Celebrate the Season: Fall Festivals Near You
As we near the middle of October, everyone should officially be in an autumn state of mind. There’s no shortage of fall-inspired activities to do this season, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite fall festivals, haunted houses and pumpkin patches near you. Whether you’re looking for something kid-friendly or spine-tingling, there’s a fall festival for everyone on our list:
Autumn at the Arboretum
Dallas, TX | September 21 – November 3
This annual celebration at the Dallas Arboretum is a must-see on many people’s lists. Take a journey through Texas pioneer life with this year’s theme: Texas Town. Prepare to exclaim “oh my gourd” as you walk through the elaborate displays that feature more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash as well as autumn flowers.
Ennis Autumn Daze
Ennis, TX | October 25 – 27
Looking for some fall fun for the whole family? Head down to the annual Ennis Autumn Daze in historic downtown Ennis. Featuring live music from Pat Green and Gary P. Nunn, carnival rides, haymaze, pumpkin patch, cornhole tournament, professional pumpkin carvers, food, shopping vendors and more, you won’t want to miss out on this annual event.
Fright Fest – Six Flags Over Texas
Arlington, TX | Select Evenings
If you’d rather partake in blood-curdling thrills, Six Flags Over Texas’s Fright Fest is right up your (dark) alley. Find yourself screaming both on and off the rides as you walk through themed scare zones and tackle the New Texas Giant or Titan at night. Continue the frights of Halloween at one of the many haunted houses across North Texas and Oklahoma like Fort Worth’s Cutting Edge, Plano’s Dark Hour or Waxahachie’s Screams.
Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo
Waco, TX | October 3 – 13
Looking for a local fair that combines the entertainment of the State Fair of Texas with a small-town feel? Waco’s annual fall event, the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo, offers a variety of entertainment including a rodeo, carnival, livestock show and live music performances. This family-friendly fair, which began in 1953, has grown into one of the largest events in the area, celebrating Texas traditions with a mix of educational and fun experiences
McKinney Wine and Music Festival
McKinney, TX | October 12
Nothing beats an afternoon of wine tasting and live music! The 8th Annual McKinney Wine and Music Festival features hundreds of wines from local award-winning wineries, live music all day and a huge variety of local vendors.
Midlothian Village Day Festival
Midlothian, TX | October 19
The 42nd Annual Midlothian Village Day Festival is a community-centered event filled with fun activities including crafts, games, inflatables, entertainment, food vendors and a raffle. There is no cost for admission, and this year features a parade so don’t forget to bring a chair.
State Fair of Texas
Dallas, TX | September 27 – October 20
Everything is bigger at the State Fair of Texas! Ride the iconic ferris wheel, win an oversized stuffed animal, listen to live music and last but not least, eat delicious fried food. Try the award-winning Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick or keep it simple by enjoying a classic Fletcher’s corn dog.
Southlake Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest
Southlake, TX | October 11 – 13
Willkommen! You won’t want to miss the 23rd annual Southlake Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest in the vibrant Southlake Town Square! Experience an exciting weekend packed with Bavarian culture, community spirit and fun. Enjoy live entertainment, savor authentic food, explore the bustling marketplace and raise a stein as you celebrate Oktoberfest in style.
Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Fort Worth, TX | Fridays & Saturdays
What would Fall in Texas be without a good old fashioned rodeo? Head over to the world-famous Stockyards in Fort Worth for one of their exciting Friday or Saturday night rodeo competitions at the famous Cowtown Coliseum. Events include tie-down, break away and team roping, as well as barrel racing and bull riding.
Water Lantern Festival
Fort Worth, TX | November 8
If you’re looking for a unique fall experience, head over to Fort Worth’s Panther Island Pavilion for the Water Lantern Festival. Enjoy food trucks, kids activities and live music as you create your unique lantern. At sunset, watch as thousands of lanterns are released onto the lake carrying messages of hope, happiness and healing.
Pumpkin Patches
Whether you want to pick out pumpkins to carve or take family pictures, here’s our list of favorite pumpkin patches:
- Aubrey, TX – Team Family Farms
- Cleburne, TX – Mainstay Farm Park Pumpkin Days
- Decatur, TX – Black Creek Farm & Pumpkin Patch
- Frisco, TX – Pumpkins on the Prairie
- Grapevine, TX – Hall’s Pumpkin Farm
- McKinney, TX – Storybook Ranch Pumpkin Patch 2.0 at TUPPS Brewery
- Midlothian, TX – Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm
- Rockwall, TX – Blase Family Farm