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Special Events
The City's Parks and Recreation Department assists in the presentation of a number of annual community events. All of the events are publicized beforehand in the City's monthly newsletter, The Arbor, the City's website, and on Facebook and Instagram.
Sponsorship Opportunity
A corporate / merchant sponsorship is a great way to build or strengthen your relationship with a targeted group of consumers who are extremely active in the Dallas marketplace. If you are interested in sponsoring any upcoming events, please see our 24-25 Sponsorship Packet for details.
To sponsor an upcoming event, please complete the Sponsorship Form here.
For more information, please contact Kaylon Jackson at kjackson@uptexas.org.
Upcoming Events
Children's Fishing Derby - Saturday, February 28, 2026 & Saturday, June 6, 2026
Presented for children ages 6 to 12, this event takes place at the pond in Caruth Park. Prior to the event the Parks and Recreation Department stocks the pond with fish. A hit with kids, parents, and grandparents. Children must bring their own bait and poles. Awards are presented for the biggest and smallest fish caught.
View the video of this annual event.
Eggstravaganza - Saturday, March 28, 2026
Families are invited to Centennial (formerly Goar) Park to participate in Easter egg hunt activities under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Department. Multi-colored plastic eggs stuffed with candy are placed throughout areas that are marked off for specific groups. Festivities include inflatables, carnival games, airbrush tattoos, music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Movies in Centennial Park - Friday, May 8, 2026
Enjoy a movie under the stars in beautiful Centennial (formerly Goar) Park. Each spring, the Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Movie-in-the-Park event. The fun includes bounce houses, airbrush tattoos, and free popcorn! The movie and all activities, with the exception of food truck items, are free.
A decades-long tradition, the parade, which is sponsored by the Park Cities Rotary Club, winds through the streets of Highland Park and University Park. The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries. As the parade winds down, there will be some post-parade activities in Centennial (formerly Goar) Park including bounce houses, crafts, a petting zoo, face painting and more!
Summer 2026 - Dive-In-Movies at Holmes Aquatic Center
Presented on various Friday nights during the summer, moviegoers watch Hollywood hits in the pool at the Holmes Aquatic Center. Admission for the shows is free. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The pool's snack bar is open for each show and lifeguards are on duty.
Doggie Splash Day is a fun-filled event to let your four-legged friend cool off in your favorite pool! Activities will include a dog paddle contest, a swimsuit contest, and retrieving contest. To participate, you must register your dog and provide proof of current Rabies and Bordatella vaccinations. Space is limited to the first 100 dogs, so sign up early. Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Texas. The event is limited to University Park/HPISD residents.
Eggtober - Sunday, October 25, 2026
The University Park Parks Department will fill a dozen Halloween eggs per child, drop off and hide them in your front yard on Sunday, October 25th. Eggs will be filled with peanut allergy-friendly candy. Emails will be sent out before the delivery date with further details. Registration is open from October 13 - 20. Deliveries will be made on Sunday, October 25.
Arbor Day Celebration - Friday, November 6, 2026
To celebrate Arbor Day, the City's Parks and Recreation Department, with the assistance of elementary school children from the Highland Park Independent School District, plant a tree in one of the City's parks. University Park is known for its tree-lined streets and beautiful parks. Since 1982, through the City's "Trees for Town" program, residents have purchased more than 3,300 trees for front and side parkway areas (the grassy area between the sidewalk and curb) throughout the community. The Parks and Recreation Department also has an ongoing tree replacement program that involves the City's eight main parks and other public tree-lined areas.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Snider Plaza - Sunday, November 29, 2026
Residents from throughout the area gather in University Park to celebrate the coming holiday season. This year's tree lighting will return to Snider Plaza. The festivities, featuring live holiday carols and dances take place on the main stage. The highlight of the night comes when the holiday tree is illuminated.
If you are interested in a vendor booth or being an event sponsor, please contact Kaylon Jackson at kjackson@uptexas.org.
Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting - Tuesday, December 1, 2026
For many years, residents from across the Park Cities have gathered at Elena's Children's Park to remember children who are no longer with us. The gathering features short remarks, holiday carols, and the lighting of a holiday tree. Elena's Children's Park is located at the intersection of Boedeker and Hanover.