Blog

Family-Friendly Mesquite Art Center Exhibitions

The arts offer a versatile and adaptable experience for both children and adults. If given proper attention and resources, it can expand its influence and positively impact a community for years to come. This has been the mission of the Mesquite Arts Center since its inception, and we continue to expand our offerings and partnerships to better serve our community. Read more.

Where to See Blooming Texas Bluebonnets in Dallas

Not only is the Texas bluebonnet the state flower of the Lone Star State, but it’s also very present in and around the town of Mesquite! These beautiful blue flowers are synonymous with spring in Texas and are the perfect sign of the impending warmer weather. Every year Texans and out-of-state admirers alike travel to see the Texas bluebonnets for themselves. If you’re looking for where to see blooming Texas Bluebonnets near Dallas in 2021, you’re in luck!

Why Mesquite is a Perfect Family Getaway in Texas

Planning a family getaway is a top priority for many of us this year. If you’re looking to destress and enjoy some time away, look no further than Mesquite, Texas for your next family vacation! First-time visitors have so much to explore and 2021 is the perfect time to discover what this amazing town has to offer. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas, your next family trip is a convenient drive away from one of Texas’ largest cities. Read more.

5 Things to Do in Mesquite Under New Normal

The new normal has changed Mesquite slightly, but it still retains its status as one of the most charming and authentic Texas towns. Things look a little different, but there’s still no better place to experience an amazing weekend, afternoon, or week-long vacation. Read more.

Mesquite to Host Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival

February 27 and 28, 2021 the 4^th Annual Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival will take place at the Mesquite Convention Center just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas. A great lineup of indoor casting demonstrations and classes are available with industry experts and tasting some of the Lone Star State’s best microbrewed beer. Read more.

Shop at Market East Shopping Center

Need to refresh your wardrobe, resupply your home office, pick up sporting goods, or stock up for craft projects? You’ll find everything you need and more from the big-box retailers at Market East Shopping Center. Read more.

Shop and Make a Difference

As the people of Texas continue to come together and support each other, we want to recognize an important part of what makes Mesquite so strong: The local retailers, who are open for business! Read more.

Options Are Endless at Town East Mall

Whether you’re shopping for your family, picking up holiday gifts, or are just looking to take a weekday shopping spree, Town East Mall in Mesquite has everything you need in one easy location. Read more.

Local Coffee Shop Warms Hands and Hearts

Sean Belknap certainly isn’t bearish when it comes to a good cup of coffee. And as owners of Bear Cave Coffee in downtown Mesquite, he and his wife, Hillary, hope the people of Mesquite aren’t either.

But Sean says Bear Cave – located inside The Corner Theatre at 214 W. Davis St. on the historic Heritage Square – is about more than just a cup of coffee.. Read more.

Shop Mesquite Today for Great Finds!

There is no place like Mesquite, where you'll find great shopping and much fun. Read more.

Why choose Mesquite to host your event?

Located adjacent to the Hampton Inn and Suites is the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall. With more than 50,000 square feet of floor space, set up your next convention, trade show, or conference in multiple ways to fit your needs. Read more.

Mesquite promotes Black Friday shopping

Mesquite, TX – November 27, 2020 – Black Friday is traditionally the day after Thanksgiving and marks the official start of the national holiday shopping season. The City of Mesquite is encouraging people to shop and dine locally in the Mesquite community as a part of its “Shop Mesquite” campaign.
The campaign includes the new www.ShopMesquiteTX.com listing of shopping centers, restaurants and businesses located in Mesquite which features stories, videos and more on places to shop, eat and experience Mesquite. Read more.

Small Business Saturday: Check out these Videos

Small Business Saturday - Support locally owned small businesses on this international day dedicated to shopping small. A variety of Downtown Mesquite businesses will open their doors to welcome you. Be sure to visit our Downtown Mesquite, TX Facebook page to take in video visits to businesses as well. Read more.

