Denton Live 2018 Fall-Winter Visitor Guide by Denton Media Company

TEN GALLON FUN Don your hats for the North Texas Fair & Rodeo

Get a sneak peek at the newest cuisine on the scene Dentonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official moniker: Texas Music Friendly Community Plan your next getaway at:

discoverdenton.com discoverdenton.com

Catch the Mean Green in action as they return from the excitement of last year’s winning season.

Delight in the Grammy Award-winning sounds of UNT’s College of Music.

#DENTONING ...THE MEAN GREEN WAY While you’re discovering Denton, visit UNT — where the grass is Green, the football is Mean ... and All that Jazz.

Go to unt.edu/events or meangreensports.com and join in the fun at UNT this fall.

Photo by Junebug Clark

» Your

adventure starts now.

Denton’s making moves, and now’s the time to be part of this growing city. Start here and find out what Li'l d has for you.

4 | It’s official: Denton is music friendly

Texas Music Office recognizes city’s role in the state’s musical landscape

8 | North Texas Fair & Rodeo

This festival offers more than a tip of the hat to visitors

12 | Denton does the holidays

Take advantage of the holiday season in Denton

18 | Explorium Denton Children’s Museum

This museum offers children the chance to learn through touch

TEN GALLON FUN Don your hats for the North Texas Fair & Rodeo

Get a sneak peek at the newest cuisine on the scene Denton’s official moniker: Texas Music Friendly Community Plan your next getaway at:

discoverdenton.com discoverdenton.com

ON THE COVER: A little boy watches the North Texas Fair & Rodeo (Photo by Isabel Deniz // Denton CVB)

20 | North Texas Soccer

With Conference USA domination firmly in hand, what’s next? discoverdenton.com

take a look inside! [Departments] Sounds of Denton

The Main Events

Denton does the holidays

Tastes of Denton

‘What makes a difference here’ Denton’s newest Asian restaurant brings a taste of Tokyo ramen to Texas

Family Friendly

Sports

Local

Hidden gems

Transportation

Servicing

Take home or make your own

A Creative Art Studio is a mecca of locally-made goods and workshops so you can enhance your creativity

Stay and Play Denton Map Save the Date Next Edition

DENTON LIVE

27 28 31 32

A publication of

Discover Denton

414 W Parkway Denton, TX 76201 940.382.7895 discoverdenton.com KIM PHILLIPS

Vice President, Denton CVB

DANA LODGE Director of Sales

VERONICA MALDONADO Communications Director

CHRISTINE GOSSETT Visitor Services Director

JAKE LAUGHLIN

DentonRadio.com Manager

RANDI SUE SURRATT

Discover Denton Welcome Center Retail Manager

ERIN WILSON

Meeting Sales Manager

WENDY HAUN

Digital Marketing Coordinator

ISABEL DENIZ

Digital Marketing Coordinator

JEN CORALUZZI-NUNEZ

Sales and Servicing Coordinator

PUBLISHER Kim Phillips

EDITOR & DESIGN DIRECTOR Wendy Haun

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kayla Davis, Misti DeHart, Tyler Hicks, Alcynna Lloyd, Sheri-Lee Norris, Bess Whitby

RETAIL ADVERTISING MANAGER Shawn Reneau, Denton Media Company

Denton Live is published by Denton Media Company in partnership with the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. Comments on stories and distribution queries go to the Denton CVB. Inquiries go to dentonlive@discoverdenton.com.

PLAN YOUR #DENTONING VACATION Discover Denton Welcome Center 111 W. Hickory 940.218.1815

DENTON: ORIGINAL & INDEPENDENT

Denton. Original. Independent. What does it mean? The word original is a broad application in our brand. It describes our spirit beautifully manifested in the physical fabric of our city. The creative energy fueled by our universities, our arts community, the music industry, small business community and the North Texas Horse Country drives originality, and we embrace it into an original whole. Our downtown isn’t faux. We hold fast to our history while progressively moving ahead. We value originality within our place and among one another. Independent is more of that same spirit. Consider our music scene. There is not a specific “Denton sound” identifiable in just a word. Instead, Denton’s sound is the collective individual sounds of writers, musicians, poets, and venues. They have their own messages, rhythms, tunes, and atmospheres, and listeners get the entire breadth, as varied or not as they choose. The same is true in the surrounding horse country, home of the most diverse, concentrated equine population and disciplines in the world. The weathered appearance of our brand suggests your favorite pair of jeans, a bit worn-looking because they are your faves. They fit you perfectly, comfortably, and wouldn’t fit anyone else in just the same way. That’s how Denton fits, too. Welcome to Denton. Now get ready for something different, an experience no other has ever had before, because this one is yours: Original. Independent.

discoverdenton.com

CVB staff members Jake Laughlin, Veronica Maldonado, Kim Phillips, Wendy Haun and Dana Lodge pose at Harvest House during the #Dentoning outing in 2015 with Texas Music Director Brendon Anthony (third from right). Following this meeting, Anthony expanded his efforts to assist Denton with obtaining the Music Friendly Community certification through the Texas Music Office. (Photo courtesy Denton CVB)

sounds of denton IT’S OFFICIAL: DENTON IS MUSIC FRIENDLY Story by Kim Phillips

t started with a tweet. “Congrats on the new job! You should check out Denton soon.” “How about next week?” came the quick response. Wendy Haun, Digital Marketing Coordinator on the Denton CVB team was ecstatic. “He says he’d like to visit Denton next week!” she shouted. High-fives and hoorahs all around, everyone began talking at once, planning a #dentoning experience Brendon Anthony would remember far into his new professional life as Director of the Texas Music Office. Since accepting his post, Anthony is busy building partnerships between music industry and government

DENTON LIVE

officials across Texas. The certification program is the tool Anthony and his team developed to facilitate the effort. Denton earned the Music Friendly Community designation in December of 2017, only the third Texas city to do so, behind Austin in 2016 and Fort Worth in 2017. “The City of Denton is truly unique and has made an indelible cultural contribution to the Texas music industry landscape,” Anthony said. “Attaining the Texas Music Office’s Music Friendly Community certification helps ensure that Denton’s creative industry will Texas Music Office director Brendon Anthony holds Denton’s official Music Friendly Community certification, signed by Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas. (Photo by Tammi Paul)

