Unforgettable Events to Experience This Autumn

As crisp air and cooler temperatures finally settle over North Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth transforms into a hub of festive autumn activFrom towering hot air balloons drifting through the sky to iconic fair traditions and Bavarian celebrations, September marks the kickoff of the region's best season.

Whether you're looking for family-friendly weekend outings, date-night ideas, or immersive fall displays, here is your complete guide to the top events happening across DFW this season.

 

 

 

The Plano Balloon Festival

Dates: September 17–20

Location: Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano, TX

 

Over 35 massive, colorful hot air balloons take over the skies near Dallas for this spectacular four-day festival. Beyond the morning launches and evening Balloon Glows—where tethered balloons illuminate the night sky—attendees can enjoy live music, local food vendors, skydiving exhibitions, and a dedicated kids' fun zone. It’s an essential North Texas tradition you won't want to miss.

 

TOP EVENTS TO ADD TO YOUR FALL BUCKET LIST

Pumpkin Nights — Arlington

Dates: September 17 – October 31

Location: Howell Farms, 4016 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76012.

Pumpkin Nights - Dallas is a fall Halloween experience held at Howell Farms in Arlington,

featuring a half-mile trail filled with elaborate pumpkin installations and themed areas.

The experience is designed more around creativity, lights, and family-friendly Halloween fun than traditional scares.

 

What to expect:

•  7,500+ pumpkins used throughout the experience
•  A half-mile walking trail through themed “Pumpkin Lands”
•  Areas such as Spider Alley, Pirate’s Cove, the Enchanted Forest, and Pumpkin Tunnel
•  Live fire shows
•  Festive food, games, vendors, pumpkin activities, and photo opportunities
• Designed for all ages, without gore or forced jump scares

 

 

State Fair of Texas

Dates: September 17 – October 31

The State Fair of Texas is one of North Texas’ biggest annual traditions,

bringing food, live music, rides, exhibits, livestock, and family entertainment to Fair Park in Dallas.

The fair has been a Texas tradition since 1886 and continues to highlight Texas agriculture, education, and community.

What to expect:

•  Big Tex and classic Texas traditions
•  70 Midway rides
•  Live music and performances
•  Fair food and creative food offerings
•  Livestock and agricultural exhibits
•  Creative arts and educational exhibits
• 100+ free attractions included with admission
• 🇺🇸 2026 theme: “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies!”

 

Addison Oktoberfest

Dates: September 17 – September 20

Location: Addison Circle Park, Addison, TX

Addison Oktoberfest brings a Bavarian celebration with a Texas twist to Addison Circle Park. The festival has been running for more than 35 years and features German food, polka music, dancing, games, and activities for the whole family.

What to expect:

• Traditional German food, music, and entertainment
•  Bier gardens and the famous Bier Games
• Multiple stages with polka bands and other performers
• German favorites like bratwurst and other festival foods
• Dachshund Dash
• Masskrugstemmen, the traditional stein-holding competition
• Family-friendly activities and games
• Texas Zwei Step, blending Bavarian traditions with Texas culture
• A silent disco area with a live DJ

 

Fort Worth Oktoberfest

 September 24–26, 2026

 Location: Trinity Park, Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Oktoberfest brings a three-day celebration of German culture, Bavarian food, live music, games, and entertainment to Trinity Park. It has a more traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere while still offering plenty of activities for families and visitors.

What to expect:

•  Bavarian food, bier, and live German music
•  Polka bands and folk dancing
•  Stein-hoisting and bier barrel-rolling competitions
•  German favorites like bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and strudel
•  Dachshund Dash & Costume Contest
•  Carnival rides and games
•  Marktplatz featuring local artisans and vendors
•  Oktoberfest 5K & Fun Run
•  Multiple bier halls, tents, and a biergarten

Ticket prices: $10 Thursday, $15 Friday, $15 Saturday, or $20 for a 3-day pass. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Early online ticket purchases are guaranteed a commemorative 2026 stein.

 

Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum

Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX
2026: The fall season runs through September and October, with specific events scheduled throughout the season. For example, Pumpkins & Pints is scheduled for October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 6–9 PM.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden transforms into a huge fall display featuring more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash throughout the gardens. The centerpiece is Pumpkin Village, which gets a new theme each year.

For 2026, the theme is “Harvest Hues,” featuring six Pumpkin Houses inspired by modern and contemporary artists including Basquiat, Rothko, Bourgeois, Mondrian, M.C. Escher, and Pollock & Krasner.

What to expect:

• 100,000+ pumpkins, gourds & squash
• Fall-themed garden displays and photo opportunities
• The famous Pumpkin Village
• Family-friendly activities
• Seasonal events and entertainment
• Pumpkins & Pints evening events
• Special fall programming throughout the season

GrapeFest — Grapevine

Dates: September 17–20, 2026
Location: Historic Downtown Grapevine

GrapeFest is one of Grapevine's biggest annual celebrations, bringing together Texas wine, live entertainment, food, shopping, and family-friendly activities in the heart of downtown.

What to expect:

• Wine tastings and winery experiences
• Live music and entertainment
• Food vendors and festival favorites
• Local shopping and artisan vendors
• Family-friendly activities
• Grape stomping and other festival traditions

 

Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals — Fort Worth

Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Location: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth

Car enthusiasts can check out one of the area's major automotive events, featuring classic cars, hot rods, custom builds, vendors, and automotive activities.

What to expect:

• Classic and custom cars
• Hot rods and automotive displays
• Racing-related activities
• Automotive vendors
• Car photography opportunities
• Family-friendly activities

 

September is packed with things to do across DFW—from seasonal celebrations and cultural festivals to

live music, sports, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking for something new to explore close to home,

there’s plenty happening around North Texas this month.