Welcome to the City of Carrollton’s 14th annual Festival at the Switchyard! Whether you are a visitor or have chosen Carrollton as your place to call home, we hope you enjoy the chance to experience the many shops, services, and restaurants around the Historic Downtown Square. From unique and eclectic stores and restaurants to live music and outdoor dining, there is something for everyone. The Downtown Carrollton DART Station makes it easier than ever to stop in for shopping and entertainment.
Enjoy the Festival, come back to visit soon!
2024-2025 Carrollton City Council
(l-r): Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Christopher Axberg, Councilmember Jason Carpenter, Councilmember Rowena Watters, Mayor Pro Tem Richard Fleming, Mayor Steve Babick, City Manager Erin Rinehart, Councilmember Dr. Andrew Palacios, Councilmember Daisy Palomo, Councilmember Nancy S. Cline
Festival at the Switchyard
The annual Festival honors the role that rail has played in Carrollton’s past and its continuing importance today and in the future.
The Historic Downtown Square was once the hub of a dusty little settlement of pioneers who came to claim their parcel of the Peters Colony land. The gazebo now sits on the site of the former well that provided the Town’s water.
Some of the buildings around the Square date back to the late 1800s, built of brick made in Carrollton — an industry made possible by the arrival of the railroad.
Today, three active train lines still cross paths in the switchyard just north of the Festival site near the historic train depot.
Eat, Drink, and Shop
In addition to exciting concerts, there is a variety of arts and crafts, food and beverage, and games and activities available for the whole family to enjoy.
• First Aid/Carrollton Fire Rescue/ Citizen Fire Academy
• Fun Express Novelty
• Lark Music Loft
• Leslie Anne Jewelry
• Lone Star Roots
• Papa Perry’s Pepper Products
• Premier Martial Arts
• Scentsy
• Sensory Friendly Break Area
• Sublime Sublimations
• Suzanne Blakey Designs
• Texas Angel Food
• Toasted Simple
• Vardanyan Family
• Western Extrusions
• Whataburger
• Yangua Wellness
• Yhoaki
Sponsor Booths
*Vendors and booth locations are subject to change. See map on page 5 for section locations.
Festival Map
Ballistic Swing Ride (42” minimum)
Turbo Tubs of Fun
Rock Climbing Walls (50-250 lbs.)
Video Game Truck
Amazon Zip Line (40-200 lbs. or 42” minimum)
7 Element Obstacle Course (36-72” tall)
Animal Land Toddler Bounce House (30-40”)
Arcade Games & Pinball (inside Plaza Arts Center)
Euro Trampolines (age 5+, 40-200 lbs.)
Inflatable Sports Games
Pirates Revenge Ride (42” minimum)
Reckless Ride (42” minimum, under 250 lbs.)
Fun Slide (42” minimum)
Caricature Drawings
Face Painting
Balloon Artists
Spin Art
Information Booth/Lost & Found
The Photo Bus
Arts & Crafts
Lost & Found
Sensory Friendly Break Area
Band/Festival Merchandise
ATM
First Aid
Restrooms
Nursing/Changing Station
Bar
Food & Beverage
Craft/Promotional Booths
Main Stage*
*See back page for full entertainment schedule.
Arcade Games & Pinball
Close @ 5 pm
Face Painting, Balloon/Spin Art
Close @ 6 pm
Rides & Games
Close @ 7 pm
The Wallflowers
Led by Jakob Dylan, the Wallflowers formed in 1989 in Los Angeles where they recorded their debut album. In 1996, their second album Bringing Down the Horse not only achieved quadruple-platinum status by selling four million copies, but hit song “One Headlight” also won two Grammy awards, including Best Rock Song, and was named number one on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Adult Alternative Songs. The band continued releasing music into the 2000s, including the albums Breach and Red Letter Days. Their most recent offering, the 2021 album Exit Wounds, still showcases the signature sound fans love. The raspy vocals of Dylan against the backdrop of blended rock, alt, and folk instrumentals are delivered through a mix of rootsy guitar riffs and driving rhythms, all of which the Wallflowers will bring for an unforgettable show in Downtown Carrollton.