Experience the Holidays in Mesquite

Experience the holiday season here with us in Mesquite. We have great events taking place throughout the city from now until the end of the year. From Small Business Saturday to our traditional Christmas in the Park, we are ready to join in with you in the festivities. {Read More}

Shopping in Mesquite? Check out these Videos

As we gear up for another holiday season, keep in mind Mesquite, Texas offers a wide variety of things to do, places to eat and go shopping. {Read More}

Dickey's BBQ in Mesquite plans big move for 2021

The chain barbecue joint's new digs will still be in the city limits, and will be updated to include a large patio. For a quarter of a century, the address has been the same for Mesquite residents looking to chow down on some Dickey’s Barbecue. That will change next year, {Read More}

World Finals International Miniature Bullriding

Mark your calendars for the World Finals for the International Miniature Bull Riding Association (a youth competition) at the Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149, on December 8-12. {Read More}

Mesquite Convention Center Chosen as Polling Place

DALLAS and ALPHARETTA, Ga. — October 8, 2020 — The Mesquite Convention Center & Exhibit Hall today announced that the event venue has been selected by the Dallas County Elections Department to serve as a polling location on Election Day. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST on November 3, 2020, the Mesquite Convention Center & Exhibit Hall will host convenient walk-in and curbside voting and free parking for Dallas County registered voters. {Read More}

DowntownMesquiteTX.com is Live

DowntownMesquiteTX.com is officially live and waiting for you to explore. The new website includes a directory of downtown businesses and information for future business owners. Stay up to date on the Downtown Mesquite Development Program that is breathing new life into the heart of Mesquite. {Read More}

13 OUTDOOR DINING SPOTS IN MESQUITE

As the seasons change, the weather is just right to grab a table on the patio at your favorite Mesquite restaurant. Find the perfect spot for a family dinner or grab lunch on a lazy afternoon. {Read More}

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Mesquite

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 each year and is a time to celebrate the history and contributions of American citizens with ancestors of Hispanic descent. Read below to see how you and your family can engage with and learn more about Hispanic culture and traditions in Mesquite. {Read More}

Smith’s of Mesquite restaurant to Open in Downtown

The Mesquite City Council has approved an agreement for Smith’s of Mesquite to open a 6,000 square-foot full-service restaurant and entertainment venue in the historic McWhorter Greenhaw building in Downtown Mesquite. Plans include a renovation of the iconic mid-century modern facade and neon, along with extensive interior updates. {Read More}

Attend a National Motorcycle Race in Mesquite

The world's fastest dirt track motorcycle race returns to Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26. Tickets can be purchased in advance and online here. The Dallas Half-Mile doubleheader kicks off at 3 p.m., with fun for the whole family as American Flat Track takes over Devil's Bowl Speedway with vendors, live music and an entire weekend of the world's fastest dirt track motorcycle racing. {Read More}

WRANGLER® National Finals Rodeo Moves to Arlington

The Wrangler® National Finals Rodeo (NFR) is moving to Texas in December 2020! Arlington’s Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, will host the Wrangler NFR 2020 – the first non-baseball event at this extraordinary park. Event organizers confirmed the event will comply with all health and safety protocols for attendees.{Read More}

COMMEMORATE 9/11 AT MESQUITE FREEDOM PARK

Take some time this month to remember and reflect on the events of 9/11 at Mesquite Freedom Park. Located in the North Lawn of the Mesquite Arts Center, the park was created through a collaborative process between the City of Mesquite, corporate and non-profit sponsors, and community leaders. {Read More}

ENJOY THE ARTS IN MESQUITE

Although Mesquite is the Rodeo Capital of Texas, we offer a variety of cultural opportunities. From a top-notch symphony to a thriving theater scene and a healthy artistic community. {Read More}

Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival in Mesquite

A new year means new dates and a brand new location for the Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival: The 4^th Annual Texas Fly & Brew will take place on February 27 and 28, 2021, in Mesquite, just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas. “We’re thrilled to partner with Mesquite to bring our unique festival to this great location,” says Festival Director Beau Beasley. “Since coming to Texas we’ve seen steady growth in both attendees and vendors, which requires a much larger venue. The Mesquite Convention Center allows us to offer an even greater variety of classes in 2021.” {Read More}

Plan a Fishing Trip to City Lake Park in Mesquite

Bring your poles and bait box to Mesquite. Pack up the car for a fun day of fishing and escape the bustling city. Save the date on your calendar for the next catfish stocking of City Lake Park during the week of Aug. 31. As a part of the Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Neighborhood Fishin’ Program, the lake is routinely stocked with catfish and rainbow trout depending on the season. {Read More}

Alejandro’s at Front Street in Downtown Mesquite

The City of Mesquite will welcome Alejandro’s at Front Street Station to Downtown Mesquite in January 2021 as the City Council has approved the lease agreement of a City-owned building at 117 W. Main Street. The restaurant will cook up a menu that includes traditional Mexican recipes sprinkled with a pinch of Texas flavors. Alejandro’s at Front Street will feature outdoor dining, a full-service bar and live music. {Read More}

