 miles south of Dallas with a population of about 24,000. The town's Czech immigrant heritage is highlighted, including the annual National Polka Festival held over Memorial Day weekend since 1967. Live music footage comes from Ashley's Downtown Kitchen and Bar, located right in the historic downtown, and the video also mentions the official Bluebonnet Trail — 40 miles of trails — and Lake Bardwell nearby.
Highland Park, Texas: The Beverly Hills of Dallas and the Richest Town in Texas
Highland Park, Texas: The Beverly Hills of Dallas and the Richest Town in Texas covers the small incorporated town of nearly 9,000 people located just north of downtown Dallas. The video focuses on Highland Park Village, built in 1931 and regarded as one of the first shopping centers in the United States, with architecture designed to resemble Spain, Mexico, and California. The town's landscape was designed by the same person who designed Beverly Hills. The video also includes footage from Casual Friday Wines in Allen, where a live music performance took place.
Bridgeport Tx: The Stagecoach Capital's History, Lake Activities and Small Town Charm
Bridgeport Tx: The Stagecoach Capital's History, Lake Activities and Small Town Charm tours a town of just under 7,000 people located 50 miles northwest of Fort Worth, known as the Stagecoach Capital of Texas. The video walks through the historic main street and mentions live music spots including 1860 Pizza Company, Marker Sellers, and Locality Craft Cocktail Bar. For food, the popular Five Boys restaurant is highlighted. A live music set was played at TF Vineyard in nearby Boyd, and outdoor activities at Lake Bridgeport and the Northwest OHV Park (25 miles of off-road trails) are also covered.
Carrollton, TX: Historic Downtown Walking Tour & Guide to DFW's Best Food, Live Music & Attractions
Carrollton, TX: Historic Downtown Walking Tour covers the historic downtown area of this city of 130,000-plus people, located 20 miles northwest of Dallas. The video highlights the grain silo landmark from the 1950s, the Pink House (the oldest building in the area, a 100-year-old gingerbread-style house), and the 1921 gazebo at the town square. Food highlights include Babe's Chicken, noted for fried chicken and unlimited sides. For live music and entertainment, the video mentions Pocket Sandwich Theater on the square and the Plaza Theater in a 1949 building, plus K-Town, a strip mall of Korean restaurants.
Midlothian, Tx Tour: Exploring a Growing Dallas Suburb - Live Music & Historic Downtown
Midlothian, Tx Tour explores a growing city of over 40,000 people located 25 miles southwest of Dallas, known as the Cement Capital of Texas due to its proximity to a 600-year supply of limestone. The video walks the historic main street strip, pointing out the last surviving cabin from the original town colony. Live music venues mentioned include Twisted Sisters Tap House (where the performance took place), Branded Burger Company, Pen to Paper, and the larger Union 28 located nearby. The video also mentions a visit from hosts of the Got to Love Texas Music podcast.
A tour of Mineral Wells, Texas (Baker Hotel and the Haunted Hill House)
A tour of Mineral Wells, Texas covers this historic wellness town whose history centers on water rather than oil or railroads. The video highlights the Crazy Water Hotel (built 1919, restored 2018), the 14-story Baker Hotel (opened 1929, closed since 1972, with a restoration targeting 2026), and the Haunted Hill House, a Civil War-era home with reported paranormal activity available for tours by appointment. A live music performance took place at Bankhead Texas Wine Bar, and Ken Brown was spotted performing across the street.
City of Lewisville, Texas Tour: Exploring old town, restaurants and live music (Dallas Fort Worth)
City of Lewisville, Texas Tour explores a city of over 130,000 in the Mid-Cities region between Dallas and Fort Worth. The video walks through the Old Town area — called the heart of Lewisville — where you can find distilleries, wineries, coffee houses, vintage shopping, and restaurants. Live music venues highlighted include the Wayne Ferguson Plaza stage, the Lewisville Grand Theater, the Lewisville Playhouse, Bent Distilling, and Prairie House Restaurant. The video also covers a music gig at Mad for Chicken in nearby Flower Mound.
