Arlington is known for its museums and cultural activities. Every spring, a free series of concerts take place at Levitt Pavilion. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair and a cooler or purchase snacks from on-site vendors. Music styles range from rock to pop to country.
From May 22 to May 24 the sounds of DreamFest echoed through downtown to once again to celebrate the spirit of Arlington. DreamFest is an annual event, this year, featuring Motown, country and Tejano music. The concept was inspired by Mayor Jim Ross’ vision for a free community gathering over Memorial Day weekend.
“Everybody needs to come here. It’s the best deal in town, and nobody knows about it, “said Donna McPherson, a five-year Levitt Arlington volunteer.
DreamFest this year not only celebrated a free family-friendly Memorial Day weekend with a free live concerts, vendors and food, but also was part of Arlington’s yearlong 150th anniversary celebration.
The three-night shows started on May 22 under soft and nice breeze increasing participants’ gathering ecstasy. The community vibrated to the performance of the legendary group Martha and the Vandellas. Martha Reeve’s voice thrilled the audience who knew her Motown songs from an earlier generation.
DreamFest is also a marketing and advertising opportunity for vendors and local entrepreneurs. It was a platform for well-established companies, such as State Farm and Chick-fil-A, and for new entrepreneurs, including Booked by Jenn, a “blind date” with a book company, to increase their visibility and make a profit.
“We take books that are lightly used and recycled, and secondhand, and then we wrap them up. We give you the genre of the book and the Goodreads rating on the side, and it’s a surprise when you open the book. And we put a whole bunch of book swag hidden in there as well. So, it’s kind of like a mystery book,” said customer service associate who goes by Zephir.
DreamFest is an opportunity for the community of Arlington to celebrate the richness of the neighborhood and the sesquicentennial of the city. Free concerts will continue weekends through June 20 and return in the fall.