Texas Music Office director Brendon Anthony presented Denton’s Music Friendly Community official designation on February 23rd at Dan’s Silver Leaf, one of Denton’s oldest and most premier live music listening room. (Photo by Isabel Deniz // Denton CVB)

continue to thrive for years to come.” Becoming a Music Friendly Community is not a frivolous endeavor. This is not merely a plaque to hang on a wall. A city must believe in the outcome’s benefits seriously enough to commit time and staff to tackle the tasks involved. It is a long-term plan to build on music and creative economies, assets that would not exist anywhere at all without artists. These are the people making their art, writing their songs, playing their music and providing the expertise to deliver to the masses. The bottom line commitment a Music Friendly Community makes, then, is to provide a nurturing environment to help them succeed. Denton is proud of our rich music heritage and arts culture. Local economic development strategies incorporate Denton’s creative character, placing it among our top quality of life assets. Music’s role is an economic driver, far more vital than just a cool diversion. It is a tourism attraction, an educational allure, entertainment anchor, and thriving industry that draws visitors and enthusiasts to Denton from all over the globe. Music and art are major threads in the fabric of Denton and bedrocks to our original and independent Denton brand. Now, go out to a show or tune in on DentonRadio.com. Either way, turn it up and take a listen. This is how to Discover Denton!

Fast Facts about the Denton music scene Notable artists who got their start in Denton include: Norah Jones Don Henley of the Eagles Maren Morris Midlake Eli Young Band Bowling for Soup Meat Loaf

Festivals in Denton with a significant music presence include: Denton Arts & Jazz Festival Thin Line Fest Twilight Tunes concert series Industrial Street Pop Festival North Texas Fair & Rodeo Denton Blues Festival Denton Holiday Lighting Festival

discoverdenton.com

Where to hear genres of music Jazz?

Soul/Indie?

Rock?

Harvest House 331 E Hickory • 940.218.6148 dentonharvesthouse.com With music most nights, grab a craft beer or a pressed juice and enjoy a beautiful night by one of their outdoor fire pits near the stage!

Photo by Wendy Haun // Denton CVB

Steve’s Wine Bar 219 E Hickory • 940.312.1034 steveswinebar.com

Photo by Isabel Deniz // Denton CVB

Make it a night with dinner from the Pickled Carrot food truck that parks in their yard!

Andy’s Bar 122 N Locust • 940.312.8985 andysdenton.com

Hear jazz every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. No cover / $10 minimum purchase Check out the month’s featured wines or ask for a tasting!

Grab your earplugs and get ready to enjoy local and national artists live at this location in the oldest building on the Square. Stick around for some yummy waffles!

Photo by Veronica Maldonado // Denton CVB

Real people. Real stories. Real storytelling.

July 20 - 22, 2018 | Grapevine, Texas In a world of media distractions and shiny objects, journalists are fighting to maintain their credibility. Increasingly, there is pressure for reporters to tell compelling newsworthy stories that inform and – now, more than ever – entertain. Make plans now to come be entertained (and informed) at the 2018 Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. Register at themayborn.com.

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Dan’s Silver Leaf 103 Industrial St • 940.320.2000 danssilverleaf.com Opened by Dan Mojica in 2002, this famous spot has music almost every night of the week and is Denton’s premier listening room. Anything from country music to punk rockers and everything in between can be heard within these hallowed walls. Dan’s Silver Leaf is home to almost everything: from crawfish boils to Christmas in July gatherings, the Cirque du Horror musical at Halloween to live comedy podcasts. Grab a beer and a chair and immerse yourself in a true Denton experience Photo by Ed Steele Photography

at Dan’s Silver Leaf.

do AS the locals do Shop. Explore. Live it Up.

Act like a Dentonite and see what makes our city such a melting pot of all types. Catch a $2 movie at Silver Cinemas or discover new flavors with Denton’s widest macaron selection at Le Macaron. You never know what you’ll find in Denton, but you can always find it at Golden Triangle Mall! Exit 463 off I-35E Denton, Texas 940.566.6024

Discovering Local Gems

That’s How We Denton

#ThatsHowWeDenton

Photo by Katie Adams

the main events this cowboy’s hat NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO COWBOYS UP FOR THE 90TH TIME THIS AUGUST Story by Sheri Lee Norris Photos courtesy of the Denton CVB

he North Texas Fair & Rodeo will celebrate its 90th year in 2018. Many things have changed, but one thing has not: hats. A sea of cowboy hats will be visible everywhere. Some will wear one from their collection at home, while others will purchase one from a vendor at the fair. George Stetson manufactured the first typical cowboy hat in 1865 and the brand still survives today. The type, style, shape, cleanliness and fit of hat you wear reveals whether you are a city slicker or a real cowboy. Your hat tells a tale. All the styles – of both hats and

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North Texas Fair & Rodeo August 17-25, 2018 North Texas Fairgrounds 2217 N. Carroll Blvd • Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. • Concerts at 6, 9:30 and 11 p.m. • Carnival & kids zone • Livestock shows • Western marketplace More info: ntfair.com

people – are on display during the North Texas Fair & Rodeo. When the 2018 fair rolls around August 17-25, everybody – cowboys and city slickers alike – will dust off their trusty hats and don their favorite jeans for a night in the rodeo stands. The rodeo arena is where it all began back in 1928 when townspeople pitted livestock and farm produce against their neighbors’ amidst picnicking, horseracing, music and frivolity. Today, the arena is center stage for the fair’s main attraction: the rodeo. Every one of the fair’s nine nights features a rodeo. There are Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) rodeos, ranch rodeos and 21 & Under competitions. Always a highlight, bull riding

The basics of hat etiquette When do manners suggest you take it off? Leave it on? Here is a general list of the most common rules and superstitions:

