Fall weather brings cooler temps, changing leaves, football tailgates, and so much more. Enjoy the autumn season this year by exploring the best, most memorable fall experiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth region:
Blase Family Farm
Nothing says “fall” like a pumpkin patch.
Travel to Rockwall, TX, just east of Dallas, to visit Blase Family Farm, a traditional pumpkin patch (and summer blueberry farm). This charming getaway has welcomed visitors since 2011 to pick pumpkins from the end of September through October.
This year, attendees can enjoy a petting zoo with llamas, alpacas, sheep, donkeys, and pigs, a hay maze, and, of course, plenty of pumpkins to pick.
State Fair of Texas
Located in Dallas, the State Fair of Texas is one of the quintessential fall experiences in the metropolitan area, thanks to its history, which dates back to 1886.
The aptly named Big Tex, a gigantic animatronic Texan — known as the world’s largest cowboy — welcomes visitors as they enter the fairgrounds. From there, guests can enjoy carnival rides, sample some of the tastiest (and funkiest) foods and drinks from vendors lining the fair pathways, and enjoy live music throughout the event. Other highlights include the rodeo, shopping, and so much more.
The event takes place this year from September 27 to October 20, so buy tickets now and plan your visit accordingly.
Boo at the Zoo | Fort Worth Zoo
Bring the youngsters out to the oft-heralded Fort Worth Zoo to enjoy Boo at the Zoo, a kid-friendly event held October 25-27 among the many animal displays throughout the facility.
Kids can dress up in their costumes and enjoy animal shows, stop by treat stations, and take in themed entertainment. The best part? It’s a daytime event, so there’s no need to worry about delaying bedtime to attend.
Autumn at the Arboretum | The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Make your way northeast of Dallas city center to visit The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, host of the 19th annual Autumn at the Arboretum celebration.
During this special event, guests can enjoy the garden’s beautiful displays decorated with more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Special events mark the arboretum’s calendar this season, with highlights including Pumpkins & Pints Nights, Tequila & Tacos (21+ only), a fall vendor market, and Halloween Spooktacular Nights.
The 2024 theme is “Texas town” and runs from September 21 through November 3.
https://www.dallasarboretum.org/autumn-at-the-arboretum/
Fort Worth Oktoberfest
Celebrate German and Bavarian culture during Fort Worth Oktoberfest, an ever-popular event named by Fort Worth Magazine as the Reader’s Choice Best Festival in 2023 and 2024.
The three-day Oktoberfest event — held September 26-28 at Trinity Park in Fort Worth — features live music, delicious German food and traditional brews, a 5k and fun run, and even a Dachshund Dash race for dog lovers. Grab tickets in advance to enjoy this festival.
https://fortworthoktoberfest.com/
Howell Family Farms
Travel to Arlington between Dallas and Fort Worth to spend time at Howell Family Farms, a historic site known for its dazzling Pumpkin Nights event.
From September 18 to October 31, Pumpkin Nights features elaborate, pumpkin-themed displays — best seen at night. Visitors can also enjoy bites and drinks onsite from local vendors, live performances, and more.
https://howellfamilyfarms.com/
Other Notable Fall Fun in the Region:
- River Legacy Fall Festival: https://riverlegacy.org/fall-festival
- McKinney Dia de los Muertos: https://www.mckinneydiadelosmuertos.com/
- Moxley Manor Haunted House: https://moxleymanor.com/
- Grapefest: https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/grapefest/
- Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/events/fright-fest-2024
