By Trisha Atwood
Southlake is known for its luxury real estate, top-tier dining, and proximity to DFW Airport, but the arts community here is equally worth knowing. For a city its size, Southlake punches well above its weight when it comes to cultural programming, live performance, and public art experiences. From nationally juried art festivals at Southlake Town Square to symphony concerts, ballet, chamber music, and outdoor amphitheater events, there are more ways to enjoy the arts in Southlake, TX, than most newcomers expect.
Key Takeaways
- APEX Arts League brings professional-caliber performing and visual arts programming to Southlake throughout the year
- Art in the Square is one of the most anticipated annual events in the mid-cities, drawing national artists and thousands of visitors
- The Marq's Aria Amphitheater provides a world-class outdoor venue for concerts and live performances
- Southlake's arts calendar is active year-round, with events ranging from intimate chamber concerts to large-scale outdoor festivals
APEX Arts League
APEX Arts League is the cornerstone of Southlake's arts programming, bringing professional-level cultural events to the community each season. The organization presents a full annual lineup of performances spanning chamber music, symphony concerts, ballet, opera, film, and visual arts, all within Southlake and the immediately surrounding area. Past seasons have featured events such as National Geographic photography receptions at Southlake Town Hall, string quartet performances, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra concerts, Avant Chamber Ballet productions, and a Cinema D'Arte film series at The Marq. Jazz Fest — held at Carroll Senior High School's auditorium — has become a beloved annual tradition for residents throughout the area.
What APEX Arts League Offers Southlake Residents
- A full performing arts season spanning music, dance, opera, and film presented at venues throughout Southlake
- Visual arts receptions and gallery events spotlighting both local artists and nationally recognized figures
- The annual Jazz Fest featuring professional jazz ensembles alongside strong student performers from the area
- Accessible ticket prices that make professional-quality arts programming available to a wide community audience
Art in the Square
Art in the Square is Southlake's signature annual arts festival and one of the most highly regarded juried art festivals in North Texas. Held each spring at Southlake Town Square, the event draws talented artists from across the country and attracts thousands of visitors over its three-day run. Beyond the visual arts, Art in the Square features two live music stages running throughout the weekend. The main stage has headlined performers across genres including jazz, pop, classic rock, and country, while the gazebo stage showcases local talent, dance performances, and community programming.
What to Know About Art in the Square
- A nationally juried festival that curates artists from across the country, ensuring a high standard of work across all mediums
- Two live performance stages running simultaneously throughout the weekend with a diverse lineup of music and performing arts
- Held annually in late April at Southlake Town Square, typically drawing tens of thousands of visitors over three days
- Free general admission makes it accessible for the entire community and easy to incorporate into a weekend in Southlake
The Marq and Aria Amphitheater
The Marq is Southlake's primary community event center, encompassing more than 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. While Legends Hall serves as the main indoor venue for performances and events, Aria — The Marq's outdoor amphitheater — has become one of the standout live entertainment destinations in the mid-cities. Aria accommodates up to 1,500 guests and hosts concerts, performances, and community events throughout the year. It serves as the backdrop for several APEX Arts League events including Cinema D'Arte screenings, and its open-air setting makes it particularly well-suited for evening performances from spring through fall.
What The Marq and Aria Offer the Southlake Arts Community
- Aria Amphitheater accommodates up to 1,500 guests for outdoor concerts, performances, and community events year-round
- Legends Hall provides a versatile indoor setting for performances, film screenings, and arts events requiring a formal venue
- A central location near Southlake Town Square that places it at the heart of the community's cultural and social life
- Regular use by APEX Arts League and other community arts organizations as a primary performance venue throughout the season
Visual Arts and Gallery Experiences
Beyond the festival circuit and performing arts calendar, Southlake offers ongoing opportunities to engage with visual art. APEX Arts League maintains an active visual arts thread throughout the year, including gallery events, artist receptions, and exhibition showcases held at Southlake Town Hall and other community spaces. Southlake Town Hall itself hosts rotating art receptions that give local and regional artists a platform throughout the year, and Art in the Square's curated artist booths offer a rare opportunity to purchase original fine art directly from national artists.
Ways to Engage With Visual Arts in and Around Southlake
- Art in the Square's curated artist booths featuring original fine art across mediums from national and regional artists
- The Strokes of Art reception, an annual APEX event celebrating visual artists in the community
- Rotating art showcases hosted at Southlake Town Hall and community spaces throughout the year
- Access to the broader DFW gallery and museum circuit in Fort Worth and Dallas, reachable within 30 to 45 minutes
FAQs
Is Southlake's arts programming suitable for all ages?
Most events on Southlake's arts calendar are designed to be family-inclusive. Art in the Square and APEX Arts League events regularly feature programming suited to a range of ages, and performances like the Avant Chamber Ballet's Nutcracker are specifically designed as accessible entry points for younger audiences.
How do I stay informed about arts events in Southlake?
APEX Arts League maintains an active events calendar and announces its full season each fall. The City of Southlake's official website and the Art in the Square website publish event details and artist lineups well in advance of each season.
Does Southlake have connections to arts programming in Dallas and Fort Worth?
Yes. Southlake's proximity to both cities means residents have easy access to the full cultural calendars of the DFW metroplex. APEX Arts League has brought organizations including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to perform locally, and the broader museum and gallery circuit in both cities is reachable within 30 to 45 minutes.
Contact Trisha Atwood Today
If you are considering a move to Southlake and want to learn more about the lifestyle, community, and cultural amenities this area has to offer, I am here to help.
Reach out to me,
Trisha Atwood, for a conversation about finding the right home in the right neighborhood.