TAKE IT OFF In a church (except a cowboy church) In a home, especially your momma’s house Inside a courtroom Inside a school house When the national anthem is played When the American flag passes by When being introduced, especially a person of the opposite sex When you are blocking the view of others Movie theater or indoor performances Photo by Isabel Deniz // Denton CVB

LEAVE IT ON

Outside Athletic events either indoors or out In a parade On public transportation In public building lobbies and elevators

TAKE CUE FROM SURROUNDINGS

At sporting events when everyone is on the same level In a country bar On a country music dance floor

NEVER

Set your hat down on the brim; it will ruin the shape Touch another man’s hat; it’s very personal property Knock another man’s hat off, unless you are itching for a brawl

draws crowds at the wildly-popular 3-night Bull Blowout. When the cowboys and cowgirls aren’t competing in the arena, a different center stage fills the spotlight. Concerts featuring the top talent in Texas country, classic country and Norteño music rock two stages every night, boots scootin’and hats a-twirlin’ among fairgoers. And, there are the fair mainstays: carnival, vendors, fair food and family fun. Stroll the midway, slide into the rodeo stands, party on with the bands. Everywhere you turn, cowboy hats will be there. Whatever your style – cowboy hat, baseball cap or no cap at all – the North Texas Fair & Rodeo is for you. So sport your own style and we’ll see y’all out there!

THE DENTON MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO

DOWNTOWN DENTON!

Fall & Winter Events:

MUSEUMS. GALLERIES. SHOPPING. DINING. FESTIVALS. LIVE MUSIC. PERFORMING ARTS.

Arts & Autos Extravaganza - September 8 Twilight Tunes - Every Thursday in October Holiday Open House - November 10-11 Shop Small Saturday - November 24 Wassail Weekend - November 30 - December 1 For information on dates & more about downtown, visit: discoverdenton.com 9 DENTONMAINSTREET.ORG

DE-SPAD0406143532

the main events Classic cars and chalk art Arts & Autos Extravanganza Hot rods, classic and custom cars, trucks and even motorcycles compete for a total of 84 trophies in various classes. Artists of all ages are also encouraged to enter ChalkFest, a fun, vibrant add to downtown sidewalks. September 8, 2018 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Downtown Denton Square More info or to register: dentonmainstreet.org Photo by Tammi Paul Photography

Photo by Ed Steele Photography

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Photo by Jason Bodor // Denton MSA Board Member

Photo by Veronica Maldonado // Denton CVB

A Very Dentoning Halloween Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival Fun for all ages on the Saturday before Halloween. Adults and children alike dress up for a full day of Halloween fun, including a pumpkin patch, live music, the Cirque du Horror musical and, of course, the coffin races down Hickory Street. This is one fest not to be missed, so don your sugar skull makeup and we’ll see you there! October 27, 2018 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Downtown Denton Square More info: dentondayofthedeadfestival.com

keep those bikes a-rollin’

Photo by Jim O’Neill

Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally The Saturday before Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start on that pre-holiday workout routine with the Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally! This outing, for beginners and seasoned riders alike, benefits the Denton Breakfast Kiwanis’ programs. November 17, 2018 Loops of 8, 29, 39, 52 and 68 miles through Denton and Cooke counties More info: dentonturkeyroll.com discoverdenton.com

Photo by Wendy Haun//Denton CVB Photo by Ed Steele Photography

the holiday spirit A Very Merry #Dentoning

Story by Misti DeHart

hink Norman Rockwall Christmas calendar or 1940s-era Saturday Evening Post cover. That’s downtown Denton during the holiday season. Denton’s 2018 holiday season opens Nov. 10-11 with Denton Main Street Association’s Holiday Open House. This is a chance to stay ahead of the crowds and shop downtown Denton for totally unique holiday décor and one-of-a kind gifts. More than 50 shops and restaurants participate each year. Restaurants? Of course! Browsing through Vintage Bleu’s reclaimed treasures and repurposed pieces, for example, works up an appetite. Local eateries are the norm in the heart of Denton, so shopping and eating, snacking, drinking – well, “it’s an experience,” Dentonites say. It’s true! Still prefer relaxing after an indulgent Thanksgiving meal with friends and loved ones over waiting in lines to get good deals on holiday shopping? Skip Black Friday and focus instead on the last Saturday of November: Small Business Saturday, a day set aside across the nation to highlight the small businessmen and women, backbone of America’s economy. Local boutiques,

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Shoppers enjoy sips of wassail while perusing downtown Denton shops during Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. (Photo by Ed Steele Photography)

Denton Holiday Happenings Holiday Open House: Nov. 10-11 More info: dentonmainstreet.org Small Business Saturday: Nov. 24 More info: discoverdenton.com Holiday Lighting Festival: Nov. 30 More info: dentonholidaylighting.com Wassail Weekend: Nov. 30-Dec. 1 More info: dentonmainstreet.org The Nutcracker: Dec. 7-9 The 2017 Prince and Sugarplum Fairy, Nikola Hadjitanev & Marta Petkova, guest principal dancers from Sofia, Bulgaria’s National Opera and Ballet Theater, perform during The Nutcracker, presented by the Festival Ballet of North Texas. (Photo courtesy of the Festival Ballet of North Texas)

craftsmen and restauranteurs are filled with holiday spirit as patrons tick items off their lists. One of the most anticipated festivals of the season is the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, held on the square on Friday one week after Thanksgiving. The square comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and delicious treats. Permeating the air at Holiday Lighting are the intermingling scents of Christmas trees, cinnamon, cloves and spiced cider known as wassail. That’s because it’s also Wassail

Weekend on the Square! Participating Denton Main Street Association merchants simmer their best (and usually top-secret) wassail recipes and serve up tastings in hopes of being crowned Wassail King or Queen. Throughout Holiday Lighting and all day Saturday, wassailers wander merchant to merchant, sampling wassail concoctions they missed the night before. The holidays in Denton wouldn’t be complete without catching a classic ballet performance of The Nutcracker, presented by The

