Five unique North Texas Events this weekend: May 7-8

This article originally appeared in the North Texas e-News.

Free Comic Book Day – Local North Texas Comic Shops

Free Comic Book Day on May 7 is an exciting opportunity for parents and children alike to sample some of the biggest comic titles around at absolutely no cost. This year’s free offerings range from kids’ classics and favorites like Archie, Donald Duck, and Pokemon to previews of Marvel blockbuster events and even popular horror and sci-fi books from franchises like Stranger Things, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Doctor Who. For a full list of available titles, visit  https://www.freecomicbookday.com/catalog. Held since 2002, the annual event has become a staple in the comic book collecting community. Local shops around the North Texas area will be giving away the free comics as well as hosting events and special guests to celebrate. Some of the standout North Texas shops hosting events include:

Carpe Diem Comics – McKinney: Husband and wife team Shannon and Melyssa Childs-Wiley are hosting special guests including Hector Gonzalez Rodriguez III, the creator of Dallas-based independent publisher Rio Bravo Comics, at their popular local store. Carpe Diem Comics will also have the full range of Free Comic Book Day titles on hand for the event. Keep an eye on the store’s Facebook page for more details.

Collected Comics & Games – Fort Worth and Haltom City: With two shops, Collected Comics & Games is hosting double the exciting events with free snacks like hot dogs, snow cones and cotton candy at the new Haltom City location and a massive sidewalk sale at the Fort Worth location. For more information, check out the stores’ Facebook page.

Pastime Comics – Watauga: Popular comic artists will be on hand at the shop including Mico Suayan who has done recent work for both Marvel and DC and Ariel Diaz whose art has adorned the cover of the always popular G.I. Joe franchise. More information on these appearances and more is available at the store’s Facebook page.

Up, Up & Away! Festival of Flight – The Colony

Soar on over to the Prestwick STEM Academy from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on May 7 for this free event celebrating the world of flight. With kite flying, paper airplane making and a birding demonstration, the event has the makings of a fun, family outing for all. Food trucks and vendors will also be on hand, although the event prohibits alcohol due to its location on school property. For more information, visit https://www.thecolonytx.gov/837/Up-Up-Away-Festival-of-Flight.

Cowboys Taco Fest – Arlington

AT&T Stadium is set to host this Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 7 starting at noon. 8 confirmed food truck vendors will be on hand with more than a dozen different tacos offered. The fest will also include live country music performances headlined by “I Met a Girl” singer William Michael Morgan. Advanced tickets are on sale for $15 while day-of tickets will be available for $20. Check out the stadium’s website for additional information and available tickets.

10th Annual Frisco StrEATS Gourmet Food Truck & Music Festival

Billed as “Texas’ longest-running food truck festival,” this event returns to the Frisco Rail District from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 7. Entry to the event is free and includes the opportunity to see live music from tribute acts for classic rock bands like Journey and Queen. This outdoor event is pet-friendly and will also include children’s activities as well as craft beer and wine for adults. For more information, visit https://friscoraildistrictmerchants.com/streats/.

Plano AsiaFest 2022

This free festival at Haggard Park in downtown Plano will host a full slate of fun cultural activities and demonstrations including lion dances, martial arts and a fashion show as well as standard fest offerings like food and live music. Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 7, the event’s stage performances will be livestreamed online for those unable to attend in person. Additional information is available at http://asianamericanheritage.org/.