Two Dallas companies that promote local food have joined forces on a new monthly series: The two forces are Good Local Markets, which operates community-based weekend farmers markets for Dallas producers only, and Shindig Food Park, an outdoor venue in East Dallas that’s open on weekends with food trucks, games and a full bar.
Every month from now through December, they’ll be hosting a Friday night party featuring the food and drinks offered at Shindig each weekend, along with the artisans that make up the Good Local Market.
The series kicks off on August 23, when Good Local Markets will be there from 6-9 p.m. with a hand-picked selection of vendors offering baked goods, specialty foods and the like.
The Shindig, which was closed during the very hot summer, just reopened on August 19, with new and returning food vendors on board and a number of family activities planned for the entire fall.
Located on a sprawling half-acre property at 3732 Samuell Blvd., The Shindig was founded in 2023 by Terri and Kam De León, two experienced hospitality professionals whose goal was to create a safe and enjoyable environment where children can play with picnic tables and a covered patio while the adults relax with food and drinks.
They are seasonal, similar to a farmers market: they are closed during the weather-related months of January/February and June/July.
The rest of the year they are open every weekend with a permanent bar and food truck: Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. When the weather is really nice they are also open on Thursdays.
Regularly rotating food trucks include Chopped Up Cocina, Cafe Ciro, Jazzy’s Tacos, Ay Te Va BBQ and Twizel Ice Cream.
Good Local Markets already hosts markets on Saturdays at the White Rock Farmers Market, 1450 Old Gate Ln., and on Sundays at the Lakewood Tower Farmers Market, 6301 Gaston Ave. (beginning in September). These are full-fledged farmers markets with produce.
The Shindig has some food but no produce.
They list the benefits of this new partnership:
- New audience: The Friday evening market introduces the artisans to the regulars of the Shindig
- Perfect partnership: “We are honored to partner with Terri and Kam De León, the visionary couple behind The Shindig. Their commitment to hospitality and community is evident in everything they do. By revitalizing this historically underused and underserved part of East Dallas, they are pioneering positive change.”
- Shared Values: Both GLM and The Shindig are dedicated to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that promote local businesses and bring people together in the belief that spaces like these are critical to building a strong, vibrant community.
Good Local Market is coming to The Shindig on August 23rd with vendors including East Dallas Marmalady, Nana Dot’s Southern Sweets, Spicytude, Camila & Clay, Fig Basket Crochet and Creative, Oak Cliff Pottery, SajiDeen Boutique, Sweet Sister Treasures and You Grow Girl.
The following evenings will take place on September 20th, October 18th, November 15th and December 20th.