More info: festivalballet.net

Festival Ballet of North Central Texas. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been a staple of The Festival Ballet since 1988. Artistic Director Eldar Valiev is always excited for this time of year. “Everyone is a wide-eyed child when they witness The Nutcracker on stage,” Valiev says. All of Denton comes alive with irresistible sights, tastes and sounds the last two months of every year. Sweater weather or not, when it’s Christmastime, choose L’il d for the merriest celebration of all.

friday,

NOVEMBER 30 DENTON ’ S HIS TORIC COURTHOUSE- ON -THE-SQUA RE

5:30 - 9:30PM

PL E A SE B R ING A TOY F OR OUR TOY DR I V E B ENEF I T ING ELV E S SHELV E S

DentonHolidayLighting.com A SPECI A L T H A NK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSOR S

DCTA, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, Airrosti Rehab Centers, Denton Color Lab, First United, Axis Realty Group, The Martino Group, AIA Insurance, University of North Texas, Wendy’s Denton, Little Guys Movers, Bellissimo Foto, Produce Results, Alpha Graphics

tastes of denton ‘What makes a difference here’ DENTON’S NEWEST ASIAN RESTAURANT BRINGS A TASTE OF TOKYO RAMEN TO TOWN Story by Bess Whitby Photos by Isabel Deniz // Denton CVB

tepping inside Hanabi Ramen & Izayaka is like being transported to an entirely different time and place. The restaurant’s minimalistic décor, the complex and enticing smells drifting from the kitchen, and the large family-style tables in the center of the dining room work together to create a unique dining experience. In fact, letting their patrons enjoy that feeling is one of Hanabi’s foremost goals, according to Denton general manager Peter Lee. “We brought our head chef, Ito Takao, from Tokyo,” Lee explains. “He used to own a ramen shop in Tokyo, so the food is very authentic, very original.

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It’s as if you’re in Japan eating ramen. I think that’s what makes a difference here.” Hanabi opened their first location in Fort Worth in 2014, then added a second Carrollton location in 2016. Since then the small chain has made a

name for itself in the DFW foodie scene, garnering write-ups in art and culture magazines across the Metroplex. Lee says the decision to open a location in Denton was an easy one, thanks in large part to Denton’s college students. “Our Carrollton location had a lot of students from UNT and TWU who kept asking if we were going to open in Denton. We were looking into it, and we found a great spot,” he explains. It’s no surprise that Hanabi has acquired a college-age following: their offerings are diverse, vegetarian-friendly, and a great deal for the price. Bowls of their signature ramen range anywhere from $9 to $12 and are completely customizable, thanks to a wide array of optional add-ins like fresh vegetables and chashu (soy braised pork belly). Patrons can also enjoy other authentic Japanese dishes like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with cabbage and seafood) and, if of age, share an absolutely delicious bottle of sake — both cold and hot are available. One visit to this little slice of Tokyo in Texas is enough to get you hooked. “I think if you come and eat here, you’ll have an extraordinary experience,” Lee says with a smile. “The food tastes great. Who doesn’t like food that tastes great?”

WE CAN GET YOU THERE The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) is your answer to getting there with ease. Whether commuting to work, heading to school or embarking on an adventure, we can get you there.

HANABI RAMEN

501 W Hickory • 940.320.1800 • ramenhanabi.com WHAT TO ORDER: Appetizer: gyoza (dumplings) Entree: Tokyo Tonkotsu (Creamy pork noodle soup with pork belly, egg, bamboo shoot, green onion, takana), Seafood Ramen (Squid, octopus, Japanese littleneck, shrimp, cabbage, carrot, fresh oyster, bean sprout and black dried mushroom made with tonkotsu broth), Baisen miso Ramen (Miso blend tonkotsu and chicken soup with pork belly, egg, bamboo shoot, Chinese chives, cabbage, carrot, bean sprout and green onion) PRICE RANGE: Appetizers $4-$9.50, Entrees: $9.50-$12

TRAIN

BUS

Our A-train can get you from Denton to Carrollton with connections to regional transit options.

Explore Denton County or head to Fort Worth with our convenient and easy-to-use bus service.

RideDCTA.net

discoverdenton.com 940.243.0077

tastes of denton LTPO), The Janis (crab cake patty with tomato, arugula, reds, house dressing), The Boz (slow-cooked brisket sandwich with Dr Pepper BBQ, slaw, pickles), the Weekly Burger Feature (for the adventurous - changes every week!) PRICE RANGE: Appetizers $3-$7.75, Entrees: $6.50-$13

Photo by Veronica Maldonado // Denton CVB

AMERICAN BARLEY & BOARD

100 W Oak #160 • 940.566.3900 • barleyandboard.com WHAT TO ORDER: Appetizer: Cheese board Entree: Lacy Salad (lettuce/green apple/feta/pecan/ dried cherry/apple cider), smoked salmon flatbread (boursin/arugula/shallot/caper/olive oil), B&B Burger (sweet onion/B&B pickle/house sauce/American cheese), Hanger Steak (with matchstick fries), Slow-roasted pork tenderloin (with Mexican street corn, crispy onions, chipotle honey) PRICE RANGE: Appetizers $8-$14, Cheeseboards: $20$28, Entrees: $7-$29

BURGERS LSA BURGER CO.

113 W Hickory • 940.383.1022 • lsaburger.com WHAT TO ORDER: Appetizer: Brisket queso, an order of Garlic parm fries for the table Entree: The Waylon (burger with house mayo, mustard,

SANDWICHES WEINBERGER’S DELI

331 E Hickory • 940.566.5900 • weinbergersdeli.com WHAT TO ORDER: Build your own, or enjoy a classic italian sub, Dagwood or Muffaletta. Also with a range of Chicago dogs PRICE RANGE: Entrees: $6-$10 Photo by Wendy Haun // Denton CVB

DATE NIGHT HOULIHAN’S

3120 Town Center Trail • 940.220.4646 • houlihans.com WHAT TO ORDER: Appetizer: Organic potstickers (traditionally prepared ginger pork pan-fried dumplings

SOMETHING NEW IS DEVELOPING.