Deep Blue Something
Alternative rock band Deep Blue Something will open for the Wallflowers. Brothers Todd and Toby Pipes formed the band in 1991 in Denton, Texas, and released their first album 11th Song in 1993 and their second album Home in 1994. The single “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” off Home was played on the radio worldwide and reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. and number one in the U.K. in 1996. Since its release, the iconic single continues to feature in many popular television series and has more than 300 million streams on Spotify. Deep Blue Something reunited to tour again and released new music on the 2016 Locust House EP. In addition to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” festivalgoers can look forward to hearing songs such as “Halo,” “Josey,” and “Out of My Head.”
Downtown Fever
Featuring the talent of local favorite Emerald City Band, Downtown Fever is a highly sought-after party band that has performed for everyone from celebrities to presidents. This high-energy group of musicians combines choreography, lighting, and multiple lead vocalists together for one electric performance. Their interactive style of performance keeps the dance floor packed and the good times rolling. From classic favorites spanning decades of music to the hits of today, Downtown Fever is sure to please all types of music lovers.
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Mock Lobster
Mock Lobster is an Austin-based B-52’s tribute group. Audiences can experience the height of the 1980s music scene by groovin’ to covers of iconic hits like “Rock Lobster” and “Love Shack.” The band’s three stylish vocalists, energetic rhythm section, and dynamite dancing make for crowd-pleasing performances wherever they roam.
Pearl Gem
Pearl Gem evokes the spirit of the ’90s with their passionate tribute to Pearl Jam. Fans will be transported back to the grunge era as the band captures the energy of hits like “Even Flow,” “Alive,” and “Black.” With every show, they recreate the raw power and emotion that made Pearl Jam a rock legend.
Havana NRG
Havana NRG has brought an electric mix of Cuban-style music including salsa, timba, bachata, son, and merengue to audiences across Texas for more than 20 years. Festivalgoers won’t be able to resist dancing along as the Latin orchestra lights up the stage with powerful vocals, trumpets, saxophones, bass, and percussion.
Jason Kyle Wickens
Grab a partner and get ready to two-step to rising country artist Jason Kyle Wickens and his fivepiece band. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Wickens turned his lifelong passion for music into a career, crafting and performing original country songs with his smooth baritone vocals and authentic sound.
School of Rock (Dallas)
School of Rock (Dallas) is a student band that performs all around DFW, providing the community with opportunities to take music lessons and practice in a large group band. They teach drums, guitar, vocals, and songwriting to help the future musicians of Texas build confidence in themselves while giving a rocking good show for audiences.
Newman Smith High School Troy Singers
Part of a rich history of choral excellence, pride, and high musical standards, the Troy Singers are the premier show choir of Newman Smith. This audition-only ensemble performs regularly at community events and will open the Festival with the National Anthem.
Long MS Cheer Team
11 am-2 pm – The Dan F. Long Middle School cheer team, under the leadership of LaMia Wheatley, is a lively group of ladies full of energy and enthusiasm that will bring the Festival spirit.
Perry MS Dance Ensemble
11:15 am – The Dewitt Perry Middle School Dance Ensemble provides students with a positive atmosphere strengthening mental, physical, and artistic abilities while providing performance opportunities.
Premier Martial Arts
11:30 am – Premier Martial Arts aims to enrich children’s’ lives one class at a time. Their students find discipline, grow leadership skills, and build character while practicing martial arts.
Danzarte Academy
11:45 am - Danzarte Academy is a bilingual dance studio in Carrollton that has been helping students reach their goals since 2015. Their dancers have received multiple awards in regional and national dance competitions.
Cause to Play Cosplayers
12-4 pm – Cause to Play is a group of cosplayers who volunteer for philanthropic and community events, bringing out characters from superheroes to pirates to princesses for the enjoyment of all.
Amanda Slick
12-4 pm – Keep an eye out for Amanda “Swiss” Slick. This talented comedy variety entertainer will captivate audiences with her skills in hula hoop dance, poi spinning, spin tricks, and magic, offering fun for all ages.
David Slick
12-4 pm – Guinness World-Record breaking juggler David Slick will stroll throughout the Festival wowing attendees with magic tricks and juggling galore. Families will love his skills in juggling, magic, and comedy routines.
Pocket Sandwich Theatre
12-5 pm – Located on the Downtown Square, Pocket Sandwich Theatre has been a beloved fixture in DFW’s live theatre scene for over 40 years. Don’t miss the chance to spot cast members from Sweeney Todd as they stroll through the Festival crowd.
