The Colony’s Calendar of Community Celebrations
The Colony punches well above its weight when it comes to free, family-oriented events spread throughout the year. Whether you have lived here for decades or just moved in, knowing what is on the city’s recurring calendar helps you plan ahead and get the most out of this community on the shores of Lewisville Lake.
Spring Kickoffs: Races and Festivals for All Ages
Coach Cox’s Kids Race by the Lake returns each April at Stewart Creek Park, giving young runners a chance to compete along the Lewisville Lake shoreline. Children nine and under run a half-mile course, while those ages ten through twelve tackle a full mile. Every participant goes home with a goody bag, T-shirt, and participation ribbon, making it a low-pressure, high-fun introduction to race culture for kids.
Up, Up and Away: Festival of Flight lands in May and is one of the more distinctive events on the local calendar. This free festival centers on all things aerial, with kite flying, birding demonstrations, paper airplane contests, and live music filling the day. It is the kind of event that feels genuinely specific to this community rather than a generic festival template dropped into any city.
Full details and dates for both spring events are posted at visitthecolonytx.com.
Summer: Patriotic Celebrations by the Water
Liberty By the Lake is The Colony’s signature Fourth of July event and one of the most well-rounded Independence Day celebrations in the area. The day begins with the Liberty 5K and one-mile Fun Run at Stewart Creek Park, transitions into the Independence Day Parade along Blair Oaks Drive, and wraps up at The Athletic Club with live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and a fireworks finale. The entire event is free for families, which makes it a dependable anchor on the summer calendar year after year.
A Dance Tradition: The Sweetheart Ball
Now in its twenty-first year or beyond, the Sweetheart Ball is one of those events that has quietly become a meaningful tradition for families in The Colony. Hosted each February by the Parks and Recreation Department, this daddy-daughter dance runs in two structured sessions and is given a fresh theme each year — 2026’s version was styled around an “Enchanted Fairy Garden” concept. It is the kind of event that creates genuine memories, and the fact that it has sustained itself for over two decades says something about how much the community values it. Registration information is available at thecolonytx.gov/827/Sweetheart-Ball.
Fall: Halloween, Heroes, and a Dog-Friendly Splash
Fall brings three very different events that together show the range of what The Colony’s event calendar can offer.
Bow Wow Luau happens each September at Hawaiian Waters Waterpark and is exactly what it sounds like: owners and their dogs take over the wave pool and lazy river for a day of splashing around. Beyond the novelty, the event carries real community purpose, with proceeds benefiting The Colony Animal Shelter Injured Animal Fund.
Family Fright Fest arrives in October at Stewart Creek Park as a free Halloween celebration running from 3 to 7 PM. Hayrides, games, trick-or-treating, crafts, and a costume contest with categories for every age group make it a reliable destination for families who want a structured Halloween outing without any cost attached.
American Heroes Festival: A Salute to Veterans takes place in November at The Athletic Club and honors veterans and first responders with a full day of carnival rides, games, food trucks, and a concert series. The Car, Truck and Bike Show and a silent auction are recurring signature features, and the event closes with a drone show that draws consistent praise from attendees.
December: Lights, Parades, and a Fire Station Spectacular
Holiday in the Park and Parade of Lights closes out the annual calendar each December at Perryman Park. Themed floats make up the Parade of Lights, and the surrounding event includes festive music, games, and rides. Rounding out the holiday season is the Christmas Spectacular at The Colony Central Fire Station, a synchronized light show that runs nightly through the holidays and has become a local tradition in its own right.
The full city events calendar, including registration links and updated dates, lives at visitthecolonytx.com/291/Events. The Parks and Recreation Department also maintains a dedicated special events page at thecolonytx.gov/747/Special-Events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most of The Colony’s annual festivals free to attend?
The majority of The Colony’s signature events — including Liberty By the Lake, Family Fright Fest, the American Heroes Festival, and the Festival of Flight — are free for families. Some events like the Sweetheart Ball or Bow Wow Luau involve registration fees or entry costs, so it is worth checking the city’s events pages for specifics before attending.
Where do most of The Colony’s outdoor events take place?
Stewart Creek Park and The Athletic Club are the two most common venues for major events. The Parade of Lights takes place at Perryman Park, the Bow Wow Luau is held at Hawaiian Waters Waterpark, and the Christmas Spectacular is staged at The Colony Central Fire Station.
How do I find out when registration opens for events like the Sweetheart Ball?
The Colony Parks and Recreation Department announces registration windows on the city’s official site. Checking thecolonytx.gov regularly in the weeks leading up to each event season is the most reliable way to catch registration before spots fill.
Does The Colony have a central page listing all upcoming community events?
Yes. The official event hub for The Colony is visitthecolonytx.com/291/Events, which is updated with dates, details, and registration links for recurring annual events as they are confirmed each year.
