On Nthe Horizon EWSLETTER September 2026
Top 6 Things to Know About the Festival Plan for a day of free fun at Carrollton’s 16th Annual Festival at the Switchyard set for Saturday, November 7 in Downtown.
Rent a City Space
The City offers affordable spaces for gatherings of all sizes, such as indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues, sports and recreation facilities, and scenic parks. Flexible layouts and convenient amenities can accommodate everything from seminars and photography sessions to unforgettable weddings, sporting events, and family celebrations. Rental features include: • Affordable hourly and daily rental options • Kitchen and audiovisual equipment available at select facilities • Alcohol permitted with an approved permit at A.W. Perry Homestead Museum Grounds, Carrollton Senior Center, Crosby Recreation Center, Downtown Carrollton Gazebo, and Indian Creek Golf Club Reservations are accepted seasonally, and most reservable facilities require advance reservations, an hourly rental fee, and a refundable security deposit. Amenities, availability, rental requirements, and pricing vary by location, with some park amenities available on a first-come, firstserved basis at no charge. Carrollton Facility Rentals
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he 2026 Festival, held on the streets of Historic Downtown Carrollton, located off I-35E and Belt Line Road, promises to be a fun-filled day with local crafts and treats, arcade games and pinball machines, and rocking good shows from morning to evening. The rain or shine event kicks off at 11 a.m. and wraps up by 10 p.m.
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FREE
4 Live Music
Toad the Wet Sprocket
No entry fee or ticket needed
Eve 6 * Wheatus
HeartByrne * Bri Bagwell Midtown 10 * Elias Y Su Orquesta * Bird Brains
Bring spending money for food, drinks, and shopping
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3
Entertainment
Latin dancers, cosplayers, jugglers, magicians, local school dance/drill teams, and more
Free Rides & Games
Craft area, zip line, carnival rides, bungee trampolines, inflatables, face painting, balloon art, and more
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100+
Food & Craft Vendors
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Parking Extremely Limited: Ride the DART Green or Silver Line to the Downtown Carrollton Station, dart.org/fares
Thank you to Sponsors (to date):
Festival at the Switchyard
Public Safety Transparency An expanded transparency webpage provides citizens with information about the technology used to improve public safety.
Help Close to Home
Metrocrest Services specializes in helping individuals, families, and seniors stabilize their lives for a brighter future. Its wide range of services includes: • Housing Support • Food Pantry • Financial Coaching & Education • Workforce Development & Job Readiness • Senior Services • Homelessness Resources • Healthcare Guidance • Complementary Partners • Seasonal Programs Looking to make a difference? There are many ways to get involved, including volunteering, making a financial or food donation, hosting a donation drive, supporting the resale store, and raising awareness. Individuals and families seeking assistance can apply online or call 972-446-2100. Those interested in volunteering or donating can learn more on Metrocrest Services’ website. Metrocres Services
Back-to-School Resources Students don’t have to wait until the first big project is due to take advantage of the Carrollton Public Library’s free resources. Tools and support for learners of all ages include: • Mobile hotspots (one-week checkout) • Online test prep and homework help resources • Self-paced LearningExpress Library courses • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten • Ask-a-Librarian assistance for computer instructions, research questions, and more Whether students are beginning preschool or earning a degree, the Library can help them prepare for a successful academic year. Carrollton Public Library
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he Carrollton Police Department (CPD) is committed to the responsible and transparent use of technology to enhance public safety. Therefore, CPD has expanded its Transparency webpage to include information about Flock technology, along with direct links to the Flock Safety Transparency Portal (Flock Portal) and the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Aerodome Transparency Portal, providing residents with a better understanding of the public safety technologies used by the department. Through the Flock Portal, residents can: • Read recent success stories about how the technology has assisted investigations. • Review camera alert activity. • View the most common offense search reasons. • See the total number of Automated License Plate Reader searches conducted. • Access CPD policies and information about Flock Safety technology, including privacy protections and acceptable use. The Aerodome Community Dashboard provides insight into the DFR program, allowing residents to: • View program metrics, including total drone responses, average response times, and first-on-scene statistics.
