5 Ways to Spend a Real Texas Weekend in Mesquite
Summer is the perfect time to find things to do in mesquite
Combining Texas-sized fun with small town charm, Mesquite is the perfect summer diversion for anyone searching for relaxing, friendly fun. See why Mesquite is called the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, held every Saturday in the summertime. Catch live music through the rodeo’s summer concert series and in small venues all over town. And savor the flavors of north Texas with a visit to Mesquite’s charming downtown farmers market or one of its 250 local restaurants. It’s all here in magical, mouthwatering Mesquite.
Enjoy a Thrill a Minute Every Saturday at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo
When you visit the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas one thing’s for sure: seeing the rodeo is a must. The world famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo is held every Saturday at the Mesquite Arena throughout June, July, and August, and offers not just thrilling rodeo action, but live music and food to boot! From the comfort of air-conditioned seats, watch the pageantry and excitement you’d expect, including saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, rodeo clowns, and much more. A crowd favorite is the Mutton Bustin’, in which kids compete for top honors by holding onto the back of a wild and wooly sheep. Other events will have you on the edge of your seat, too, as competitors show off their expert ropin’ and ridin’ skills. Head for the barbecue pavilion for some local cuisine, and stick around for live regional bands. Just launched this year, the Mesquite Rodeo Summer Concert Series features a different act every Saturday following the rodeo. Don’t forget, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo also features premium seating, including private suites for groups.
Pick Up Fresh Produce and More at the Mesquite Farmers Market
Bursting with fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, and tasty eats, the festive Mesquite Farmers Market at Front Street Station is the place to be on Saturday mornings. Set against the backdrop of vibrant downtown Mesquite, the market features farmers from within a 150-mile radius. The summer months offer the best of north Texas produce, including red ripe tomatoes bursting with flavor, fresh peppers, cucumbers, corn, and more. That’s not all. The Mesquite Farmers Market is also a marketplace for handmade foods and artisan wares, including jams, sauces, preserves, baked goods, bath and body products, artwork, and other one-of-a-kind items. Everything you see is made by the vendors themselves. While you shop, enjoy live music from local musicians in the adjacent amphitheater. Grab a seat, sip coffee, and enjoy something tasty from a vendor or from one of the many local food trucks. The family-friendly event is the perfect way to start your Saturday.
Enjoy an Evening Out on the Town
It doesn’t take long to see that Mesquite is a city chock-full of high-energy fun. Plan a night out on the town filled with live music and fantastic celebrations that show off Mesquite’s proud diverse heritage. Tejano Friday Nights are a new tradition at Front Street Station in downtown Mesquite, featuring DJs playing a variety of Tejano music and plenty of dancing. Or, head for Culichi Town, a trendy Mexican restaurant featuring delectable cuisine from the country’s Sinaloa region paired with live music, entertainment and bold and beautiful cocktails. It’s a terrific place for a family celebration or girls’ night out. And if plans call for a little retail therapy, Town East Mall is the place to be for an evening of shopping and dining. With more than 150 stores and restaurants situated in 1 million square feet of retail space, this shopper’s paradise is flush with new looks, satisfying cuisine, and shelter from the summer heat. Stores include Dillard’s, Guess, Dick’s, H&M and other national retailers.
Eat Like a Local in Mesquite
Greek cuisine? Check. Authentic Salvadorean? We’ve got that, too. Fall-off-the-bone Texas barbecue? You bet your sweet ribs. Mesquite is a food lovers’ town featuring more than 250 local eateries that showcase the area’s global heritage. Sink your teeth into tender pulled pork, brisket, and ribs at Mesquite BBQ, a family owned and operated joint that’s been serving melt-in-your-mouth ‘cue since 1959. The secret? It may have a little something to do with the original Oyler smoker, say the restaurant’s pitmasters. Whatever the case, a plateful of smoked meats and sides is an essential Mesquite experience.
While barbecue is legendary around here, it’s joined by other culinary treasures, including tasty Greek fare from Yia Yia’s House of Gyros. Dive into spanakopita, moussaka and souvlaki, savory skewers of lamb, chicken or pork served with a variety of traditional sides. Don’t forget dessert! The Ice Cream Bar Paleteria serves up a cool taste of summer in the form of sundaes, milkshakes, and paletas, colorful iced pops made with fresh fruit. The spot features 36 flavors of ice cream, so leave plenty of time to choose.
Score Points with these Kid-Friendly Attractions
Kids have been waiting all school year for some spontaneous summertime enjoyment, and what better way to answer their prayers than with old-fashioned fun and games. Start off with a day at Celebration Station where kids can roam free among action-packed experiences including a wide variety of video games, laser tag, batting cages, paintball, mini-golf, a playground, and a real go-kart track. There’s no end to the excitement!
Any kid will tell you that summer also means cooling off at the pool, so plan a day at City Lake Aquatic Center, Mesquite’s beloved seasonal swimming destination for families. Young ones will love climbing and cavorting on a play structure situated in shallow water. The aquatic center’s water slides and swimming pool appeal to children and teens eager for a refreshing dip and some splash-tastic good fun. Bring a picnic to enjoy under one of the shade structures. There’s a nominal fee to enter.
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The road to stress-free, relaxing fun begins in Mesquite, Texas, a destination in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that welcomes families, friends, couples, and individuals. Find accommodations to fit every price range and preference and plan your visit to the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas today.
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