Southlake residents gathered at Town Square on Saturday, Sept. 12, for a block party celebrating the city's 70th anniversary.
The Celebrate Southlake event ran from 4 to 9 p.m. and featured live music, vendor booths, food trucks, yard games and family activities, Community Impact reported.
Bands New Mix Vibes and The Boogies performed at Rustin Pavilion. The evening ended with a light show projected onto the Town Hall building. Fireworks followed at City Hall.
Mayor Shawn McCaskill previewed the celebration on the city's SLK City Spotlight program on Aug. 31, calling it North Texas' biggest birthday block party of the year.
Festival and Events Coordinator Lauren Kimberly helped organize the event, which also included a showcase of city vehicles and equipment alongside the food and performances.
The city has tied the anniversary to a year-long tree-planting effort. Under the 2,026 Trees in 2026 initiative, officials have been planting trees in parks, public spaces and neighborhood yards across Southlake.
Free saplings were available at the block party for residents to take home and plant. The initiative encourages residents to add trees that future generations can enjoy.
Two fall tree sale pickup dates remain: Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. Residents can purchase trees through the city's program.
The 70th anniversary festivities continue Wednesday, Sept. 16, with "Southlake: 70 Years in the Making" at Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event will turn Legends Hall into a pop-up history museum with exhibits from the city's past. Local restaurants Feedstore BBQ and Armend's will serve food.
Upcoming anniversary events:
- Wednesday, Sept. 16 — "Southlake: 70 Years in the Making," 5–7 p.m., Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake
- Sept. 26 — 2,026 Trees in 2026 fall tree sale pickup
- Oct. 24 — 2,026 Trees in 2026 fall tree sale pickup