• See common incident types where drones have been deployed. • Browse a public log of drone flights, including flight paths, dates, and times. • Filter historical flight data by date range to review previous deployments. The expanded transparency webpage also highlights how CPD uses Flock911 to stream active 911 calls directly to responding officers’ in-car computers. Officers can hear critical information in real time and gain situational awareness faster when responding to service calls. CPD uses these technologies as investigative tools to locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles linked to criminal activity, assist in missing person cases, and support ongoing investigations. All searches are restricted to authorized personnel, logged, and audited to ensure they are only conducted for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Through these resources, CPD aims to give residents an overview of how these technologies aid law enforcement, the safeguards in place, and the department’s ongoing efforts to balance public safety with individual privacy rights. Carrollton Police Transparency
New Upgrades at Woodlake Lake Debuted Rediscover the lake’s natural beauty while relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and experiencing the area in new ways.
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he community celebrated the completion of Woodlake Lake’s voter-approved enhancements with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, August 8. The project features a lakeside pavilion, an ADA-accessible kayak launch, terraced seating, expanded trail connections, improved parking, native landscaping, and gathering spaces to elevate recreation and accessibility. Funded through the 2018 Parks & Recreation Bond Program, the improvements create an inviting destination along Carrollton’s scenic Blue Trail and increase opportunities for walking, running, fishing, cycling, and kayaking year-round. Carrollton News
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A Guide to Trash Pickup Follow City ordinances to prevent missed pickups or delays and to ensure trash and recyclables are collected safely and efficiently.
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nowing how, when, and where to place bins, brush, and bulk items for pickup helps keep solid waste collection running smoothly. Follow these guidelines to avoid service interruptions. Trash and Recycling Bins should be placed at the designated collection location (alley or street) no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before and no later than 6:30 a.m. on collection day. All trash should be tied in bags and placed inside the City-provided bin. The lid must close completely, and the bin/s should not weigh more than 85 pounds. Anything left on top or beside the bin will not be collected. Place bins at the curb or in the alley, at least 3 feet from other bins, cars, trees, mailboxes, fences, and meters. Position bins with the lids facing the street and allow at least 14 feet of overhead clearance. Do not park vehicles in front of the collection areas on pickup day. After trash and/or recycling is collected, return the bin/s to their storage location by 9 a.m. the following day. Brush and Yard Waste together should measure up to 3 cubic yards and be placed at the curb for collection. Tree limbs and brush must be cut into lengths under 4 feet, tied into bundles weighing no more than 40 pounds, and stacked neatly.
Animal Services FAQ A Resident’s Quick Guide
Lost a Pet? Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and other garden debris) must be in plastic or brown kraft paper bags. Bulk items (furniture, mattresses, bicycles, household appliances, and other similar items) should also be placed at the curb in manageable piles. Place loose items, such as picture frames and bagged garage-cleanout waste, inside the trash bin. Before setting out appliances such as refrigerators or air conditioners, have a certified professional remove all refrigerants and label them as ready for pickup. DO NOT: • Stack/lean waste near trees, light poles, mailboxes, meters, or other structures in a way that makes removal difficult. • Block streets, sidewalks, or storm drains. • Place tree debris or yard waste in the recycle bin. Solid Waste Services
Join the City’s Adopt-A-Spot Program
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itter often collects in Carrollton’s creeks, parks, trails, and green spaces, especially after storms. Through quarterly cleanups, Adopt-A-Spot volunteers help remove hundreds of pounds of litter while protecting local waterways, wildlife, and the community’s natural beauty. Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can make a lasting impact by caring for an adopted location. The City provides cleanup supplies and installs a recognition sign at the site. Interested? Complete the Community Service Interest Survey, making sure to select “Adopt-A-Spot.” Then, prepare to make a difference while enjoying the outdoors. Stormwater Program
Review the City’s Lost and Found Pets resource to locate a missing pet. Most stray animals are held at the Center for five days to give their owners time to reclaim them. Keeping a pet’s registration and microchip information current can help speed up reunification.
Looking to Adopt?
Browse the City’s list of adoptable pets to find a new best friend. Adopted pets must be spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. Eligible animals may also participate in the Foster First Program, which gives potential adopters a sevenday trial period to determine if an animal is a good fit.
Don’t Forget Pet Registration
All dogs and cats over four months old must be registered annually with the City. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. Pets must wear their City registration tag at all times when off the owner’s property.
Need to Surrender a Pet?
Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center is an open-intake municipal shelter, but the City encourages owners to explore safe rehoming options first. Residents surrendering an animal must provide proof of Carrollton residency and valid identification.
Learn to Coexist with Wildlife
Coyotes, raccoons, snakes, bobcats, skunks, and other wildlife are part of Carrollton’s suburban environment. Residents should observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed, touch, or attempt to catch wild animals. The City’s Wildlife Tracker can also help residents view and report wildlife activity. For more information on these topics, as well as animal ordinances, pet resources, common pet diseases, volunteer and donation opportunities, and more, visit the Carrollton Animal Services website. Carrollton Animal Services
Questions/Comments? Email the Marketing Services Department.
Be a Leak Detective: Every Drop Counts Citizens can conserve water and lower their water bills by checking their homes for common leaks.
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ven small leaks can waste significant amounts of water and money. This simple activity guides homeowners in locating potential leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
Upcoming Events
Things Needed
• Food coloring dye • Pen or pencil • Leak Detective Worksheet • Clipboard
Steps to Investigate
Begin in the bathroom. Place two drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. While the dye sits for 10 minutes, inspect sinks, showers, and bathtubs for dripping water and record any leaks on the worksheet. Check the toilet for leaks. After 10 minutes, check the water in the toilet bowl. If the water has changed to the color of the dye, the toilet is leaking and may need repair. Flush the toilet before repeating the process in every bathroom in the home.
Investigate the kitchen. Check each faucet for drips or other signs of leaking water. Head outdoors. Inspect spigots and look or feel for unusually wet spots in the yard, which may indicate a hidden leak. Many minor leaks are easy to repair. By finding and addressing leaks early, homeowners can conserve water, save money, and help protect their homes from water damage. Download the worksheet or pick up a leak detection kit at City Hall’s Utility Customer Service counter while supplies last. 972-466-5727 Water Conservation
Love History? Upcoming exhibits offer an in-depth look at how people and communities have navigated defining moments and challenges.
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istory isn’t only found in textbooks. The City brings it closer to home by hosting exhibitions that allow citizens to connect with the people and stories from the past that have shaped modern life. At the Josey Ranch Lake Library, September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World traces the attacks, their origins, and the lasting effects through personal stories, photographs, and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s permanent collection. This poster exhibition runs through Wednesday, September 30 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
The Perry Museum’s Prairie to Parlor exhibit, available through Friday, November 6, shines a light onto children’s experiences during the Texas Republic era and early statehood. As land grants drew families west, homes and customs took root on the prairie. In the midst of displacement, separation, and challenging times, children of early settlers managed to find hope, joy, and opportunity. Discover something new with each visit through free rotating educational, historical, and artistic exhibits at various City facilities throughout the year. Leisure Connections Magazine
Explore programs and activities in the City’s Leisure Connections magazine.
Spooky Season – Check out the haunted happenings at the Carrollton Public Library. A ghoulishly delightful lineup is planned to satisfy all ages, including a screening of Hoppers (2026), PG and a Bilingual Halloween Outdoor Story Time. Perry Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Perry Museum – Enjoy oldfashioned ambiance, beautiful photo opportunities, homemade craft vendors, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin patch. Due to limited quantities, pumpkin reservations are required. Metrocrest Job Fair, Oct. 14, 3-5 p.m., Josey Ranch Lake Library – Dress for success and prepare to network with potential employers and explore career opportunities. Positions cover a range of industries and experience levels. Preregistration is recommended. Halloween Critter Hunt & Downtown Delights, Oct. 24, 4-7 p.m., Downtown Carrollton – Participate in a week-long scavenger hunt and trick-or-treating along the shops, ending on Saturday with a FREE showing of The Haunted Mansion (2003), PG, at sunset, weather permitting. Mother/Son Monster Mash, Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m., Creekview High School – Enjoy a kid-friendly haunted house, dancing, games, snacks, door prizes, and more. Meet real SWAT Team members and firefighters. Wear kid-friendly costumes and purchase a photo keepsake. For an early-bird discount, preregister before the event. G’hosted by the Carrollton Police Officers’ Association. Sorry, no dads or daughters allowed. Books for Treats, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., All Ages, Both Library Locations – Wear a Halloween costume and trick or treat for a free book while supplies last. For more information and a complete list of upcoming events and programs, visit the link below. Events Calendar