It’s October, and I know we’re all ready for a little fall festivity. Even just the chance to wear a sweater! Thrilling. Now, don’t forget we’ve rounded up local pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall festivals in our Guide to Fall Fun in Dallas. For other October events in Dallas, check out the list below!
As usual, we maintain a community calendar of events here, and when you subscribe to our Newsletter, you’ll get this list sent straight to your inbox.
Remember to check ahead for changing safety protocols and cancellations.
ALL MONTH :: FEATURED EVENT
It’s the perfect time to visit CAMP!
This innovative NYC toy shop has created the coolest blend of product and play. Come check out their immersive shopping experience to see what we mean—the kids will LOVE it. And October is your last chance to explore the all-ages, interactive PAW Patrol™ Experience: Only at CAMP. Don’t miss out!
- Enter through a HIDDEN DOOR to find Adventure Bay’s iconic Lookout Tower, where kids can communicate with one another across the experience with an intercom system.
- Grab hold of a fire hose and douse a colorful projection of out-of-control fireworks alongside Marshall at City Hall.
- Show off how brave you are by sailing down an indoor zipline. Plus much more!
The PAW Patrol™ Experience: Only at CAMP will end on October 31. Limited tickets available. Reserve your date and time slot today!
ALL MONTH
Dinosaurs Live! is back at the Heard for the season. Dig into dinosaur geology and hike the dino trail. And don’t miss the Texas Nessie exhibit! 9am-5pm. Closed Mondays. General admission is $12/adults, $9/ages 3-12. 2 & under are free.
ALL MONTH
Now that it’s cooler, it’d be a great time to revisit this interactive map of Dallas outdoor art. Put together by the DMA, the map includes background information on each piece and tips on where to park and walk (particularly for the downtown ones). Relatedly, there’s a new art installation downtown called Passages, best experienced at night. Free!
ALL MONTH
Have you heard about the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit? You stroll through rooms with his famous works projected all around you. “Astonishing in scale and breathtakingly imaginative, you will experience Van Gogh’s art in a completely new and unforgettable way.” See link for COVID info and to reserve your ticket date. Closed Tuesdays. Tickets from $39.99, 5 and under free.
ALL MONTH, Saturdays
Head to House of Shine in Grapevine for Kids’ Storytime on Saturday mornings (excluding October 2). Listen to a story and do a craft designed to help children discover their shine. For preschoolers + an adult. 10-10:45am. Free!
ALL MONTH, Select Dates
Rooftop Cinema Club at Heritage Village continues to show family favorites in the park on the big screen. You can bring your own food or buy from them (no outside drinks allowed though). See link for tickets and seating info. Hocus Pocus showtimes are selling out FAST! Tickets from $12.
THRU OCTOBER 17
You have until October 17 to visit the State Fair of Texas. As usual, there will be lots of insane food, family fun, farm animals, and more. The Children’s Aquarium is officially open again after a long absence, too.
OCTOBER 1
This month is “Cowboy Camp” at Nash Farm’s First Friday at the Farm in Grapevine. Registration is required. 10am-12pm. $3 for ages 3 and up.
OCTOBER 2
It’s time for Rib Rub, Run & Roll in Rockwall. Live music, car show, fun run, BBQ, and more. 8am-5pm. $20 wristband for entry into the BBQ contest tasting zone.
OCTOBER 2
Klyde Warren Park will host Dallas Black Dance Theater for the DanceAfrica Festival & Marketplace today. There’ll be a family vibe throughout the park with main stage performances, food, fun, and vendors uniting the community. 10am-2pm. Free!
OCTOBER 2
Explore the world-class art collection at Free First Saturdays at the Nasher. They offer Family Guides and Family Gallery Kits to help you add structure to your visit. Pick them up at the front desk on your way in. Check out our recent review of First Saturdays here. 11am-5pm. Free!
OCTOBER 7 & 10
This month Irving Art Center’s JumpstART Stories and Art and Second Sunday Funday offer ¡Celebramos! Bilingual Story Time and Storytelling With Art, respectively. They have returned to in-person (indoor) activities. JumpstART is at 10am for ages 2 and up. Second Sunday Funday is for families from 1-4pm. Free!