A tour of downtown McKinney Texas (live music, food and more)
A tour of downtown McKinney Texas walks through the historic downtown square of this fast-growing city of over 200,000 people, located 30 miles north of Dallas. The square is centered around the Performing Arts Center in the Collin County Courthouse building from the late 1800s. Eight live music venues are identified along the square, including The Celt Irish Pub, Cadillac Pizza Pub, Local Yocal BBQ and Grill, and more. McKinney is designated a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office, and the video also mentions the Saturday market at the Chestnut Square Heritage Village.
Flower Mound, TX Tour: Exploring the Riverwalk
Flower Mound, TX Tour explores the Riverwalk area of this town of about 77,000 people, located equidistant (30 miles) between Dallas and Fort Worth. The town is named after an actual 12-acre native tall grass prairie covered in wildflowers dating back to the 1800s. The Riverwalk is a mixed-use development with town homes, restaurants, hotels, and a walk along the river ending at a wedding chapel. The video also includes a live music set at Bullion Ranch Wine Shop in nearby Grapevine.
Southlake, Texas: A Tour of this Upscale Dallas-Fort Worth Suburb
Southlake, Texas: A Tour of this Upscale Dallas-Fort Worth Suburb covers this planned community of just over 30,000 people, sometimes called the Beverly Hills of Fort Worth. The video features the Southlake Town Center, described as the epicenter of the town, with its courthouse, stage area, and extensive shopping. Festivals held here include Oktoberfest and a holiday festival. For live music, Taverna Rossa is highlighted as one of the spots that features performances. The gig for this trip was at Bullion Ranch Wine Shop in Grapevine.
A tour of Las Colinas, Irving, Texas (Dallas Suburb)
A tour of Las Colinas, Irving, Texas explores the Las Colinas area of Irving, a city of over 250,000 people centrally located between Fort Worth and Dallas. The video shows the Robert Glenn Mustang sculptures at Williams Square, the Mandalay Canals, and Lake Carolyn with paddle boarding and gondolas. Live music spots mentioned include The Ginger Man, the Toyota Music Factory with its outdoor stage at the Texas Lottery Plaza, McRide, Mercy Bar and Lounge, and Texican Court. The video also visits Audio Dallas Recording Studio, where Willie Nelson recorded the Red Headed Stranger album, and where Jack Ingram and Kris Kristofferson have also recorded.
City of Garland, Texas Tour: Exploring Downtown & Audio Dallas Recording Studio
City of Garland, Texas Tour walks through the downtown historic square of this city of about 240,000 people, located 20 miles east of Dallas. The area, along with nearby Richardson, inspired the location of the sitcom King of the Hill, and Garland is home to Resistol cowboy hats manufacturing. Live music venues on the square include Dos Banderas (also serving Tex-Mex), Intrinsic Smokehouse, and The Tavern on the Square. Nearby, Lakewood Brewing Company also hosts live music. The video ends at Audio Dallas Recording Studio, where Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Jack Ingram, and Miranda Lambert have all recorded.
A walking tour of Roanoke, Texas (The Unique Dining Capital of TX)
A walking tour of Roanoke, Texas covers Oak Street in this town of about 10,000 people located midway between Fort Worth and Dallas — the self-proclaimed Unique Dining Capital of Texas. Restaurants spotted along Oak Street include Bayou Jack's Cajun Grill, Babes Chicken Dinner House, Oak Street Pie Company, Dizzy Lizzy's, Hard Eight BBQ, Enzo Kitchen, and Las Molcajetes. For live music, Soul Fire Brewing is identified as one of the major spots on the strip. The town's historic water tower from the Great Depression era still stands as a preserved landmark.
A tour of Texas Live! in Downtown Arlington
A tour of Texas Live! in Downtown Arlington explores this massive multi-story entertainment complex that opened in 2018, located midway between Fort Worth and Dallas. The complex is surrounded by Choctaw Stadium, Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), and AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys). Inside, the Live Arena features a 100-foot LED HD screen for watch parties. Food and drink spots include Pudge's Pizza (from Texas Rangers catcher Pudge Rodriguez), Lockhart Smokehouse, and the PBR Texas nightclub for bull riding. Troy's is highlighted as the main live music venue. The video also covers a singer-songwriter night at Create Arlington hosted by Alejandro Terrazas La Peña.
