Special Events

The City’s Parks & 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. 

    
 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

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.  For more information, please call 214-978-5498.

 

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2021 Events

Due to COVID-19 changing safety guidelines and requirements, events could be cancelled or on-site attendance and participation may be modified. We appreciate your support and understanding.
 

At Home Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 27, 2021

Registration for the At-Home Egg Hunt is now full.
 

Register for an At-Home Eggstravaganza of your own! Parks Department employees will deliver the egg hunt to you! Registration is free and includes one dozen eggs per child, stuffed with peanut allergy-friendly candy and toys. Registration is limited to City of University Park residents.

Registration is limited to the first 250 registrants. 

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Movies in Goar Park - TBD

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.     

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Children’s Fishing Derby - Saturday, April 3, 2021

The pond will be stocked with 400 pounds of catfish for fishing starting April 3 through May 29. Please practice social distancing and catch and release practices. Catfish prefer strong smelling baits. Try using nightcrawlers, chicken livers, shrimp, stinkbait or cut hot dogs. For more information check out Texas Parks & Wildlife's Neighborhood Fishing! Fishing license is required for anyone over 16 years old. 

View Video of this annual event 

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Park Cities Parade - Saturday, July 3, 2021

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 parade begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall at 9 a.m.  The parade travels up Preston Road and then heads east on University Boulevard to Goar Park, which is located just west of University Park City Hall.  (Parade route map).  The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries.
 

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Summer 2021 – Dive-In-Movies at Holmes Aquatic Center

Presented on various Friday night’s 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.  Moviegoers are admitted beginning at 8:45 p.m.  Showtime is 9 p.m.  The pool’s snack bar is open for each show and lifeguards are on duty.  

 

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Doggie Splash Day - Holmes Aquatic Center -
Saturday, October 2, 2021 

Noon - 3 p.m.

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, swimsuit contest, and retrieving contest. The event starts at Noon and registration of all dogs is required.  To participate you must be a University Park/HPISD resident and you must register.  Once the form is completed, you can email or fax it to the contacts that are listed on the form.  Space is limited to the first 100 dogs, so sign up early.  Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Texas.

Registration Form

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Arbor Day Celebration - Friday, November 5, 2021

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. 

 

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Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting - Sunday, November 21, 2021

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 dance take place near the Plaza’s famous fountain.  The highlight of the night comes when the holiday tree is illuminated.

 

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Elena's Children's Park Tree Lighting - Tuesday, December 7, 2021 

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
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.