Sidekicks Martial Arts
12:40 pm –Sidekicks has been proudly serving the community since 1992 as a premier Martial Arts program, providing age-appropriate instruction, individual attention, and a positive educational environment.
Class Act Tap Company
1:40 pm – The Class Act Tap Company is a service organization of almost 30 women, ages 50-89, who serve North Texas as volunteers by giving sparkling tap-dancing shows free-of-charge.
Magician Robert John
2-5 pm – Robert John will make any moment magical for the whole family as he strolls through the Festival, mystifying guests with his close-up and sleight-of-hand magic tricks.
FROM CARROLLTON'S RAILS TO ITS RHYTHMS, WE'RE YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR HYPER-LOCAL NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY
Blalack MS Dance Dept.
2:50 pm – The Charles M. Blalack Middle School Dance Department provides 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to study all forms of movement and improve their technique across dance genres.
AEON: K-Pop Dance Team
4 pm – AEON is a Texas-based performance team that started in Dallas. They have placed in K-pop world competitions, opened for Korean artists, and are always working hard toward their show-stopping moves.
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Christmas
Christmas at the Perry
Thursday, December 5 & 12
5:30-8 pm • FREE
A.W. Perry Homestead Museum
Take a stroll through Pearl Perry Gravley Park and enjoy the holiday lights illuminating the grounds. The Perry Homestead will be open from 5:30-8 p.m. on December 5 and 12, allowing guests to self-tour inside to see the traditional turn of the 20th century-style Christmas decorations with a modern twist (registration at jotform.com/222435949471059 is encouraged). Don’t miss the chance to capture precious family moments with photo opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. Park decorations will be on display throughout December.
Santa on the Square
Saturday, December 7 • 4-8 pm • FREE
Historic Downtown Carrollton
Get ready for a magical Christmas celebration on the Square as Santa and his trusty reindeer bring the holiday spirit alive. Watch the sky shine brightly from the 175-drone holiday-themed light show and tree lighting. Take photos with the beautiful decorations, enjoy performances from local groups throughout the evening, and browse the selections of vendors in the Christmas village.
Carrollton Wind Symphony Holiday Concert
Friday, December 20 • 7:30 pm • FREE
Creekview High School
Celebrate the music of the holidays with this free concert. Visit carrolltonwinds. org for more information or a list of upcoming events.
Winter Break Fun
December 23-January 4 • FREE
Carrollton Public Library
Stop by either Library location for holiday activities, such as a sing-along screening of Frozen (2013), PG, winterthemed makerspace fun, holidaythemed bilingual story time, and more. For dates, times, and locations, visit cityofcarrollton.com/library.
Winter Reading Challenge
December 1-February 1 • FREE
Carrollton Public Library
Readers of all ages can engage in a reading challenge during those slow winter months when a good book can mean taking part in an adventure without leaving the comfort of a cozy chair. Register at carrollton.beanstack. org today.
Are you a Carrollton resident?
Fill out this survey for a chance to win a custom wrapped guitar!
Drop complete survey off at the Information Booth (see page 4 for location).
Yes No
Male Female
If no, what city/state do you live in?
Did you ride DART? Yes No
How did you hear about the Festival? (check all that apply)
Attended before
Word of mouth
Flyer/poster
Leisure Connections magazine
“On the Horizon” utility bill newsletter
The Carrollton Connection eNewsletter
DART banner
Downtown kiosk
Billboards on IH-35E
Newspaper
Carrollton Leader
DallasMorningNews
Dallas Observer
North Dallas Gazette
Star Local Media
Digital
City website
CW33
Festival website
DMagazine
Dallas Observer
DallasMorningNews
DFW Child
CFBISD
Family eGuide
LISD
iHeartRadio
North Dallas Gazette
Star Local Media
Other __________________
Magazine
DMagazine
TexasMonthly
Please rate your experience at the Festival:
Radio & Television
ALT 103.7
CW33
iHeart Streaming
97.1 The Eagle
MIX 102.9
Spectrum
Star 102.1
Social Media
City Facebook
Festival Facebook
City X/Twitter
Festival X/Twitter
City Instagram
City Nextdoor
TexasMonthly
Other __________________
What attracted you to the Festival? (check all that apply)
Emerging artists Free admission Free entertainment
Headlining musical acts Free rides/games Family Fun
Other
How many people in the following age groups are in your group (including yourself)?