Touring downtown Grapevine, Texas (things to do)
Touring downtown Grapevine, Texas walks the historic Main Street of this city of about 50,000 located between Dallas and Fort Worth. The video highlights the Sam Houston treaty statues, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad with 1920s Victorian coaches running to the Fort Worth Stockyards, and the abundance of wine-related businesses. Live music venues identified along the strip include Sloan and Williams Winery, Will Hoyt's Restaurant, Chill Bar and Grill, Bullion Ranch Winery, Farina's Winery, and Café Napoli's Italian Kitchen and Market. The featured food stop is Talbots, known for chili from Frank X. Tolbert, founder of the Terlingua Championship Chili Cook-Off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What live music venues are in downtown McKinney, Texas?
The historic downtown square in McKinney has at least eight venues featuring live music. These include The Celt Irish Pub, Cadillac Pizza Pub, and Local Yocal BBQ and Grill, all located on or near the square. McKinney is designated a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office, and the square is centered around the Performing Arts Center housed in the historic Collin County Courthouse building.
Where can you find live music in Grapevine, Texas?
Grapevine's historic Main Street has a strong concentration of live music venues, many of them wine-focused. These include Sloan and Williams Winery, Will Hoyt's Restaurant, Chill Bar and Grill, Bullion Ranch Winery, Farina's Winery, and Café Napoli's Italian Kitchen and Market. Talbots is another major venue with a big stage, also known for its chili from Frank X. Tolbert, founder of the Terlingua Championship Chili Cook-Off.
What is the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas?
The Baker Hotel is a 14-story historic hotel in Mineral Wells that opened in 1929 as part of the town's history as a wellness and spa destination. It has been closed since 1972 and is currently undergoing an expensive restoration with a target reopening date of 2026. The plans call for 165 rooms and a mineral spa. The hotel is visible from almost everywhere in town and is a major symbol of Mineral Wells' revitalization efforts.
What is Texas Live! in Arlington and what's there?
Texas Live! is a massive multi-story entertainment complex in downtown Arlington that opened in 2018. It sits next to Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), and Choctaw Stadium. Inside, the Live Arena has a 100-foot LED screen for sports watch parties. Food and drink options include Pudge's Pizza, Lockhart Smokehouse, and the PBR Texas nightclub. Troy's is the main spot for live music, especially popular before and after Cowboys games.
Where was Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger album recorded?
Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger album was recorded at Audio Dallas Recording Studio, located in Garland, Texas. The studio dates back to 1981 and has hosted many notable artists over the years, including Jack Ingram, Kris Kristofferson, and Miranda Lambert. The studio's walls display photos and memorabilia from its long history of recording sessions.
What towns near Dallas have walkable historic downtown areas?
Several towns near Dallas feature walkable historic downtown squares and main streets. McKinney has a large historic square with shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Carrollton's downtown includes the Pink House, a 1921 gazebo, and Pocket Sandwich Theater. Garland has a town square undergoing revitalization with spots like Intrinsic Smokehouse and Dos Banderas. Ennis has an eight-block historic downtown anchored by Ashley's Downtown Kitchen and Bar. Grapevine's Main Street is known for its restored buildings, wine bars, and the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Roanoke's Oak Street is packed with restaurants earning it the title of Unique Dining Capital of Texas.
What is the Unique Dining Capital of Texas?
Roanoke, Texas calls itself the Unique Dining Capital of Texas. The town of about 10,000 people, located midway between Fort Worth and Dallas, concentrates its restaurants along Oak Street. Dining options include Bayou Jack's Cajun Grill, Babes Chicken Dinner House, Oak Street Pie Company, Hard Eight BBQ, Enzo Kitchen, and Las Molcajetes. For live music on the same strip, Soul Fire Brewing is one of the main spots.