Head to Mesquite if you’re looking for Big-As-Texas family fun with “Real. Texas. Flavor.”! The air-conditioned Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been thrilling folks with professional rodeo action since 1958. You’ll experience all the traditional rodeo events, including bull riding, steer wrestling, bronc’ busting and cowgirl barrel racing. Kids enjoy Mutton Bustin’ and the Dash for Cash, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo, and the Wild Horse Gift Shoppe has plenty of western-style clothing and souvenirs. Come early and enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet in the pavilion. Doors open at 6:30PM, and the action starts at 7:30PM every Saturday from June 3 through October 1.
Sports fans can enjoy more than just rodeo. New to Mesquite, the Mesquite Marshal’s arena football team opens its inaugural season on February 20 at Mesquite Arena.
Enjoy the hard-hitting action of arena football, including exciting half-time entertainment with the Darling Deputies dance team. For a complete game schedule and ticket information, visit www.mesquitemarshals.com. Mesquite Arena also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. Devil’s Bowl Speedway, with its half-mile dirt racing track, features funny and sprint car racing from March through October.
If shopping is on your menu, Mesquite has plenty of options! Outfit the family with boots and cowboy hats at Cavender’s and Sheplers’ Western Wear Superstore. The Rows of Texas, Mesquite’s shopping, dining and entertainment district, includes Town East Mall and over 200 department and specialty stores, 100 restaurants and an AMC 30 dine-in movie theater. Mesquite’s historic downtown area features several specialty shops, including 2 quilt shops. The Mesquite Artisans and Farmer’s Market, held the second Saturday from April through October in historic downtown Mesquite, has lots of homemade food and craft delights.
Need some culture? The Mesquite Arts Center hosts a variety of musical and theater productions, along with rotating and permanent exhibits; it features free outdoor concerts on Monday and Tuesday evenings in June. Explore Texas pioneer heritage at the Florence Ranch Homestead and the Opal Lawrence Historical Park and check out the Mesquite Meander Historic Cemetery Tour in May.
Family-oriented festivals, events and attractions round out the abundance of fun in Mesquite, including the Mesquite Rodeo Parade, the new “Summer Sizzle” festival (featuring music, fireworks and lots of children’s activities), PumpkinFest and Christmas in the Park. For those who like active events, don’t miss the Rodeo Road Rally bike ride in June and the Amazing Technicolor 5K in October. The award-winning Mesquite Golf Club is an 18-hole course with snack bar, pro shop and driving range. Celebration Station has arcade games, miniature golf, bumper boats and paintball, perfect for the thrill-seeking crowd.
Located just 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas, Mesquite is easily accessible from I-30, I-20 and I-635 and has hotels to fit every budget. Come stay with us awhile!
Things to do in Mesquite TX
Mesquite, TX is a city located east of Dallas with plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions:
- Visit the Mesquite Championship Rodeo – a weekly rodeo show featuring bull riding, barrel racing, and other traditional rodeo events.
- Explore the Mesquite Arts Center, which showcases local artists and features art exhibitions, theater productions, and live music.
- Go shopping at the Town East Mall – a shopping mall with over 160 stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
- Enjoy a bowling game at the AMF Mesquite Lanes – a bowling alley with 32 lanes, arcade games, and a sports bar.
- Take a stroll in the Mesquite Heritage Trail – a scenic walking and biking trail that spans 4.25 miles and connects to several parks and attractions.
- Play a round of golf at the Mesquite Golf Club – a public golf course that features two 18-hole courses, a driving range, and a clubhouse.
- Visit the Mesquite Veterans Memorial – a memorial park that honors veterans with a display of military vehicles, plaques, and a statue of a soldier.
- Attend a concert or event at the Mesquite Arena – an indoor arena that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sports games, and trade shows.
- Have a picnic and enjoy outdoor activities at the City Lake Park – a park that features a fishing pier, a playground, picnic areas, and a walking trail.
- Visit the Opal Lawrence Historical Park – a historical park that features a restored 19th-century home, a museum, and a garden.