The Best Things to Do in Carrollton, TX This Weekend

Last Updated: February 2026 — We refresh this guide every month with new events, seasonal happenings, and updated venue information, so you can always find something worth doing in Carrollton, no matter when you're reading this.

If there is one North Texas city that constantly surprises people, it is Carrollton. Located right in the heart of the DFW Metroplex, it is incredibly easy to get to, but most people just drive straight past it on the tollway.

If you are skipping Carrollton, you are missing out on one of the best food scenes in the entire state, miles of gorgeous outdoor trails, and a genuinely historic downtown. You don't have to drive into downtown Dallas — or even Plano or Frisco — to have a great day out. This guide covers everything worth doing in Carrollton, organized so you can jump straight to what you're looking for, whether that's outdoor recreation, family activities, food, free events, or seasonal festivals.

This Week's Events in Carrollton

Carrollton's event calendar is constantly evolving, with new concerts, markets, and community gatherings added throughout the year. Rather than list specific dates here (which go stale fast), we recommend checking our live, continuously updated Carrollton events calendar for whatever is happening this week — from live music at Downtown Carrollton Square to seasonal markets and family programming at the city's parks. Bookmark this page and check back, since the events widget refreshes automatically as new listings come in.

Outdoors in Carrollton

When the weather is actually cooperating in Texas, you have to take advantage of it. Carrollton is known for its extensive park system and hike-and-bike trails, making it one of the more underrated outdoor destinations in the Metroplex.

Campion Trail

The absolute highlight is the Campion Trail. It is a 22-mile paved greenbelt that runs directly alongside the Elm Fork Trinity River, passing through open fields and beautiful wetlands. The trail connects Carrollton to neighboring communities, making it a favorite for cyclists and runners logging serious mileage.

Josey Ranch Lake Park

For a more low-key outing, head to Josey Ranch Lake Park. This spot is a local favorite for fishing, walking the shaded paths around the lake, and watching the resident ducks and geese. It is also one of the easiest green spaces in Carrollton to reach if you're short on time but still want fresh air.

Elm Fork Nature Preserve

If you want something a bit more tucked away, check out the Elm Fork Nature Preserve, a 40-acre area perfect for spotting native plants and wildlife. It's a quieter alternative to the busier trail sections and a great option for birdwatching.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Carrollton is a solid choice for a family day trip, with a mix of history, green space, and low-key attractions that work for all ages.

A.W. Perry Homestead Museum

If you have kids with you, or you just appreciate local history, stop by the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum right in town to get a taste of North Texas pioneer life. It's a compact, easy visit that pairs well with an afternoon at Downtown Carrollton Square.

Parks and Trails for Families

Josey Ranch Lake Park and the Campion Trail both work well for families — the paved paths are stroller-friendly, and there's plenty of shade and open grass for kids to run around. If you're planning a broader trail day beyond Carrollton, our guide to family-friendly hikes in DFW has more options that kids will actually enjoy. And when the heat ramps up in the summer, our roundup of the top splash pads and water parks in Collin County covers nearby cooling-off spots worth the short drive.

Dining & Nightlife

This is where Carrollton truly separates itself from the rest of the Metroplex.

Old Denton Road's Koreatown

If you want incredible Asian cuisine, head straight to Old Denton Road. The Koreatown area in Carrollton is a culinary goldmine and one of the best-kept dining secrets in North Texas.

If you are starving, grab a table at Bros Korean BBQ Sushi & Shabu. Instead of making you choose between K-BBQ, shabu-shabu, or sushi, they offer an all-you-can-eat experience that includes all three. They're open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, which is perfect for late-night cravings.

If you just want pure, crispy comfort food, head down the street to DAQ Korean Style Cuisine & Chicken. Their Korean-style fried chicken is double-fried for the ultimate crunch, delivering a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.

Downtown Carrollton Square

Downtown Carrollton Square is the real deal. You can spend an entire afternoon walking around, browsing local shops, and grabbing dinner at one of the small, independently owned restaurants tucked into the charming brick facades. The square frequently hosts live music at its gazebo, and it's a great spot to end an evening if you're bar-hopping or looking for something more low-key than the Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts crowds.

Looking for more late-night food or nightlife options in the area? Our guides to DFW food truck parks and the ultimate DFW taco trail both cover spots within easy reach of Carrollton. For trivia and karaoke fans, check out our roundup of karaoke nights in Collin County.

Free Activities in Carrollton

Not every great day out needs a budget. Carrollton has plenty of no-cost options for locals and visitors alike.

Live Music at the Square

The gazebo at Downtown Carrollton Square regularly hosts free live music, especially in the warmer months. It's an easy, no-reservation way to spend an evening downtown.

Trails and Parks

The Campion Trail, Josey Ranch Lake Park, and the Elm Fork Nature Preserve are all completely free to explore and open daily, making them the easiest way to spend a few hours outdoors without spending a dime.

For more free options across the Metroplex, check out our guides to free things to do in downtown Dallas and free family-friendly events happening around DFW.

Seasonal Events in Carrollton

Carrollton's event calendar shifts with the seasons, and some of the city's best gatherings only happen at certain times of year.

Trinity Nights and Summer Concert Series

Throughout the warmer months, Carrollton hosts community concert series and evening gatherings like Trinity Nights, which draw crowds looking for live music and a chance to be outside before the summer heat becomes unbearable. These events rotate through local parks and the downtown square, so check the calendar widget above for current dates.

Holiday Season

As the weather cools, Carrollton and its neighboring communities light up with seasonal displays and markets. If you're planning a holiday itinerary across the Metroplex, our DFW Christmas lights and holiday events guide covers the best spots to see, and our Halloween events and trick-or-treat trails guide is useful come fall.

Explore Nearby Cities

Carrollton sits close to several other DFW communities worth exploring if you're making a full weekend of it. If you're heading north, our guide to events and things to do in Frisco covers the summer lineup there. For something a little more upscale, check out our guide to Addison's year-round events and festivals. And if you want to keep the small-town charm going, our Denton Square guide covers live music, coffee shops, and weekly events just up the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Carrollton, TX today?

Check the events calendar widget above for what's happening today specifically, but reliable year-round options include walking the Campion Trail, exploring Downtown Carrollton Square, or grabbing a meal in the Old Denton Road Koreatown district.

What is Carrollton, TX known for?

Carrollton is known for its exceptional Korean and Asian food scene along Old Denton Road, its extensive trail system anchored by the Campion Trail, and its historic downtown square.

Is Carrollton, TX good for a weekend trip?

Yes. Carrollton offers a mix of outdoor recreation, dining, history, and free community events, making it an easy and affordable day trip or weekend destination within the DFW Metroplex.

Where is the best food in Carrollton, TX?

The Old Denton Road Koreatown corridor is the top food destination in Carrollton, with standout spots like Bros Korean BBQ Sushi & Shabu and DAQ Korean Style Cuisine & Chicken. Downtown Carrollton Square also has a solid lineup of local restaurants.

If you'd like to stay up to date on events around DFW, bookmark DFWPulse and check back often — we keep the calendar fresh so you never miss what's happening in your city.