< OPENING SOON >

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Andy B’s Entertainment & Bowling Center 16

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RayzorRanchShopping.com

with Sriracha and sesame-ginger soy sauce), Houlihan’s famous ‘shrooms (panko crusted and garlic-herb cream cheese stuffed mushrooms with creamy horseradish sauce) Entree: Down home pot roast (honest gold mashers, homestyle vegetables, crispy fried onions and red wine mushroom gravy), Grilled shrimp & jalepeno sausage mojo (jalapeño sausage, garlic-citrus marinated roma tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash,red bell pepper and baked potato, all grilled and brushed with housemade Cuban mojo sauce), Stuffed chicken breast (crisp, panko-breaded chicken breast stuffed with garlic-herb cream cheese, served with choice of vegetable and honest gold mashers) PRICE RANGE: Appetizers: $9-$11, Entrees: $12-$25

spicy buffalo soy chik’n strips, ranch dressing, carrots, jalapenos, tomatoes, green onions, and a dollop of blue cheese dressing), Spiral burger (burger patty of soy protein, cashew-quinoa or portobello) PRICE RANGE: Entrees: $6-$14

ITALIAN GIUSEPPE’S

821 N Locust • 940.381.2712 • giuseppesitaliana.com WHAT TO ORDER: Appetizers: Bruschetta Entrees: Spaghetti Bolognese (Spaghetti served with homemade Alfredo and marinara sauce with ground pork and beef), Capellini Vongole (Angel hair pasta served with chopped clams, tomatoes, and capers in a white wine and lemon garlic sauce), Salmon al Granchio (Grilled salmon in a lemon butter sauce, shrimp, tomatoes, and capers with pesto pasta) PRICE RANGE: Appetizers: $5-$9 Entrees: $9-$16 Photo courtesy Boca 31

Photo courtesy Rooster’s Roadhouse

BARBECUE ROOSTERS ROADHOUSE

113 Industrial St • 940.382.4227 • roosters-roadhouse.com WHAT TO ORDER: Hell Burger featured on Food Network’s Heat Seekers (waiver required), Brisket burger (chipotle mayo, cheddar, BBQ sauce, smokehouse pico), PIT sandwich (sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, BBQ sauce, smokehouse pico) PRICE RANGE: Appetizers: $5-$7 Entrees: $6-12 each @salh71 on Instagram

TACOS BOCA 31

207 S Bell • 940.514.1444 • boca31denton.com WHAT TO ORDER: Entrees: Pork chile empanada, spinach + goat cheese empanada, Barbacoa brisket tacos (with aji amarillo coleslaw and pico de gallo), Mango passion fruit popsicles PRICE RANGE: Entrees: $2-$3 each

VEGAN SPIRAL DINER

608 E Hickory • 940.514.0101 • spiraldiner.com WHAT TO ORDER: Entrees: spicy buffalo chik’n nachos (original recipe cashew-based nacho cheese and topped with Photo by Veronica Maldonado // Denton CVB

BRUNCH LOCO CAFE

603 N Locust St • 940.387.1413 • locodenton.com WHAT TO ORDER: Migas, breakfast nachos, Magic chicken soup, cinnamon rolls, Loco coffee PRICE RANGE: Entrees: $6-$10 each To see a complete listing of restaurants, head to discoverdenton.com/what-to-do/restaurants discoverdenton.com

fun for everyone Children’s museum gets rid of ‘don’t touch’ rule

Story by Kayla Davis Artwork courtesy of Explorium Denton

enton has everything. A great music scene, food of every kind, craft beer and not one, but two universities. And soon, Denton will have a children’s museum. Opening Fall of 2018, Explorium Denton Children’s Museum brings learning and fun together. The mission? Disregard the usual ‘don’t touch’ rules and teach kiddos through interaction instead. Located off Loop 288 and Interstate 35 near Rose Costumes, the children’s museum opens kids’ imaginations to engineering, physics, sewing, carpentry and more, all through first-hand experience.

DENTON LIVE

Different sections in the museum will have their own focuses. For instance, in the ‘Active Body’ area, children learn about agriculture as they go through the chicken-noodleforest. The ‘How Things Work’ area will give kids a behind-thescenes view on topics ranging from literature to mechanics. With several areas to choose from, kids won’t be bored. Explorium Denton’s executive director and founder Anyah Martinez has been working on the project for six years. “This is not a want in our community,” Martinez said. “This is something that families need.” The museum will offer resources for parent-child play, solo-child play and lots of room for children to

collaborate and learn. Local mom Jennifer Connell is excited. “I think it’ll be great for kids to have a place to go, especially if the weather isn’t good,” Connell said. “They’ll have an indoor place where they can play and learn at the same time. My kids call that fun.”

Explorium Denton OPENING 2018 5800 I-35N 940.565.4001 Admission: $6 adults, $5 children More info: exploriumdenton.org

Other Family Friendly #Dentoning outings Denton Parks & Recreation Denton parks feature everything from sports complexes, indoor gyms to disc golf, a skate park and Eureka 2 playground (featured below) @cestnoel_ on instagram

940.349.7275 • dentonparks.com

Kim Phillips // Denton CVB

Chairy Orchard

Altitude Trampoline Park

Operated by the ‘Chairy Fairies’, two

Trampolines, foam pits, fitness classes

empty lot in north Denton with a

next-door neighbors have filled this variety of whimsical chairs. Open to

and other family activities

the public for viewing, sitting, photo

2434 S I-35E #140 • 940.383.5867

shoots and more.

altitudedenton.com Wendy Haun // Denton CVB

1425 Churchill Dr.

discoverdenton.com

kickoff Taking Flight and Bound for Glory Story by Tyler Hicks Photos by Rick Yeatts Photography courtesy of UNT Athletics

he room was abuzz with excitement and celebration as nearly two dozen athletes gathered to receive the accolades – and hardware – earned after a season wrought with battles. It was early March, and for the fourth time in five years, the University of North Texas women’s soccer team came together to receive their Conference USA championship rings. However, in typical Mean Green fashion, the players looked to the future even as they celebrated the past. Senior Logan Layn enjoyed

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the team’s run to a conference championship – its 13th such title in team history – but knows her team can do even more. “Conquering the NCAA Tournament is the next goal for us,” Layn says. “We, of course, need to continue winning conference championships to do that, but the NCAA tournament is the next step for our program.” The team has been to the collegiate national tournament five times, but has yet to bring the tourney title home to Denton. But with a crop of rising stars setting their eyes on that main prize, the future looks bright. It’s a future that has head coach John Hedlund excited. “Each year brings different challenges, and when you have 20 or so players that become one and

UNT women’s Soccer squad continues its conference domination

reach that goal of a championship – that’s what I enjoy most,” Hedlund said. One of those players – junior Mia Bryce – believes her team can come together to translate their conference domination into national triumph. “Winning the conference championship was very important, because it continued the tradition this program has built up,” she says. “But of course, the ultimate goal is always a national championship. The last thing you want to do is stop a winning tradition.”