BOOK TEE TIME IN MESQUITE FOR NATIONAL GOLF MONTH

August is National Golf Month, and Mesquite is a hole-in-one kind of destination offering the best for golf aficionados. Book your time to play on the scenic fairways at the Mesquite Golf Club, one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s most affordable, luxurious courses. We want you to have a great time on the course, but please be safe, use social distance guidelines and follow Dallas County health orders. {Read More}

Five Reasons Mesquite is the Perfect Family Trip

There is still time to plan the perfect family road trip or staycation this summer and the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas is a prime destination. From great lodging options to a melting pot of restaurants, read below to see why you should put a trip to Mesquite on the family calendar. {Read More}

SHOP HERE FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILER MONTH

July is Independent Retailer Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the positive social and economic impact of locally owned shops and restaurants. Although it is nice to shop independent retail year-round, we encourage you to #ShopMesquite this month and discover the local businesses and restaurants in the community.{Read More}

THE BEST DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS IN NORTH TEXAS

Movie buffs undaunted by the Texas heat can take to the great outdoors for drive-in films, as the all-American old-time pastime is making a comeback during the coronavirus pandemic.

Showings of movies like Wonder Woman, Sonic the Hedgehog and Straight Outta Compton will fill outdoor theater screens this month, along with a cinematic concert by Blake Shelton and troupe.

We've listed some old school drive-ins that are still kicking it around North Texas, as well as a few newbies. {Read More}

WHY IS MESQUITE THE RODEO CAPITAL OF TEXAS?

We might be a few hours away from the capital of Texas, but the rodeo capital is right here in Mesquite, Texas! Located just a 15-minute drive from Dallas, our city is filled with amazing restaurants, shops, and local attractions that you can only find here. That’s not all, though. People come from all over the country—and the world!—to see why we’re called the rodeo capital of Texas. {Read More}

Enjoy National Macaroni & Cheese Day in Mesquite

Macaroni and cheese is relatively simple: pasta tubes, cheese, milk, some butter and you’re in business.

But perhaps because of its simplicity it also is incredibly versatile. There are so many potential combinations, whether using a different type of cheese, adding a breading or getting an add-on like chicken or jalapeno into the mix.

Whether you’re a purist who wants to keep it basic or love a macaroni mish-mash, July 14 is the day the people who decide these things have deemed we celebrate macaroni and cheese. {Read More}

What to Expect at Your First Rodeo

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo kicked open the chutes the first Saturday in June and it’s as exciting as ever. The City of Mesquite is proud to have the rodeo back and we’re excited for you to see it for yourself. There’s a reason we are the Rodeo Capital of Texas! This is a unique year to attend the rodeo and we’re sure a lot of newcomers are wondering what to expect. Here’s what you need to know as a first-time Rodeo attendee. {Read More}

Seven Outdoor Attractions to Visit in Mesquite

July is National Parks and Recreation Month and the perfect time to explore all the green spaces and outdoor adventures in Mesquite. Be sure to include these seven outdoor attractions in your travel plans this month as Texas summer gets into full swing. {Read More}

See Fireworks Here on July 4

The Devil’s Bowl Speedway will feature a fireworks show after the races on Saturday, July 4. Recently mentioned on NBC Sports and the venue for the national American Flat Track Race, the top drivers from around the country come to tackle the most famous track in the Southeast. There’s not a bad seat in the house, but purchase a Pit Pass to see the race from the middle of the track for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The race begins at 8:30 p.m., but the gate and pits open at 6 p.m. for visitors to snap pictures and get autographs from the drivers.{Read More}

BEST MESQUITE ATTRACTIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF PERSON

Travel is looking a little different this year, but that doesn’t take away from what makes Mesquite, Texas such a great place to visit. If you’re looking to make future travel plans, look no further than this beautiful Texas city. Whether you’re planning a trip with friends or bringing your family on vacation, you’ll find activities that will excite everyone. {Read More}

The Summer Without Rodeos

Around the country, but mostly in small towns in the West, hundreds of professional rodeos have been canceled.

STONYFORD, Calif. — Tucked into the hard wrinkles of Northern California foothills, the one-stop-sign town of Stonyford can feel like the middle of nowhere.

Zoe Brandenberger, one of about 200 residents, has spent most of her life in Stonyford.

