Things to Do in DeSoto, Texas
DeSoto is a close-in southern Dallas County suburb, and its draws mix the community kind — a Town Center with a theater and amphitheater, good parks — with a few genuine standouts, like a covered BMX track and a 19th-century Victorian farmstead. Cedar Hill State Park is a short drive west.
Here's what to do in and around DeSoto.
The DeSoto Town Center
The DeSoto Town Center is the civic and cultural heart of the city, gathering City Hall, the Recreation Center, the DeSoto Public Library, the Civic Center, an outdoor amphitheater, and The Corner Theatre in one district.
It's where a lot of the town's events happen, from concerts at the amphitheater to performances at the theater, plus community gatherings like the DeSoto Artist Lab Showcase Festival. It's the natural center for a visit.
DeSoto BMX and the Parks
One of DeSoto's most distinctive attractions is DeSoto BMX at Grimes Park — a covered track built for BMX racing. Local races run on Fridays and Saturdays, and the action draws riders and spectators from across the region.
Grimes Park also has a big playground and sports facilities, and the Paul S. Dryer Preserve at Windmill Hill and Roy Orr Trail add trails and natural areas for a quieter day outside.
History and the Outdoors
For a look at the area's past, the historic Nance Farm preserves a Victorian-style home built in the 1850s, along with a windmill, curing shed, milking barn, and tank house — a window into 19th-century farm life in southern Dallas County.
And Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake is a short drive west for the outdoors.
Concerts & Shows Near DeSoto
Listings from Ticketmaster, updated October 12, 2026. Tickets are sold by Ticketmaster; we don't check these dates ourselves, so confirm on the ticket page.
- Mon, Oct 12 · 6:30 PM Arrows In Action w/ Good Boy Daisy · Club Dada, Dallas · 14 mi
- Mon, Oct 12 · 7:00 PM Cavetown - Running With Scissors Tour · House of Blues Dallas, Dallas · 13 mi · Rock
- Mon, Oct 12 · 7:00 PM Chad Gray w/ Butcher Babies · The Studio at the Bomb Factory, Dallas · 14 mi · Metal
- Mon, Oct 12 · 9:00 PM Specialized Karaoke Night with RUEN · Three Links Deep Ellum, Dallas · 14 mi · Alternative
- Tue, Oct 13 · 7:00 PM ARTMS · Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie · 15 mi
- Tue, Oct 13 · 7:00 PM L7: The Last Hurrah Tour 2026 · The Echo Lounge & Music Hall, Dallas · 14 mi · Rock
- Tue, Oct 13 · 7:30 PM Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche · American Airlines Center, Dallas · 14 mi · Hockey
- Tue, Oct 13 · 7:30 PM FIFTH THIRD GARAGE: Dallas Stars v Colorado Avalanche · American Airlines Center, Dallas · 14 mi · Hockey
FAQ: Things to Do in DeSoto
DeSoto's draws include the Town Center with its theater and amphitheater, the covered DeSoto BMX track at Grimes Park, and the historic 1850s Nance Farm. Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake is a short drive west.
The DeSoto Town Center is the city's civic and cultural district, home to City Hall, the Recreation Center, the Public Library, the Civic Center, an outdoor amphitheater, and The Corner Theatre. It hosts many of the town's events.
The historic Nance Farm in DeSoto preserves a Victorian-style home built in the 1850s, along with a windmill, curing shed, milking barn, and tank house — a look at 19th-century farm life in the area.
East Texas guides — an easy drive from DeSoto
Weekend trips, lakes, festivals and small-town food east of the metroplex.
Things to Do in East Texas
What to do in East Texas, checked against official sources: Tyler's Rose Garden and Caldwell Zoo, Canton's First Monday Trade Days, the Texas State Railroad, state parks, museums and festivals.
Read Guide →East Texas Festivals and Annual Events
Season-by-season guide to East Texas festivals and events — Canton's First Monday Trade Days, the Texas Rose Festival, the Yamboree, Wonderland of Lights and more, checked against each host's own site.
Read Guide →Best Day Trips from Tyler and East Texas
Drive-time guide to day trips from Tyler: state parks, small towns, museums, and lakes within about 30 minutes, an hour, and up to three hours.
Read Guide →Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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