Kindness Week Dallas Nov 7-14

Kindness Week in Dallas is sponsored by the Thanks-Giving Foundation that operates Thanks-Giving Square. 

The first Kindness Week was in 1995 and brought Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King III, and Imam Warith Deen Mohammed to Dallas. 

In 2025, on its 30th anniversary, the Thanksgiving Square Foundation made Kindness Week an annual celebration every second week in November, honoring the precedent set in1995 by leaders including then-Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett and Actor Dennis Weaver.  

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and the DISD have joined Thanks-Giving Square and are honoring and participating in the week long celebrations. This year Kindness Week will be November 7 – 14.

On November 7, Annette Strauss Square transforms into the city’s most uplifting outdoor experience — a full day of music, movement, and shared humanity.

Come for the performances, stay for the joy, and leave with a renewed belief that Kindness Lives Here.

What You’ll Experience

The Kindness Festival is built like the best community festivals in North Texas — lively, family-friendly, and full of discovery. Here’s what you’ll find:

Live Stages & Performances

Three outdoor stages (Annette Strauss Stage, Sammons Stage, and Sammons Lawn) feature 50 continuous performances from North Texas schools, individuals, and community groups.

Spoken word, youth choirs, and cultural dance groups round out the lineup.

Storytelling Corner: students perform readings from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, exploring kindness and belonging.

Global Food Truck Market

Four curated food trucks will serve comfort classics and international favorites. Expect something kind for every palate.

Kindness Market

A curated row of local artists, makers, and nonprofits offering handmade goods, kindness-themed gifts, and volunteer opportunities. Includes booths from local partners such as animal shelters (with puppies for adoption!) and youth service organizations.

Family & Youth Zone

Designed for play and purpose:

Bounce houses & art walls

Putting green & game area

Face-painting & balloon artists

Kindness Take-Home Activities for families and classrooms

Interactive Kindness Experiences

Kindness Pledge Wall – Commit to daily acts of compassion using a digital QR code or handwritten note.

Pop-Up “Be Kind” Stations – Snap a selfie, write a gratitude note, or share your story.

Kindness Booth (Start Here) – Festival hub for info, maps, T-shirts, and the 365-Day Kindness Pledge.

Who It’s For

Everyone. Families, students, neighbors, faith communities, and anyone who believes in kindness as a force for good.

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful day out, a kid-friendly experience, or a way to reconnect with your city — Kindness Festival has a place for you.

How to Join

Just show up. No tickets. No barriers. Just bring your heart.

Sign the Kindness Pledge. QR-code stations across the festival grounds.

Get social. Tag your moments with #DallasKindnessWeek, #BeKindDallas, and #KindnessLivesHere.

Plan ahead. Take DART to Pearl/Arts District Station or take the M-Line Trolley

Parking available at Ross Avenue surface lots, AT&T PAC garages ($20), and St. Paul UMC Church lot.

Event Essentials

When

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where

Annette Strauss Square, AT&T Performing Arts Center, 2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201

Cost

Free entry; donations support year-round kindness programs

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible; ASL interpretation for major stage segments; family rest zone near Hamon Lawn

What to Bring

Reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, layers for fall weather, smartphone for QR pledge

Good to Know

Rain or shine. Visit the Kindness Info Booth near the main entrance for maps, volunteer check-in, and schedule updates.

Parking

Parking garages

PARK FAST garage: Located at 1925 N Pearl Street, this 24/7 facility is close to the museums and performance venues.

AT&T Performing Arts Center garages: Self-parking and valet are available during performance times. The Lexus Red and Lexus Silver lots are beneath the Winspear Opera House and Moody Performance Hall, respectively.

Plaza of the Americas Garage: Located at 2260 San Jacinto St., with an $8 rate for two hours.

2000 McKinney Garage: A popular and cheapest option, priced at $8 for two hours.

2100 McKinney Parking Garage: Offers free parking for up to two hours.

1920 McKinney Ave. Lower Garage: Starts at around $16.09. 

Surface lots and other options

Lot 104: A surface lot at 2600 Ross Ave., with a starting price around $10.73.

Street parking: Metered street parking is available, but check signage for restrictions and time limits. Some meters are free for two hours, while others may be cheaper per hour.

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1816 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201

Valet parking: Valet services are available at some hotels and venues, such as the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District. 

Tips for parking

Book in advance: Use apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz to book a spot in advance, especially for popular events.

Why It Matters

Kindness isn’t fluff — it’s the foundation of a thriving city. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, becomes a ripple that strengthens the social fabric.

The Thanks-Giving Foundation created North Texas Kindness Week to make compassion visible, actionable, and unforgettable. The Dallas Kindness Festival is its grand finale — proof that Dallas is a city where kindness lives.

Keep the Ripple Going

Follow Thanks-Giving Square on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Sign the Kindness Pledge. Commit to one act of kindness every week (or every day).
Because movements start with moments.

Support future Kindness Week Activities.