Goodbye, Texas heat, hello pumpkin spice latte! It’s that time of year again, my friends, when the aspen leaves paint the city in gold and the colors of fall foliage adorn the grounds. Fall in Dallas is a magical time when the city comes alive with annual fall festivals, thrilling sporting events, and of course, everything pumpkin.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your “fall-themed” city or a visitor ready to explore, Dallas has no shortage of fall activities to make your holiday season memorable. From festive fairs and haunted houses to scenic parks and cozy dining spots, let’s dive into the best things to do in Dallas this fall!
Best Things To Do in and around Dallas This Fall
Looking for the top activities in Dallas during the fall season? Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Dallas this autumn!
Revel in the Downtown Dallas Fall Festival
Do you know that Dallas has its very own fall festival? The Downtown Dallas Fall Festival, to be held on September 29, 2024, is a lively celebration that perfectly captures the season’s spirit. Held in the heart of the city at Pegasus Plaza, this festival features live music, local vendors, food trucks, and lots of fun things for your entire family.
Stroll through colorful booths, sample delicious seasonal treats, and participate in fun activities like pumpkin carving and hayrides. And the best part is that free admission makes it a must-visit for budget travelers.
Pick A Perfect Pumpkin at Dallas Arboretum
Hosting its first-ever autumn festival, “Pumpkins & Pints Nights,” this year from September 25 to late October, the Arboretum is one of the best places in the Dallas area to kick off the season. This year’s theme is “A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words”, and a whole pumpkin village is adorned with over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash, creating a spectacular display of gorgeous fall colors. Cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to explore the many onsite gardens, enjoy fall events, and capture fall foliage photos.
With various upscale dining options, picnic spots and separate gardens for women and children, the Arboretum is an excellent spot to have a full day of fun fall activities with the whole family. If your visit inspires you to discover other great pumpkin picking establishments, here’s your ultimate guide to the Best Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches in Texas for 2024.
Spend a Day at the State Fair of Texas
Fair Park Dallas transforms into a playground of fun, food, and festivities from late September to mid-October. With 24 consecutive days of family fun, thrilling rides, mouth-watering fair food, live music, and the iconic Big Tex that welcomes you on the fairgrounds, the Texas State Fair is the longest-running fair in the nation. Texas Auto Show, Fair Park Rodeo, a thrilling I Spy Texas event for kids and an electrifying live music performance on the Chevrolet Main Stage are just a few highlights of this “Big As Texas” fall festival.
It’s so big that it’s natural for you to be overwhelmed with the options, but not with this guide to the Texas State Fair. Also, read how to make the most of the State Fair on a budget.
Get Your Local Texas Pumpkins at the Dallas Farmers Market
Fall is harvesting season, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than at the Dallas Farmers Market. Browse through stalls brimming with fresh, local produce, free-range meats, fresh eggs, artisanal goods, and seasonal treats, all grown and raised within 400 miles of Dallas. In the fall months, this place turns into all things pumpkin.
Dallas Farmers Market’s Fall highlights are the Texas Pumpkin Patch event from September 16 to October 31, 2024, which features over 25 pumpkin varieties, and a one-day festival of local food celebration, “Dallas Original Texas Pumpkin Day”, on October 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
With over 20 varieties of pumpkins, fun family activities, and live music, it’s the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. With an impressive lineup of family-friendly, all-Texan fun, including hayrides, face painting, a choo choo train, chef demos, and live music, there’s no dull moment at this annual event.
Cheer Out Loud for Dallas Cowboys at AT&T stadium
Fall means football game, and there’s no better place to catch one than AT&T Stadium. Home to the Dallas Cowboys and having the world’s largest dome structure, the stadium offers a lively atmosphere perfect for sports fans.
On game day, there’s no better way to honour fall spirit than tailgating in one of the 15 parking lots, accessible five hours before the game starts. With grills sizzling with BBQs, tents decked out in team colors, fans of all ages wearing jerseys and passionately discussing game strategies, and the sound of cold drinks being opened, this is definitely the best time of the year to be in Dallas.
