It’s a been a few years since we have made it to the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson, but since we now live only a few blocks away from Cottonwood Park and can walk to the festival, we were excited to attend again this year.

The festival is held outdoors at Cottonwood Park, which is right on the edge of the Dallas/Richardson border (and right next to the courthouse where we were married, but that is another story…). Tons of artists from all over the country attend to exhibit and sell their art. The art includes paintings and sculptures, as well as handmade jewelry, clothing, and music.

The rows of artist booths are placed on the green grass and have wide passageways that easily accommodate strollers and pedestrians, as well as having regularly placed patio chairs and pavilions for sitting and resting. Here is Little Sir viewing some sculptures and being pushed down and aisle with Daddy:


Of course, the park is big and there are plenty of places to sit down and rest. We spent a while on a grassy hill and then stopped to drink a bottle near the pond with the ducks.

As promised and in a nod to the pro-babywearing campaign going on right now, here’s a shot of Christian wearing Little Sir in the Ergo – he gets restless in his stroller and he’s so heavy that the back-carry is the easiest and the most fun for him!

In addition to art, there is plenty of food! I will admit that half the reason I go is for the funnel cake and other fair-like food. Christian enjoys a giant hot dog…

If you want to be a little more high-brow about the food you’re eating, there is also a cafe area with outdoor tables next to the live music pavilion.

Across the pond from the cafe is the children’s area, ArtStop. Little Sir was too young to participate in the arts and crafts, but there were plenty of blackboards to draw on and interesting shapes to run through for free.


If you wanted to spend a little money, you could go to one of the arts & craft booths where the kids can build fun crafts like crazy hats.

Overall, we always enjoy the Cottonwood Art Festival. Knowing it will be there twice a year and having the park itself within walking distance is one of the great things about Richardson!