OCTOBER 8 – 10
This weekend is Family Fun Weekend at the Arboretum. Music, face painting, petting zoo, garden tours, Saturday vendor market, Sunday bird show, and all the pumpkins and displays for Autumn at the Arboretum, of course. Scroll down at the link to see more details. 10am-2pm. Included with garden admission.
OCTOBER 9
The Urban Market is a pop-up on the second Saturday of the month in Downtown Garland. You’ll find local vendors specializing in farm-fresh foods as well as vintage, repurposed, upcycled, and handcrafted goods. 9am-4pm. Free!
OCTOBER 9
The inaugural Dallas Arts Festival features dance and music performances in Klyde Warren Park all afternoon. It’s a multicultural celebration with high-caliber performers in a family-friendly, casual atmosphere. See schedule of the very different acts at the link. 1-6pm. Free!
OCTOBER 10
You know that giant (104′) media wall outside in the AT&T Discovery District? Well, they’ll be showing the Cowboys game on it this afternoon—and on all the other 40 tvs throughout the District. Would be cool to walk around and then chill on the lawn for a while if the weather is nice. 3:25pm. Free!
OCTOBER 15 – 16
You may remember this pop-up from the Galleria last May: Alley Market, a showcase of some of the best in women-owned businesses in the area. It was such a success that they’re doing it again! You’ll find it outside near Banana Republic and The Blue Fish. 10% of all sales will go to Genesis Women’s Shelter. Vendor details at the link. 11am-4pm. Free!
OCTOBER 15 – 16
Time for the annual Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival in the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Raffle, arts & crafts, food, vendors, and lots of live music outdoors. Friday: 4:30-10pm, Saturday: 11:30am-10pm. Tickets $12.50 in advance, 12 and under free.
OCTOBER 16
It’s Pumpkin Day at the Dallas Farmers Market. Find the perfect pumpkins, gourds, and squash; shop seasonal goods from local vendors; and enjoy live music and kids’ crafts. 9am-5pm. Admission is free!
OCTOBER 16
For the first time ever, the Red Bull Racing Show Run will arrive in Dallas, taking over the Harwood District area. Witness a Formula 1 car up close and personal in a family-friendly environment. Check out the “What’s Happening” tab at the link for a schedule of the day. 10am-2pm. Free!
OCTOBER 23
After a long hiatus, we’re back with an official Dallas Moms event! We’re celebrating both Halloween and our 10-year site anniversary outside at CityLine in Richardson. Join us for a Spooktacular party with food, fun, and games for all. 10am-noon. Lots more details at the link!
OCTOBER 23
Owl-O-Ween at the Arboretum includes a meet-and-greet in Pumpkin Village with owls! Hermes, a great horned owl, and the tiny eastern screech owl Pigwidgeon. Take up close and personal pictures and ask questions. 12-2pm. Included with garden admission.
OCTOBER 29 – 31
Wings Over Dallas is a WWII-themed air show at the Dallas Executive Airport featuring aerial activities and living history reenactments with more than 30 vintage aircraft and other military vehicles. See link for various ticket prices and discounts. Friday: 9am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday: 9am-5pm.
OCTOBER 30
The Richardson Library hosts Spookilicious – A Halloween Happening today. Have a spooky fun time with stories, crafts, and trick-or-treating. Come early for a puppet show! Halloween costumes encouraged. For all ages, registration not required. This is an indoor event. 2-3:30pm. Free!
OCTOBER 30 – 31
Historic Downtown Ennis will be decked out for Ennis Autumn Daze this weekend, and they’ll have all sorts of festival fun: pumpkin-carving demos, a cornhole tournament, carnival rides, kids zone, live music, unique vendors, and much more. $5 per day, children under 12 free.
Looking for more family-friendly Halloween events? Be sure to check out our roundup of Halloween carnivals and trick-or-treating here!
Any other cool stuff happening in October? Let us know! Don’t forget to check out the guide on Collin County Moms for even more local fun.
The Virtual ARTventures and Virtual Explorers sound cool! Thank you for sharing so many fun things to do in October 🙂