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Witness the Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl Stadium
The Red River Showdown is a storied rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. This annual game is held at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Since 1929, electrifying rivalry has been a highlight of the State Fair, with each game taking place at the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium.
The palpable energy, roaring cheers, and fierce competitive spirit make it an event you can’t miss. It’s no surprise that the venue consistently ranks among the top attractions in Dallas. It draws fans from all over the state during the autumn season.
Get Spooked on Haunted House Tours
Dallas is full of spooky history, and fall is the perfect time to explore it. Take a haunted house tour and discover the city’s eerie past. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories or looking for a good scare, these tours offer a thrilling experience that’s perfect for the Halloween season.
Get in the Halloween spirit! Click here to explore all the thrilling events and tours this fall.
Enjoy a Performance at Winspear Opera House
Well, not exactly another fall thing to do, but the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center is one of the most beautiful places to unwind on a fall evening. This 21st-century adaptation of the traditional “horseshoe”-shaped opera house is designed specifically for opera and musical theatre and has stages equipped for ballet and other types of dances.
With an intimate 200-seat performance space, fall is a wonderful time to catch a live performance here. Whether it’s opera, ballet, or a Broadway show, the venue offers a diverse lineup of performances. It also offers a variety of other events to cap up a full day of exploring the city.
Splash into Fall Fun at Indoor Water Parks in DFW
Why wait for summer to enjoy water fun? Fall is the perfect time to splash into adventure at DFW’s amazing indoor water parks! With the cooler weather outside, you can escape to a tropical paradise without leaving the metroplex. Enjoy thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools all under one roof at top destinations like Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, and King Spa & Waterpark.
For a complete list of these awesome water parks, click here!
Celebrate at the Dia De Los Muertos Parade Dallas
Dia de Los Muertos, or “the Day of the Dead,” is a Mexican and Latin American remembrance holiday when the spirits of the departed return to Earth to reunite with their loved ones. The 5th Dia De Los Muertos Parade is happening this year on Oct 26, 2024. It’s the best way to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Dallas, TX!
Families come together to create ofrendas, which are stunning altars adorned with offerings of their loved one’s favorite things and adorned with photos. It’s a time to remember those who have passed and to cherish the connections that transcend time and space.
Illuminate Your Night at Pumpkin Nights Dallas
Pumpkin Nights at Howell Farms Dallas from September 19 to October 31, 2024, is a fall festival that lights up your night. Walk through mesmerizing pumpkin-themed displays, each intricately designed to create a magical experience. With over 5,000 hand-carved artificial pumpkins, live entertainment, and festive food and drinks, it’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss.
Celebrate at Oktoberfest Dallas
Oktoberfest Dallas brings Germany to Texas with its lively beer, food, and music celebration. On October 5, 2024, head to Flag Pole Hill, just north of White Rock Lake. There, you’ll find an unforgettable day filled with delicious food, refreshing beer, and live entertainment. Featuring local bands and activities for the little ones, this is one of the best family-friendly events in Dallas. You also shouldn’t miss the good food offered at this event.
Enjoy a Movie Night at Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park transforms into an outdoor cinema during the fall. Grab a blanket and snacks, and enjoy a classic movie under the stars. The cooler weather and community atmosphere make it a delightful evening for families, friends, and couples alike. Be sure to check out the 2024 movie lineup in Klyde Warren Park and pick your favorite flix to watch.
Related Posts: Things to Do in Downtown Dallas This Weekend
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas
The 2024 Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas, from September 13 to November 3, is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. During the day, enjoy Halloween-themed excitement at this event. As night falls, brace yourself for haunted houses, scare zones, chilling shows, and the thrill of riding your favorite attractions in a whole new spine-tingling atmosphere.
Indulge at the Plano Food + Wine Festival
The 7th annual Plano Food + Wine Festival at Legacy West is a culinary delight that showcases the best local food and drink. Sample delicious dishes from top local restaurants, sip on award-winning wines, and shop with unique vendors at this year’s event. You can also enjoy live music at this event on November 2nd, 2024.
