It’s October, and I know we’re all ready for a little fall festivity. Even just the chance to wear a sweater! Thrilling. (Hint: Find even more things to do in the metroplex on Collin County Moms and Fort Worth Moms.)
And be sure to check out these additional guides to help you with fall fun:
- A Guide to Fall Fun in Dallas :: Events, Farms, Mazes, and Pumpkin Patches
- Guide to Trick-or-Treating in and Around Dallas
- Guide to Fun Runs and Walks this Fall
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Click the tabs to see events for each week.
Autumn at the Arboretum :: This year’s theme is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Come out and enjoy the acclaimed Pumpkin Village, maze, and 150,000 beautiful fall plants! Through November 5.
CAMP Dallas :: Join Mickey and friends on an interactive, immersive, fantastical CAMP adventure that’s literally larger than life. Unforgettable fun for your whole family!
Cool Thursdays Concert Series :: The Dallas Arboretum’s nightlife reignites with the annual concert series featuring local performers. Every Thursday at 7:00 p.m., through October 26.
First Christian Church Arlington Pumpkin Patch :: First Christian Church, Arlington. Open daily, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost: free admission! Story time nook for kids, photo ops, fun activities for families, and more than 400 pumpkins available for purchase.
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, held every first Saturday of the month. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
Fright Fest :: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington. From 12:00 – 11:00 p.m.. Cost: Daily admission starts at $45.
Ghost Tour :: Fort Worth Stockyards, select weekends in October. Hauntings and history, plus a glass of wine to take on the tour.
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. First Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Free event.
Pumpkin Nights :: Howell Family Farms, Arlington. Daily, through October 30, from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.. Cost: $20 – $28 per teen and adult; $15 – $20, per child (ages four – 12); kids three years and younger are free. Advance ticket purchase required.
Pumpkin Patch :: Dallas Farmer’s Market. The locally-grown Texas pumpkin patch, with more than 25 pumpkin varieties to pick from.
Open Studio for Teens :: Irving Arts Center. Free event held every second Saturday of the month. Teens can draw, paint, and experiment with art materials. Drop-in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Held simultaneously with Second Saturday Funday, a free event for younger kids.
Rooftop Cinema Club :: Heritage Village. Bring your own food or buy at the event (no outside drinks allowed). See link for tickets and seating info. Cost: Tickets start at $12.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
State Fair of Texas :: Fair Park, Dallas. Through October 22. As usual, there will be lots of insane fair food, family fun, farm animals, and more!
Stampeded of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This ten-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
October 1
Arsenic and Old Lace :: Presented by Company of Rowlett Performers, Plaza Theatre in Garland. Through October 8; See website for tickets and times.
Blacklight! Twist Family! :: Painting with a Twist, Garland. From 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. For ages six years and older (adults, too!). Cost: $35 per person.
October 5
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center, at 10:00 a.m. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. Free event, all supplies provided.
Storytime :: Life in Deep Ellum, Dallas. Read books, sing songs, and shake out wiggles. Free play time wraps it up. Event begins at 10:30 a.m.
October 6
DanceAfrica Festival & Marketplace :: Klyde Warren Park. Main stage performances, food, fun, and vendors. This free event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Stampede of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This 10-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
October 7
Pumpkin Day :: Dallas Farmers Market. Live music and kids’ crafts. From 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is free!
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, but please register in advance. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Rib Rub, Run and Roll :: Rockwall. Live music, car show, fun run, BBQ, and more. From 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stars Over Texas Music Festival :: Ennis. Come out for a weekend full of professional bull riding, racing, live music, a lantern release, a BBQ cook off, and tons of family fun. October 7 – 8.
October 8
Open Studio for Teens :: Irving Arts Center. Free event, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Teens can draw, paint, and experiment with art materials.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
Stampede of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This 10-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
Stars Over Texas Music Festival :: Ennis. October 7 – 8. Come out for a weekend full of professional bull riding, racing, live music, a lantern release, and a BBQ cook off.
October 13
Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party :: Curtis Culwell Center, Garland. A 60-minute musical celebration with Peppa Pig and all her favorite friends. Begins at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $27.50 and up per ticket.
October 14
Halloween at the Heard :: Heard Natural Science Museum, McKinney. From 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cost: $15 per adult; $10 per child (ages three – 12); two years and under are free. Tickets sell out quickly.