UNT Women’s Soccer Mean Green Soccer Stadium, 1508 S Bonnie Brae Tickets: $7: single game / $5: groups of 10 or more More info: 940.565.2527 Full schedule: meangreensports.com

Game Day the Dentoning way

Mean Green Game Day Six Saturdays this fall, Denton goes green for the Mean Green! Coming off a successful 2017 season, the Mean Green are back in action. With home games against DFW-rival SMU and Conference USA-foe Louisiana Tech on the schedule, make plans now to be in Denton for the showdowns. Park once and dive into the Denton gameday experience. Ride the Mean Green Game Day shuttle! This FREE bus goes from downtown Denton to the game on a loop beginning two hours prior to kickoff. Mean Green Ticket Office: 940.565.2527 Mean Green Schedule: meangreensports.com Shuttle info: meangreengameday.com

Pioneers build on confidence Texas Womans’ volleyball Last season, the Pioneers made the deepest run within the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Tournament in program history, advancing to the tourney title match for the first time since 1997. The squad also recorded the largest upset on record with a victory over then-top-five ranked Angelo State. The Pioneers also return top players in setter Katy Ranes, as well as libero Bailey French and middle blocker Courtney Noel. See them in action this fall in their matches, played at Kitty Magee Arena. Tickets: $5 adults, $3 youth/seniors TWU Ticket Office: 940.898.2385 Pioneers Schedule: twuathletics.com discoverdenton.com

Photo by Wendy Haun // Denton CVB

a local touch

Take home or make your own piece of Denton Story by Alcynna Lloyd

he walls are filled with bright and colorful artwork. Each piece is a physical representation of the talent many Dentonites possess. Owner Robin Huttash opened A Creative Art Studio to inspire support for local art and in turn, the artistic hub brought Dentonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creativity to life. The gallery features affordable artwork from 45 local artists. Customers can purchase their favorites, or they can learn how to channel their own creativity. The gallery offers classes and workshops on painting, drawing, jewelry making, wood carving, stained glass and more. All ages are invited in on the fun, with classes for both children and adults. Fans of live music are in luck as well! On every first Clair Jameson cuts glass in the workshop of A Creative Art Studio for a stained glass class she is taking with Robin Huttash. (Photo by Wendy Haun // Denton CVB)

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I t i w sa e h t @ For current performances & and upcoming events, please visit Photo by Isabel Deniz // Denton CVB

Friday of the month, the gallery usually invites jazz musicians to perform, but do not be surprised if you see people dancing or juggling. These gatherings, part of First Friday Denton, encourage attendees to partake in an art project while enjoying the music. Huttash hopes that the shop will encourage the support of local artists. “Everything here is hand-made by people who live here and when you support the gallery, you are supporting them,” Huttash says.

campustheatre.com or call the Box Office

940-382-7014

Proudly managed & operated by

Denton Community Theatre

A Creative Art Studio 227 W Oak St • 940.442.1251 More info: acreativeartstudio.com

Other ways to support local art SCRAP Denton

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, right? At this local favorite, find all the little pieces you need for that perfect project. SCRAP also offers sewing, crocheting, knitting and other handmade workshops. 420 S Bell • 940.808.1611 More info: scrapdenton.org

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hidden gems One of the most frequently asked questions is, “where can I find all of the murals in Denton?” These awe-inspiring outdoor pieces catch the eye with their vibrant colors. Here are four of the most popular murals to grab a selfie by. For a full listing, pick up the brochure produced by Keep Denton Beautiful at the Discover Denton Welcome Center, 111 W Hickory.

Houses Artist: Mick Burson Location: A Creative Art Studio 227 W Oak St • 940.442.1251

Recycled Books Artist: Denton High School students 200 N Locust • 940.566.5688

Denton postcard Artists: Mick Burson, Dan Black Location: Oak St Drafthouse 308 E Oak St • 940.435.0404

How to make beer Artist: Roy Warren Lunt Location: The Bearded Monk Location: 122 E McKinney • 940.999.7238

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transportation Getting to Denton

DENTON

DFW Airport Grapevine

VIA CAR

Denton is located at the intersection of I-35E and I-35W north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

FORT WORTH

DALLAS

VIA PUBLIC TRANSIT From Fort Worth: Take the TRE to Victory Station in Dallas, transfer to the DART Green Line towards Carrollton, transfer to the DCTA A-train at Trinity Mills to the Downtown Denton Transit Center From Dallas: Take DART’s Green Line to Trinity Mills Station, transfer to the DCTA A-train at Trinity Mills to the Downtown Denton Transit Center *NOTE: The DCTA A-train does not operate on Sundays

OTHER OPTIONS FOR TRAVEL TO DENTON A-Style Limo • 972.571.6237 • astylelimoservice.com Uber • uber.com Lyft • lyft.com