Explore the Shops at Park Lane
There’s no better way to embrace autumn vibes than indulging in some retail therapy. The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas is the perfect place, with the added surprise of a dinner plus bowling date.
Challenge yourself and your partner to explore another store together and pick out outfits for each other. After some exciting shopping, head to drinks, dinner, and a fun bowling game at Bowl & Barrel. How about grabbing a large pumpkin spice latte or espresso shot?
For a detailed review of what you can expect from the place, check out our Shops at Park Lane blog.
Discover Hiking Trails Near Dallas
North Texas is home to some stunning trails in and near Dallas-Fort Worth. While tucked away within the city surroundings, these trails offer stunning views of foliage and an opportunity to truly lose yourself in nature without straying too far from home.
Enjoy hiking, biking, leisurely strolls, and outdoor adventures at places like Cedar Ridge Preserve, Grapevine Lake, and Eagle Mountain Park.
Read More: Scenic Hiking Trails Near Dallas and Fort Worth
Volunteer with Animals in Dallas
Dallas is a hub for animal lovers. The city has a wide array of shelters and organizations that rely on volunteers to care for your our friends. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in animals’ lives while they wait for their forever homes. If you’re drawn to adult cats and dogs or adorable shelter kittens and puppies, there’s definitely a furry friend waiting for your love and attention.
And the best part? Not just pups and kittens, you can even volunteer with rabbits at the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary! For more details, check out our Volunteer With Animals in Dallas blog.
Snap Some Insta-Worthy Clicks in Dallas
There are many great places to take pictures in Dallas. From the trendy Dallas Design District to the picturesque Harbor at Rockwall, there are plenty of amazing spots to snap the perfect shot. The best part? Most of these spots won’t cost you a dime!
For a full list of insta-worthy places, click here.
Travel Around the World Without Leaving Dallas
There are times when we all look for nearby happenings instead of long-haul travel time to a destination. If navigating through the massive DFW metroplex seems overwhelming, downtown Dallas alone brims with attractions enough for an entire weekend retreat. From exploring the impressive Dallas Museum of Art to interacting with the fascinating creatures at the Dallas World Aquarium, Downtown Dallas offers a diverse range of experiences without even leaving the city limits.
Discover how to make the most of your weekend in Downtown Dallas. Check out Travel Around the World in Downtown Dallas for all the must-see spots!
Other Things To Do in Texas this Fall
Looking for more fall fun in Texas? Skip the mini-road trips and dive into exciting local adventures! Snap a pic at the State Fair of Texas, or enjoy the Dallas Arboretum’s first-ever Fall at the Arboretum exhibit. You can also go pumpkin picking at charming local patches.
Read More: Top Fall Activities and Attractions in Texas
Other Best Places To Visit in Texas in Fall
Looking for Texas-sized fall adventure? Discover the best places to visit in Texas this autumn and make the most of the season.
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Dallas Things to Do This Fall: FAQs
Is October a good time to visit Dallas?
October is the perfect time to experience Dallas at its peak. Thanks to the cooler, more comfortable weather in October, this month is ideal for outdoor adventures. You can explore the city’s vibrant fall festivals and events without sweating.
Plus, all the sports teams are in full swing, and the State Fair of Texas is lighting up Fair Park, bringing infectious energy to the whole city.
How hot is Dallas in October?
In October, Dallas typically experiences mild temperatures. Average highs are around 77°F (25°C) and the lows are around 69°F (20°C), making it a pleasant time to visit.
Dallas Things to Do This Fall: Final Thoughts
From the serene beauty of the Dallas Arboretum to outdoor adventures and sporting events, each fall attraction in Dallas has added a special touch to my autumn adventures. The State Fair alone kept us hooked for a whole weekend, while the Arboretum’s fall displays needed a full day to truly admire the season’s bounty.
Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor exploring for the first time, Dallas in the fall is an absolute treat. So, pull on your coziest sweater, grab a warm drink, and dive into the seasonal wonders that await. I hope your Dallas journey this fall is as delightful and memorable as mine. Until next time, happy fall, y’all!
Last Updated 3 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: September 15, 2024