October 15
Stampede of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This 10-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
October 20
Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival :: Farmers Branch Historical Park. Raffle, arts & crafts, food, vendors, and lots of live music outdoors. Friday, 4:30 – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. October 20 – 21.
October 21
Eerie Irving :: Trinity View Park, Irving. From 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cost: Admission is free. Costumes are encouraged!
Perry Pumpkin Patch :: A. W. Perry Homestead Museum, Carrollton. From 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free! Pumpkin reservations are required, please see website.
Trick-or-Treat Trail :: Towne Lake Park, McKinney. From 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Local businesses and organizations will line the trail along Towne Lake to hand out candy and treats. Free event, and free parking at McKinney High School.
October 27
Ennis Autumn Daze :: Downtown Ennis. October 27 – 29. Pumpkin-carving demos, a cornhole tournament, carnival rides, kids zone, live music, unique vendors, and much more! Free event.
October 28
A Heritage Halloween :: Frisco Heritage Village and Museum. From 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Costumes encouraged!
Ghost Town :: Historic Downtown Carrollton. From 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cost: Free to attend. Candy, crafts, carnival games, and a Halloween movie at sunset.
Kids’ Storytime :: House of Shine, Grapevine, 10:30 a.m. Storytime invites young children to learn through engaging stories and create with a fun craft. This free event is perfect for preschoolers and their caregivers.
Halloween in the Park :: Farmer’s Branch Historical Park, Farmer’s Branch. From 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cost: Free admission for Farmer’s Branch residents with a Boo Pass; $5 per person for non-residents.
Halloween Party :: Infinity Arcade, Garland. Family friendly event. Halloween-themed cocktails, costume contest, and goodie bags for the kids. From 11:00 a.m. – closing.
Trick-or-Treating in the Park :: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas 75201. From 5:00 – 9:00 p.m Cost: Free admission.
October 29
Dracula, Ballet with a Bite :: Irving Arts Center. Presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas. Performance begins at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $30 – $40 per ticket.
Trick ‘R Treat Trains :: Grapevine Vintage Railroads. The Trick ‘R Treat Train experience includes a prepackaged bag of treats! (Make sure your little one wears his or her favorite costume.)
- All Month
-
Autumn at the Arboretum :: This year’s theme is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Come out and enjoy the acclaimed Pumpkin Village, maze, and 150,000 beautiful fall plants! Through November 5.
CAMP Dallas :: Join Mickey and friends on an interactive, immersive, fantastical CAMP adventure that’s literally larger than life. Unforgettable fun for your whole family!
Cool Thursdays Concert Series :: The Dallas Arboretum’s nightlife reignites with the annual concert series featuring local performers. Every Thursday at 7:00 p.m., through October 26.
First Christian Church Arlington Pumpkin Patch :: First Christian Church, Arlington. Open daily, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost: free admission! Story time nook for kids, photo ops, fun activities for families, and more than 400 pumpkins available for purchase.
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, held every first Saturday of the month. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
Fright Fest :: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington. From 12:00 – 11:00 p.m.. Cost: Daily admission starts at $45.
Ghost Tour :: Fort Worth Stockyards, select weekends in October. Hauntings and history, plus a glass of wine to take on the tour.
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. First Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Free event.
Pumpkin Nights :: Howell Family Farms, Arlington. Daily, through October 30, from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.. Cost: $20 – $28 per teen and adult; $15 – $20, per child (ages four – 12); kids three years and younger are free. Advance ticket purchase required.
Pumpkin Patch :: Dallas Farmer’s Market. The locally-grown Texas pumpkin patch, with more than 25 pumpkin varieties to pick from.
Open Studio for Teens :: Irving Arts Center. Free event held every second Saturday of the month. Teens can draw, paint, and experiment with art materials. Drop-in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Held simultaneously with Second Saturday Funday, a free event for younger kids.
Rooftop Cinema Club :: Heritage Village. Bring your own food or buy at the event (no outside drinks allowed). See link for tickets and seating info. Cost: Tickets start at $12.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
State Fair of Texas :: Fair Park, Dallas. Through October 22. As usual, there will be lots of insane fair food, family fun, farm animals, and more!
Stampeded of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This ten-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
- October 1 - 7
-
October 1
Arsenic and Old Lace :: Presented by Company of Rowlett Performers, Plaza Theatre in Garland. Through October 8; See website for tickets and times.