“Right when you think you’re lost,” she said while offering driving directions, “you’re about here.”

Stonyford could always count on a few crowded days every year during its annual three-day rodeo, when the town’s population swells into the thousands.

Out-of-towners stay for much of a week. Pickups, campers and trailers, paying $25 each, fill the field behind Brother Moore Arena. There are nightly dances and rodeo queens. There is a pancake breakfast and a parade.{Read More}

SMALLER NORTH TEXAS RODEO IN SPOTLIGHT

During this challenging time when some of the larger rodeos such as the Calgary Stampede in Alberta and the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming have canceled because of coronavirus concerns, the smaller rodeos are riding into the spotlight.

Take the Mesquite Championship Rodeo for example. It’s traditionally a smaller, weekly rodeo that runs from June through August. The rodeo typically draws some world class competitors because it’s in a geographic hotbed for activity.

But when Mesquite kicked off its 63rd consecutive season June 6, there was an influx of accomplished athletes because it was the only rodeo sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association that featured every standard riding and roping event. {Read More}

Discover 4 Movies Made in Mesquite

Even if you've never visited Mesquite, Texas chances are good you've seen it before—whether on the small screen or the silver screen. Crews from all over the world have known for decades that Mesquite makes a desirable filming location.

The Texas Film Commission has certified the city as a film-friendly community; it boasts a variety of scenic settings, several incentives and local support, making it an attractive destination for shoots big and small. Create your film tourism adventure by visiting these popular destinations in Mesquite that have served as the backdrop to a few television series and movies. {Read More}

Rodeo set to reopen in Texas

Cowboys are set to get back in the saddle this weekend in Mesquite, Tex., as the city’s rodeo reopens for its summer season after fears it would be canceled due to the novel coronavirus.

Organizers behind the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which was established in 1957, say their reopening marks the first professional sports event open to ticket holders in the United States since the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent shutdowns led to widespread cancellations, the Dallas Morning News reported.

Rodeo director Travis Wheat told the Morning News that his team had just about two weeks to accomplish two months of preparations to reopen this weekend.

“Our heads have been spinning, but it’s good,” Wheat said. “The goal is clear: Just put on a rodeo and keep fans safe.”{Read More}

MESQUITE RODEO THE NATION’S 1st Sport Event

Fans will be in the stands again Saturday at the historic Mesquite Championship Rodeo, in what organizers say will be the first professional ticketed event in the United States since the coronavirus pandemic forced major sports leagues and events to shut down.

Gov. Greg Abbott cleared the way for the start of the season by allowing rodeo and equestrian events to begin May 22.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo had held out hope it would be able to put on rodeos this summer, but even with plans to return, it’s been hectic with the rodeo looking to make sure concessions, signs, graphics and in-arena staffing are taken care of, while modifying its normal procedures as COVID-19 continues to spread.

“We had about two months of work to get done in about a week and a half to two weeks,” Travis Wheat, director of Mesquite Championship Rodeo, said this week. “Our heads have been spinning, but it’s good. The goal is clear: Just put on a rodeo and keep fans safe.” {Read More}

MESQUITE CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO SCHEDULED TO GO ON

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is back and open for business.

Since 1957, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo (MCR) has been captivating the
attention of rodeo fans and tourists alike, and this year will be no different. The MCR will
continue its 63rd consecutive year with its 13-week series on Saturday nights, despite
shutdowns elsewhere still looming, throughout June until the end of August.

“We’re a privately owned rodeo, so the pressure to shut down was never really applied
or forced on us," MCR Rodeo Director Travis Wheat said. "We held off canceling, with the thought that we'd be right on the bubble, and as it turns out, we were right. And with aid from all our partners and a big thanks to Visit Mesquite Texas and the citizens of Mesquite, we’re able to produce Texas’ original sport for the 63rd consecutive year in the Rodeo Capital of Texas.” {Read More}

The Hidden Gem at Porky's Burger

They celebrated their first anniversary in April, and right as high noon hits, the dining room is empty. It’s literally empty — the chairs and tables have vanished, and stickers form a pathway every six feet to show where a few souls can stand. Miroslava Pena, who’s runs the burger joint with her family, punches the register behind a shield and a mask.

Porky’s Burgers and Wings is the free-standing, baby-blue hut on the edge of a vision-spanning parking lot. It’s a family business situated at the base of a mountain range of big retail shops, a real Rocky Balboa kind of burger joint on Gus Thomasson Road in Mesquite. {Read More}