Last Thursday, I kicked off my weekend early by sipping wine outdoors while soaking up live music and a Texas sunset at Twilight Tunes in Denton, TX. The cool and quaint downtown Denton came alive with music flooding the streets and shimmers of sunshine breaking through the trees, casting shadows on the historic courthouse. This annual outdoor concert series quickly became one of my new favorite ways to wind down after a long week.
For those searching for live music in DFW with a connected community feel, Twilight Tunes is your answer. Here’s everything you need to know about this free Denton tradition.
WHO’S INVITED?
For those who can get down with some movin’ and a-groovin’ all evening long, Denton’s Twilight Tunes series is for you. Sit, stand or take to some wonderful people-watching at one of DFW’s best live music series. From hula hooping teens to dancing toddlers, Twilight Tunes is truly an experience for all ages. Even dogs are allowed to enjoy the tunes, as long as they’re well-behaved and on a leash.
WHEN & WHERE
The Spring and Summer series in 2019 takes place on Thursdays from April 18 to June 27, with the fall series starting up again on Thursdays in October. You’ll want to get there before 6:30 PM when local musicians start performing. If you end up running a little late, don’t fret — the tunes continue until 8 PM. Follow the sounds of music until you find the party at Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Lawn, 110 W. Hickory Street.
WHAT TO BRING
Chairs, blankets, booze, oh my! Because Twilight Tunes is an open, outdoor event, feel free to bring anything that might make the evening more comfortable. The pros bring dinner fixings ranging from entire pizza orders to bottles of wine and beers for sipping (and yes, it’s legal to publicly drink on the Courthouse Lawn). You can snag all of this on your way to the Square — Just swing by J&Js for the pizza and Midway Mart on Carroll and W Hickory for the rest.
Be sure to bring a comfortable cushion to sit on to save your back or opt for a chair to keep off the lawn. Oh, and a little bug spray never hurt nobody.
MAKE IT A PARTY
Plan to head down to the Downtown Denton Square early to sip and shop around the incredible storefronts. This part of town is littered with wonderful oddities and specialty shops — a personal favorite is Recycled Books. If you can’t come early, opt for dinner to follow. Barley & Board is ideal for tapas-style dining with friends or turn to LSA Burger Co. for a fun, family environment made complete with a food coma.
For those heading to Twilight Tunes without kiddos in tow, make plans to grab a cocktail at Paschall Bar, Denton’s local speakeasy, after dinner. Look for a door to the right of Andy’s and head upstairs to find this hidden oasis. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
A DENTON TRADITION
This year is the 27th annual installment of the Thursday night lawn series, serving as a true testament to Twilight Tunes’ success. Hosted by the Denton Main Street Association, the weekly series starts in the spring, takes a temporary summer vacation, and returns for the fall weather.
While there’s only a short time left to hit a show this season before it wraps up on Thursday, June 27, Twilight Tunes will be back in the fall for more music, memories, and entertainment. Check their events calendar later this summer for exact dates.