Blacklight! Twist Family! :: Painting with a Twist, Garland. From 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. For ages six years and older (adults, too!). Cost: $35 per person.
October 5
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center, at 10:00 a.m. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. Free event, all supplies provided.
Storytime :: Life in Deep Ellum, Dallas. Read books, sing songs, and shake out wiggles. Free play time wraps it up. Event begins at 10:30 a.m.
October 6
DanceAfrica Festival & Marketplace :: Klyde Warren Park. Main stage performances, food, fun, and vendors. This free event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Stampede of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This 10-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
October 7
Pumpkin Day :: Dallas Farmers Market. Live music and kids’ crafts. From 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is free!
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, but please register in advance. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Rib Rub, Run and Roll :: Rockwall. Live music, car show, fun run, BBQ, and more. From 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stars Over Texas Music Festival :: Ennis. Come out for a weekend full of professional bull riding, racing, live music, a lantern release, a BBQ cook off, and tons of family fun. October 7 – 8.
- October 8 - 14
-
October 8
Open Studio for Teens :: Irving Arts Center. Free event, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Teens can draw, paint, and experiment with art materials.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
Stampede of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This 10-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
Stars Over Texas Music Festival :: Ennis. October 7 – 8. Come out for a weekend full of professional bull riding, racing, live music, a lantern release, and a BBQ cook off.
October 13
Peppa Pig Sing-Along Party :: Curtis Culwell Center, Garland. A 60-minute musical celebration with Peppa Pig and all her favorite friends. Begins at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $27.50 and up per ticket.
October 14
Halloween at the Heard :: Heard Natural Science Museum, McKinney. From 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cost: $15 per adult; $10 per child (ages three – 12); two years and under are free. Tickets sell out quickly.
- October 15 - 21
-
October 15
Stampede of Speed :: October 6 – 15. This 10-day festival is full of music, drag racing, and amazing family fun!
October 20
Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival :: Farmers Branch Historical Park. Raffle, arts & crafts, food, vendors, and lots of live music outdoors. Friday, 4:30 – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. October 20 – 21.
October 21
Eerie Irving :: Trinity View Park, Irving. From 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cost: Admission is free. Costumes are encouraged!
Perry Pumpkin Patch :: A. W. Perry Homestead Museum, Carrollton. From 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free! Pumpkin reservations are required, please see website.
Trick-or-Treat Trail :: Towne Lake Park, McKinney. From 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Local businesses and organizations will line the trail along Towne Lake to hand out candy and treats. Free event, and free parking at McKinney High School.
- October 22 - 31
-
October 27
Ennis Autumn Daze :: Downtown Ennis. October 27 – 29. Pumpkin-carving demos, a cornhole tournament, carnival rides, kids zone, live music, unique vendors, and much more! Free event.
October 28
A Heritage Halloween :: Frisco Heritage Village and Museum. From 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Costumes encouraged!
Ghost Town :: Historic Downtown Carrollton. From 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cost: Free to attend. Candy, crafts, carnival games, and a Halloween movie at sunset.
Kids’ Storytime :: House of Shine, Grapevine, 10:30 a.m. Storytime invites young children to learn through engaging stories and create with a fun craft. This free event is perfect for preschoolers and their caregivers.
Halloween in the Park :: Farmer’s Branch Historical Park, Farmer’s Branch. From 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cost: Free admission for Farmer’s Branch residents with a Boo Pass; $5 per person for non-residents.
Halloween Party :: Infinity Arcade, Garland. Family friendly event. Halloween-themed cocktails, costume contest, and goodie bags for the kids. From 11:00 a.m. – closing.
Trick-or-Treating in the Park :: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas 75201. From 5:00 – 9:00 p.m Cost: Free admission.
October 29
Dracula, Ballet with a Bite :: Irving Arts Center. Presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas. Performance begins at 6:00 p.m. Cost: $30 – $40 per ticket.
Trick ‘R Treat Trains :: Grapevine Vintage Railroads. The Trick ‘R Treat Train experience includes a prepackaged bag of treats! (Make sure your little one wears his or her favorite costume.)
The Virtual ARTventures and Virtual Explorers sound cool! Thank you for sharing so many fun things to do in October 🙂