At the beginning of 2019, the Dallas metro launched Yelp Families: a year-long campaign focused on building a more inclusive community and celebrating the best of family-friendly businesses, festivals and local happenings.
From ticket giveaways, to exclusive local business experiences to official Yelp events, the excitement from big and little Yelpers alike has spanned across the city and age groups! Melissa B., a Yelp Dallas Elite since 2012 shared “I am so, so grateful for the new Yelp Families program! I’ve always loved Yelp and being able to include my little ones is such a treat.”
It all started with a partnership with the North Texas Irish Festival (NTIF): a local family-oriented festival that celebrates food and culture and hosts over 30k in attendance annually.
This year, Yelp Dallas and NTIF decided to join forces and create a VIP festival preview for Yelp Dallas Families. The private experience welcomed over 200 attendees (Elites and Non-Elites alike) and included over 12 local businesses in food, drink and entertainment: (German Girl Mustard, Addicted Rum Balls & Rum Cakes, Hawaiian Honey Cones, Scot’s Cafe, Round Rock Honey, Victoria Chefina Chocolates, Five Farms Irish Cream, 3 Nations Brewing, Pipe & Palette, Gregg’s Magic, and the Crayola Experience). The day was made even more memorable thanks to the traditional Celtic sounds of popular Irish bands, Skeleton Mckee and Beyond the Pale.
“It’s always a treat whenever we can bring family members especially the kiddos. My nieces are always excited about Yelp events whenever I tell them that I’m going to one. They almost always expect for me to bring them Yelp swag back to them.” – Marrianne C.
“I was wondering first and foremost if their was ever a possibility of these Yelp events to involve families with little ones. So glad we were able to enjoy this pre party family event! Fun for both the parents and the kiddos… yes, that’s what I’m talking about, Yelp leaders! Thank you. Artistic expression for our littles, balloon creations, fabulous face painting, crayola give away AND a magic show. Loved everything about this event.” – Becky G.
Dallas closed out the month of March with a Yelp Families Launch Party at the beautifully-restored historical Texas Landmark, Event1013. This downtown Plano general store from the 1800’s turned Yelp Families event venue proved to be the perfect unique space to showcase area businesses and host the local community.
And thanks to the generosity from some top-rated local businesses and brands: Steel City Pops; Shady’s Burgers; Original Chop Shop; Sweet Hut; Nikki’s Popcorn; 24HotChicken; Truman Factory; 3 Nations Brewing; Austin EastCiders; Sparkling Ice; Topo Chico; Funny Cheeks Face Painting; Landon Stark Balloon Animals + Magic; FemPyre Hula Hoop Performer; EQ Kids Experience Center; Taste Buds Kitchen; Crayola Experience, there were plenty of drinks, food samples, activities, entertainment and giveaways to go around!
Elite Marianna G. recapped her experience: “Yelp Dallas team, I super loved being able to share this experience with my kids. My little one actually thanked me for inviting him along and my older one proudly said he was glad I was a Yelp elite. I owe you guys for getting me some cool mom points. The venue was great and the vendors were A++.”
But these two epic parties weren’t the only highlights of the past few months, there were also many lucky Yelp Dallas winners who scored complementary experiences at the color-crazy, creative Crayola Experience and Candytopia’s magically delicious traveling art installation.
Want to join the Yelp Dallas Families series? Throughout the year, keep your eyes peeled for even more official Yelp Families happenings yelp.com/events/dallas and make sure you are following @YelpDallas on instagram for some exciting updates and contests.
Cheers and SYOY!
Helina G. Yelp Dallas Community Director