Photo courtesy of Denton County Transportation Authority

Getting around Denton

Denton is a very walkable city, with many festivals and events in our vibrant downtown. Just park your car and move around, it’s the best way to explore everything Denton has to offer! The blue lots on the map are free parking areas. The areas shaded in orange are privately-owned lots with paid parking. There is also free, timed street parking throughout downtown. Note that all parking on Hickory Street east of the Square is BACK IN PARKING. Head to discoverdenton.com for a full trip planner and the latest parking information. discoverdenton.com

let us help you! THE DENTON CVB’S SALES AND SERVICING TEAM LOOKS FORWARD TO HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR MEETING Story by Jen Coraluzzi-Nunez Photo by Wendy Haun // Denton CVB

was walking around the historic downtown square the other day, looking up at the beautiful, regal Denton County Courthouse and thought to myself, ‘wow this town is so unique.’ You can hear music in every direction all nights of the week, discover fascinating little shops, taste exquisite cuisine from local eateries and be inspired by the art surrounding you. You can also find exceptional lodging and entertainment, along with a brand name stores and restaurants within easy reach. Denton is an eclectic, vibrant, evolving city with a small town vibe, and we Dentonites love welcoming people here to experience this place, our home. The Denton Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) works to

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attract conventions, groups, tours and events to Denton. Before groups arrive, our staff coordinates among our partners to ensure a smooth process and organize resources.Our mission is ensuring the success of every individual group’s stay in our city. CVB services are complimentary, as long as the organization is booking through the CVB and in Denton hotels: • Gather rates on hotel rooms, meeting space and venues • Arrange site visits • Provide customized free visitor packets, consisting of Denton literature, maps, visitor guides and more • Produce conference name badges • Source caterers, musicians and transportation • Itinerary development The Denton CVB is also your best resource for area attractions.

Itineraries can be customized to organizations’ specific needs. Examples include: tours of the North Texas Horse Country, Historic Homes and other off-site evening events. Additional CVB services are available for nominal fees. For instance, the Denton CVB’s social media team can develop and implement attendance-building campaigns. Banner advertising, calendar listings, promotion via DentonRadio.com and other social channels, are other examples of CVB resources. Whether planning a conference, meeting, wedding, reunion or any other event, your first call should be to the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau The CVB is committed and trained to provide excellent service all while ensuring your group discovers the Original Independent Denton!

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Budget Host Inn

135

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Comfort Inn

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Courtyard by Marriott

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Days Inn

110

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center

318

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Fairfield Inn & Suites

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Hampton Inn & Suites

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Hilton Garden Inn

101

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites

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Homewood Suites

107

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Howard Johnson Express

Knights Inn Denton

Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites 2450 Brinker Rd • 940.387.1000 • bestwesterntexas.com 1500 Dallas Dr • 940.387.3511 • budgethost.com 4050 Mesa Dr • 940.320.5150 • comfortinn.com 2800 Colorado Blvd • 940.382.4600 • marriott.com 4211 N. I-35 • 940.383.1471 • daysinn.com 3100 Town Center Trail • embassysuites3.hilton.com 2900 W University Dr • 940.384.1700 • marriott.com 1513 Centre Place • 940.891.4900 • dentonsuites.hamptoninn.com 3110 Colorado Blvd • 940.891.4700 • denton.hgi.com 4485 I-35 • 940.808.0600 • hiexpress.com

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La Quinta Inn & Suites

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Motel 6

Residence Inn

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Springhill Suites

129

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Studio 6

100

Super 8 Motel

Wildwood Inn

WoodSpring Suites

3116 Bandera St • 940.383.1681 • hojo.com 601 N I-35E • 940.566.1990 • knightsinn.com 4465 N. I-35 • 940.808.0444 • lq.com 4125 N. I-35 • 940.566.4798 • motel6.com 3761 S I-35E • 940.591.8500 • marriott.com/dfwrd 1434 Centre Place Dr • 940.383.4100 • marriott.com 700 Fort Worth Dr • 940.387.5840 • staystudio6.com 620 S I-35E • 940.380.8888 • super8.com 2602 Lillian Miller Pkwy • 940.243.4919 • denton-wildwoodinn.com 4505 I-35 • 940.387.3400 • woodspring.com

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2907 Shoreline Dr • 940.382.0420 • homewoodsuites3.hilton.com

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2910 W University Dr • 940.591.7726 • bestwesterntexas.com

Pet-friendly

Best Western Inn & Suites

Fitness room

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820 S I-35E • 940.387.0591 • americasbestvalueinn.com

Outdoor pool

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America’s Best Value Inn

Indoor pool

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PROPERTY

Hotel courtesy car

Complimentary Internet access

Kitchen/kitchenette

Free breakfast

From dusk ‘till dawn, Denton’s hospitality team will work to make your visit a memorable one!

Roll-in shower

Meeting rooms

Number of rooms

» Stay and Play

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discoverdenton.com

42 8

Loop 288

TO NORTH TEXAS HORSE COUNTRY

Loop 288

8 Elm

Bonnie Brae St

Dr an

Bell St

31 9

University Dr

380

14 13 Elm St Locust St

Carroll Blvd

Loop 288

McKinney St

Bell St

20 18

Bernard St

Hickory St

North Texas Blvd

Oak St

Eagle Dr

lla

r For t

Willowwood St

p Loo

ad or

35W

40 Centre Pl Dr

Wo rt

Bernard St

37 2 Teasley Ln

377

288

44 48

43 45

r Fo

th or tW

Hobson Ln

Lill

ian

Mi lle

Roselawn Dr

s Dr

Shady Oak

l Co

Bonnie Brae St

35E

Airport Rd

e riv

Brinker Rd

380

Au dra L

35 29

Woodrow Ln

rP kw

Windsor Dr

Sh er m

Wind River Ln

4 46

Ryan Rd

PAY US A VISIT! Discover Denton Welcome Center 111 W. Hickory St | Denton, TX 76201 940.218.1815 | 888.381.1818 28 DENTON LIVE www.discoverdenton.com

