Unique North Texas events this weekend: April 14-16

31st Annual New Vintage Wine + Gallery Trail & Art Show – Grapevine

A centuries-old tradition combines with a fine arts gallery and wine-tasting showcase in Grapevine this weekend. This unique, long-running event kicks off from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on April 14 with a new addition to the weekend, an Art Patron Party at Peace Plaza. The party is an interactive opportunity for art enthusiasts to view works from prominent and talented North Texas artists, ask them questions and even buy their artwork. The party will also treat patrons to appetizers, live jazz music and wine-tasting opportunities. Tickets for the party cost $75.

At 10:30 a.m. the following morning, the traditional Blessing of the Vines and Procession begins. According to a recent city release, the free-to-attend procession includes the carrying of 100 pounds of fresh grapes to a blessing of the newly released wines to ensure a bountiful harvest. The wine will then flow from a 1929 historic grape-crushing Chevy truck that the city has dubbed Miss Grapevine.

From there, the annual wine and gallery trail starts at 11:00 a.m. and runs through 6:00 p.m., where attendees can take a passport-guided journey through Historic Downtown Grapevine for wine tastings and samplers. Chocolates will also be available at the various art galleries and studios throughout the beautiful public art trail. Tickets for the wine and gallery trail cost $55. Visit the city of Grapevine website for additional information about all of these events, including how to purchase tickets.

En Plein Air Frisco

Art is in the air and around Frisco thanks to this event hosted by the Visual Arts Guild of Frisco in conjunction with Play Frisco. En Plein Air Frisco features artists painting outdoors in the open air around the city starting on April 13 at three different locations: Freedom Meadow at Warren Park, Frisco Commons Park and the Frisco Heritage Museum and historic park. The public is welcome to come out to any of the locations to watch the artists, ask questions or even bring their own easel to create alongside them. En Plein Air Frisco organizers will collect all of the art created during the event for display and judging at The Grove at Frisco Commons. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 15, En Plein Air Frisco culminates with a reception and awards ceremony at The Grove, featuring all of the artwork along with music and snacks. Check out the Collin-Denton Spotlighter’s feature story on En Plein Air Frisco to learn more.

Arts in Bloom – McKinney

This free festival celebrating the arts, including the vibrant McKinney art community, takes place from April 14-16. Arts in Bloom showcases over 125 artists lining McKinney’s downtown area, including a number of local artists who will be participating in live and engaging art demos on topics like pottery, leatherwork, painting and more. There will also be various children’s art activities, live music performances, food vendors and a wine-tasting opportunity that gives attendees who purchase a $30 ticket the opportunity to sample up to 12 wines from Texas wineries. Arts in Bloom runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. To learn more about Arts in Bloom and the McKinney art community’s involvement with this annual event, head over to the Collin-Denton Spotlighter’s recent feature on the festival.

Arlington Comic Fest

Head to the Bob Duncan Center dressed in your best cosplay costumes for the Arlington Comic Fest. The fest features 75 vendors selling comics and sci-fi, anime and fantasy merchandise as well as a variety of special guests, including Burton Gilliam from “Blazing Saddles” and “Back to the Future Part III” and Leiliani Shui from popular recent Star Wars streaming series like “The Mandalorian.” The festival runs from noon to 6:00 p.m. on April 15 and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 16, with tickets starting at $15 for adults. Children 12 and under get free admission. For more information, including a full list of exciting special guests, go to https://arlingtoncomicfest.com/acf. Also, check out my preview of last year’s event with Arlington Comic Fest organizer Steve Moya for an inside look at the history of the festival and the attendee experience.

Family Fun Day at Legacy Hall – Plano

Celebrate the start of warmer weather and sunnier days at Legacy Hall on April 16. Family Fun Day is a free event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where attendees can grab a bite from one of the almost 20 family-friendly restaurants at the hall while enjoying an on-site bounce house and an 11:30 a.m. magic show. Seating for the magic show and Family Fun Day is first come, first served, as Legacy Hall will not collect tickets for the event. Learn more about Family Fun Day at the Legacy Food Hall website.