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 Nextdoor, Twitter, and Instagram.

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2023 Events

Eggstravaganza - Saturday, April 1

Children ages infant to 8 are invited to 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 a "bounce house," face painting, music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Movies in Goar Park - Friday, May 12

Enjoy a movie under the stars in beautiful Goar Park. Each fall and spring, the Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Movie-in-the-Park event. The fun includes food trucks, bounce houses, and free popcorn and soft drinks. The movie and all activities, with the exception of food truck items, are free.

Children's Fishing Derby - Saturday, March 4 & Saturday, June 3

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, "catch and release" procedures are followed. 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.

Park Cities 4th of July Parade - Tuesday, July 4

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 Goar Park including bounce houses, crafts, a petting zoo, face painting and more!

Summer 2023 - 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.

Friday, June 30 - Lilo & Stitch
Friday, July 14 - Creature from the Black Lagoon
Friday. August 4 - Big Miracle
Friday, September 2 - Surf's UP

Doggie Splash Day at the Holmes Aquatic Center - Saturday, September 30

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.

Arbor Day Celebration

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.

Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting - Sunday, December 3

Residents from throughout the area gather in University Park's Snider Plaza to celebrate the coming holiday season. The festivities, featuring live holiday carols and dances take place near the Plaza's famous fountain. The highlight of the night comes when the holiday tree is illuminated.

Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting - Tuesday, December 5

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.