@discoverdenton

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

ATTRACTIONS HOTELS

PARKS & RECREATION

SHOPPING

TRANSPORTATION

PLACES OF INTEREST 1 Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square

Denton Enterprise Airport

2 Golden Triangle Mall

DCTA Downtown Denton Transit Center

3 Denton Crossing shopping center

DCTA MedPark Station

4 Unicorn Lake shopping center

HOTELS

5 Denton County Historical Park

NORTH DENTON 27

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Best Western Inn & Suites

Comfort Inn

Days Inn

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

11 Murchison Performing Arts Center

Howard Johnson Express

12 Apogee Stadium

La Quinta Inn & Suites

13 Pioneer Hall/Kitty Magee Arena

Motel 6

14 Little Chapel in the Woods

Woodspring Suites

America’s Best Value Inn

Budget Host Inn

Hampton Inn & Suites

Springhill Suites

Studio 6

Super 8 Motel

6 Denton Firefighters’ Museum 7 North Texas Fairgrounds 8 Stonehill Center shopping center 9 Rayzor Ranch shopping center 10 UNT Coliseum/Super Pit

15 CH Collins Athletic Complex

CENTRAL DENTON

PARKS & RECREATION 16 South Lakes Park & Eureka Playground (picnic areas, basketball, tennis, running trails, fishing pier) 17

Evers Park (baseball fields, picnic areas, playground)

18 Quakertown Park (playground, walking trail, picnic areas)

SOUTH DENTON 43 Best Western Premier Crown Chase

19 Denia Park (walking trail, basketball, soccer, picnic areas)

44 Courtyard by Marriott

20 Civic Center Pool (seasonal outdoor facility)

45 Hilton Garden Inn

21 Water Works Park & Skate Park

46 Homewood Suites

22 North Lakes Park (walking trails, picnic areas, sand volleyball, driving range, soccer complex)

47 Residence Inn

23 Wiggly Field Dog Park (fenced in areas for both large and small dogs)

48 Wildwood Inn

DOWNTOWN DENTON INSET

Walnut St

Sycamore St

Elm St

Industrial St

Mulberry St

Bell Ave

Oakland St.

Austin St

1 49

Locust St

Carroll Blvd

Hickory St

Cedar St

Oak St

Discover Denton Welcome Center

Campus Theatre

Black Box Theatre

Patterson-Appleton Arts Center

UNT on the Square

Dan’s Silver Leaf

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calendar YEAR ROUND Through November Denton Community Market Every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Denton County Historical Park dentoncommunitymarket.com First Friday of every month First Friday Denton firstfridaydenton.com

July - December 2018

SEPTEMBER Sept. 8 Arts & Autos Extravaganza Downtown Denton square dentonmainstreet.org Sept. 15-16 Denton Blues Fest Quakertown Park dentonblackchamberonline.org

JULY June 29-July 1 Ring of Fire: Music of Johnny Cash Campus Theatre dentoncommunitytheatre.com July 1-9 Bullshot Crummond Point Bank Black Box Theatre dentoncommunitytheatre.com July 4 Yankee Doodle Parade & Kiwanis Fireworks Show Denton Square & Apogee Stadium dentonparks.com July 21 Denton Bridal Show Monroe Pearson Building (421 E Oak) dentonbridalshow.com Photo by Wendy Haun Denton CVB

Aug. 3-5 Crave /The Zoo Story Point Bank Black Box Theatre dentoncommunitytheatre.com Aug. 17-25 North Texas Fair & Rodeo North Texas Fairgrounds ntfair.com Aug. 10-19 The Wizard of Oz Campus Theatre dentoncommunitytheatre.com

Nov. 3 North Texas Horse Country Tours horsecountrytours.com Nov. 8-11 I Gelosi by David Bridel UNT Media Arts Theatre danceandtheatre.unt.edu Nov. 15 Beaujolias & More Denton Civic Center campustheatre.com Oct. 20 One O’Clock Lab Band Fall Concert Murchison Performing Arts Center music.unt.edu

Photo by Sheila Wilson

OCTOBER

Nov. 17 Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally dentonturkeyroll.com

Oct. 4-7 subUrbia by Eric Bogosian UNT Media Arts Theatre danceandtheatre.unt.edu

Nov. 30 Denton Holiday Lighting Festival dentonholidaylighting.com

Oct. 6 North Texas Horse Country Tours horsecountrytours.com

Photo by Veronica Maldonado Denton CVB

Oct. 6 Dog Days of Denton North Texas Fairgrounds dentondogdays.com Oct. 19-28 Hunchback of Notre Dame Campus Theatre musictheatreofdenton.com

AUGUST

NOVEMBER

Oct. 20 Industrial Street Pop Festival aka Geezerpalooza discoverdenton.com Oct. 25 Planner’s Zone Denton Convention Center discoverdenton.com Oct. 27 Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival Downtown Denton dentondayofthedeadfestival.com Oct. 27 UNT Homecoming homecoming.unt.edu

DECEMBER Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Wassail Weekend dentonmainstreet.org Dec. 1 North Texas Horse Country Tours horsecountrytours.com Dec. 14-15 UNT Graduation commencement.unt.edu Dec. 14-15 TWU Graduation twu.edu/registrar Nov. 22 Tuba Christmas UNT Library Mall music.unt.edu discoverdenton.com

next edition

Denton Black Film Festival, Jan. 23-27, 2019 (Photo by Wendy Haun // Denton CVB)

January - June 2019

Twilight Tunes, Thursdays from April-June (Photo by Tammi Paul Photography)

North Texas Horse Country Tours, March 2, April 6, May 4, 2019 (Photo by Denton CVB)

Denton Redbud Festival, April 20, 2019 (Photo by Kristen Watson) Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, April 26-28, 2019 (Photo by Denton CVB)

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STRONG PAST. BOLD FUTURE. QUALITY Since its founding more than a century ago, Texas Woman’s has become known for its contributions and leadership in the fields of nursing, education, the health care professions, nutrition, the arts and sciences and business. Today, TWU is the nation’s largest public university primarily for women.

VALUE Texas Woman’s is No. 1 in the DFW area for graduates’ earnings versus cost of education, according to The Dallas Business Journal.

Boldly Go | twu.edu 1-866-809-6130

ATTENTION: INDEPENDENCE-LOVING, ORIGINAL THINKERS COME VISIT DENTON... YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL BE IN GOOD COMPANY HERE

discoverdenton.com Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau